We now have supporters who are well known and connected in Washington, DC, and who state they will assist us in bypassing lower level staffers and getting us face-to-face meetings with Senators.

• EPA ends "sue and settle"
• Sage grouse mineral withdrawal cancelled

There are currently three controlling agencies or entities over suction dredging in California—and you can make that four if the state legislature decides to further muddy the waters with additional legislation to block suction gold dredging in the state.

• US District Court rules against Oregon miners
• Bill to halt sage grouse management plans introduced.