PLP and Mining Districts

PLP Update

December 2021 by Scott

Public Lands for the People (PLP) continues to refine its reclamation dredging program, which was started in California earlier this year.

The group is working on getting the US Forest Service in California to bless the PLP guide on suction dredge reclamation so they have indisputable federal preemption going forward in 2022, according to PLP researcher Clark Pearson.

PLP is also concluding its funding and review of a scientific study which names the suction dredge as the preeminent tool for reclaiming American waterways to counter atmospheric mercury impacts coming from China.

Additionally, PLP has developed a working group to overcome Oregon’s draconian dredging rules at the DEQ and, as long as more Oregon members join and support PLP, the non-profit group is willing to shift some of its resources to help Oregon miners overcome these obstacles. Several groups in Oregon have already signed on to offer their support.

Some have asked how the trips to Washington, DC, to support small miners have been going. These trips have been shut down due to COVID-19 and due to the current makeup of the House and Senate. We hope to restart these trips soon, pending the results of the 2022 mid-term elections.