Josephine County Mining Regs

[Digger64]

Greetings all! I'm new to this Forum, but am already finding a lot of good information here. Been panning in Southern Oregon for more than 25 years, but recently bought a 2.5 inch dredge. I have an area I want to try it in, but the creek is on Josephine County lands. Can any of you tell me whether Jo.Co. allows mining on their lands? Have any of you done so? They apparently don't have specific regulations in place at this time regarding recreational mining, but I'm not sure.

Digger64

[kerbyjackson]

Welcome to OGH, Digger.

The last I was aware, Josephine County was in the process of developing a permit to allow mining on county owned lands. This was originally intended for people coming from outside the area, but what I suggested to Commisioner Cassanelli was that they develop not only a permit for visiting miners, but also one for those of us who are actually in this area and are likely to mine longer than a few weeks. As the county accepted the mineral co-ordination proposal of the South West Oregon Mining Association that would essentially insert the 1866 Grant into our County Charter (thereby becoming county law), we assume that the rules within said county permit will be written in the same spirit of the Grant.

At this time, I do not know where that process stands, but the last I knew it was being "worked on".

What I recommend is that you contact Commisioner Cassanelli and ask her if she can update you on the situation. You can tell her that I suggested you contact her.

Her details are here - http://www.co.josephine.or.us/Page.asp?NavID=1125

If you aren't sure on the gold presence in the creek you want to try, shoot me a mail. Mum's the word.

[Digger64]

Thank you for the info, Kerbyjackson. As it turns out, I had inquired of the County by e-mail and received a reply from their legal council late yesterday that repeated what you told me. Essentially they have no ordinances yet, but are working on it. I am happy to hear they seem to have a good relationship with you and the mining community. That is refreshing, considering what is happening at the state level. I am amazed at how convoluted the "system" has become. Given time and the constant efforts of all miners contacting their elected officials, and educating the public, I am confident reason will prevail. Best regards to you.

Digger64

[kerbyjackson]

I wouldn't say that the local mining community has a flawless relationship with county government, but we have some very sympathetic allies within local government. Of these, Commisioner Cassanelli is definitely our strongest supporter and Sandi has done a lot to assist us and has went above and beyond the highest expectations of a leader. It's very important to keep her in office and give her all the encouragement that we can.

There are also a number of people running for political office here who are are pro-mining, namely Art Robinson who is running against Peter Defazio and actually bothered to attend our last meeting at Pottsville. In addition to being a sharp guy with a lot of valid points and concerns, he is also a nice, ordinary guy.

http://www.artrobinsonforcongress.com/

Imagine that? Someone running for Congress who thinks it's actually important to attend a local miner's meeting? What's the world coming to when political candidates interact with salt of the earth types?

Of course there are also some people within government who seem to be trying their hardest to destroy local mining, but as you pointed out:

In the end, reason will prevail.