Open letter to the OGH membership

[weezy]

Due to recent changes in the requirements for maintaining ownership of claim(s) on public lands, I would like input from those OGH members who, as a group, want to acquire "abandoned" mining claims, inactive mining claims, patented claims, and working shares in a mining operation needing capitol to reopen, or expand their operation, particularly those patented claims that are reasonably accessible, when enough funds become available.
A bank or credit union account can be opened and trustees elected to accept voluntary contributions from those members so inclined, (+ user fees later on) to be used to acquire such claims that contain minerals, especially gold, platinum and silver, in sufficient quantities to warrant the purchase, or to purchase a percentage of active patented claims where contributing members could either perform clean up of ore crushers, trommels, conveyors, etc. when operations are shutdown for maintenance, or be granted access to work older tailings adjacent to these operations. Those claims that have proven reserves can be located within Oregon, as well as AZ, CA, ID, NV, UT, & WA.
A small percentage of the monies collected is to be donated to support the operation of the OGH website. The percentage to be determined by a vote of the paying participants.
The last time I was prospecting in the Riddle area, I saw several abandoned claims located along Cow Creek, and at other locations where I've been told the present or former owners are either now too old to do the required assessment work, and their relatives (in any) are not interested in keeping the claim active, or the claim has been abandoned.
So if you are a member of OGH who believes this idea has merit, and you are serious about participating in this venture, please post your thoughts, or PM me if you prefer. In keeping with the theme, I think this name is appropriate:
(The) OGH Claims Acquisition Group.
If possible, I would like to keep the contributions from the participants reasonable ( $60/individual/year and $100/immediate family/year? ) for those members wanting to join this group.

[miner89]

Sounds good to me! Keep us / me posted. The Fee schedule seems reasonable.

[LUCKE1]

I would be interested in some more info on this. Does this mean those paying the 60 a year would be part owner of a claim or claims, therefore having a right to prospect/mine on it ?

[kramer]

I think it is A great idea. so, how do we find these claims and the current status of them?
And...limited to counties/regions, or say, past production of said claims?
Hell of A plan!!

[alaska1956]

Sounds pretty interesting. Might be interested in helping out somehow. Keep me posted with the latest info!! Thanks

[mustangdan23]

Sounds like a interesting idea. I think it could work. Although after two weeks of researching and data mining I can honestly say there is not a open piece of ground on Cow Creek at least up until the West fork. I have not had the time lately to research from there to I5 and on.

[sand45]

That would be great... count me in!

[sand45]

That would be great... count me in!

[Digger64]

It sounds interesting to be part of a group that buys ownership in several claims with proven reserves, allowing any and all members to work the claims. The concept sounds a lot like the New 49'ers in CA, and maybe should be patterned after them. I would suspect the annual fee may need to be a little more than $60 to afford much in the way of buying claims, particularly productive ones, unless there are a very large number of members included. I would like to be kept up to date on the development of this idea.

Have you any specific properties already in mind?

[weezy]

I think the Title of Ownership of any claims we may acquire as a group would automatically revert to (the) OGH Claims Acquisition Group. Any member or the immediate family members in good standing (meaning: dues paid in full and other requirements as may be established by the membership hereafter to be known as "The Group") would be allowed access according to rules to be established by The Group.
Anything I have stated in my open letter are merely suggestions; and those OGH members willing to contribute and participate will have either 1 vote for an individual, or 2 votes per family. (Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, in laws, etc are NOT immediate family)

OGH has 3500+ members, so we can develop a good base of support, and there is a wealth of practical knowledge among our members, but the word needs to spread among the membership. I figure we need at least 200 members to join The Group to create a pool of money dedicated to claims acquisitions before any claims or shares of any active claim can be purchased.
Those members who have practical experience in administration, in professional mining (both placer and/or hard rock), or possess a thorough understanding of mining law, or any member willing to search county records for registered claims, subject to the approval of the other members of the group may have their annual dues refunded as compensation for services rendered.
What say you?