FS to amend 36 CFR 228.5 regs Options

[plp.001]

#77089, "WARNING -- FOREST SERVICE TO AMEND 228 MINING REGS"


HEADSUP!

Mike Doran, Minerals & Geology teamleader for the Forest Service announced today (Dec. 4) at the NWMA convention that the FS will publish a Notice in the Federal Register, sometime this month, giving notice that the FS proposes to amend the 36 CFR 228 mining regulations.

Word is that this will be a MAJOR REVISION, amending the FS regs to more closely match the new BLM 43 CFR 3809 regs! (And I suppose amending 228.7(b) so that they can issue criminal citations under 261 regs.)

About the only thing we were told about the proposed amendments is that they will create a new level of approval: BONDED NOTICE.
This supposedly will be for activities that don't quite require a full-blown Plan of Operations, but a bond is needed to guaranttee reclamation.

There will be a 60 day comment period. I asked about public meetings and was told none were planned as yet, and that it would depend on the comments they recieve. I take this to mean that if the mining community wants public meetings, they will have to formally request them as soon as the Fed. Reg. Notice is published.

Sleepless in Spokane...
Tom Kitchar
Waldo Mining District

[CP]

Very True Russ!
Everyone still has time to send in their comments if they haven't done so already.

DATES: Comments must be received in writing on or before February 8, 2008 to be assured of consideration. Comments received after that date will be considered to the extent practicable