Recent BLM Mailing to Claimants Options

[swizz]

I noticed a fat envelope in my mailbox from the BLM/DOI. I immediately thought "oh boy... what now??" I figured it couldn't be too serious since it was not sent Certified Mail.
To my surprise, the the first thing I saw when I opened it was "Thank You...".
Basically a copy of my Mining Claim Filing, the new Maintenance Fee Waiver Certification (Form 3830-2), and Affidavit of Annual Assessment Work (Draft Form) - "not officially approved... but preferred" ???????

Thought I'd run these forms by the pros to see if anything significant has changed or if there's anything fishy, don't want to get unwittingly suckered into anything - "not officially approved... but preferred" kinda raises a small red flag for me. Here are some pics of the mailing. I blotched out my personal and specific claim info. Any other claim owners get this yet? Perhaps just me, since I filed this claim in 2010 and it's standard op procedure?
Thanks.

[CP]

Yep Astrobleme I agree and thanks for posting that up.
Even though you might qualify for the waiver, it would be in your best interest as a claim onwer to not use it. Pay the fee, keep your proprietary info private and also keep your claim in a "decided" status rather than "open" (may not be termed properly) until the BLM verifys the work, if that would ever happen.

CP

[swizz]

Yep Astrobleme I agree and thanks for posting that up.
Even though you might qualify for the waiver, it would be in your best interest as a claim onwer to not use it. Pay the fee, keep your proprietary info private and also keep your claim in a "decided" status rather than "open" (may not be termed properly) until the BLM verifys the work, if that would ever happen.

CP

Thanks Johnny & Dan for taking the time to look and helping me muddle through this.
It can be a challenge to decipher legal-speak and I appreciate any help, especially from the experienced group here.
If I get this right... I should disregard the 'Maintenance Fee Waiver Certification' form and instead, complete the 'Affidavit Of Assessment' form (submit by Sept 1).
Is this correct?

[leonard]

Thanks Johnny & Dan for taking the time to look and helping me muddle through this.
It can be a challenge to decipher legal-speak and I appreciate any help, especially from the experienced group here.
If I get this right... I should disregard the 'Maintenance Fee Waiver Certification' form and instead, complete the 'Affidavit Of Assessment' form (submit by Sept 1).
Is this correct?

I've always used the Small Miner exemption. Probably about at least 10 years. They have never followed up on it. I'll continue to use it. If they want a more detailed description of my improvements, they'll have to ask for it. I've never detailed the work I do. I just certify that I have done it.

Leonard