The Elk Mountain pilot., 1909-02-25
The FOREST SERVICE AND
The MINING INDUSTRY

United states forest service, to PreSi-
dent ]. H. Richards OF the American
Mining Congress relative to complaints
with regard to mining claims on the
forests is self-explanatory, and
will be read with considerable interest
by prospectors and mine operators
the country:
United States Department of Agricul-
ture, Forest Service, Washington,
Oct. 10, 1908.
Hon. J. H. Richards, President Amerf-
can Mining Congress, Boise. Idaho.
My Dear Judge Richards:-A variety
OF complaints have reached me in the
last two months with regard to mining
claims on national forests.
AS fast as it was possible to do so
the forest service has been investigat-
ing the individual causes OF dissatis-
faction. but the volume of complaint
has not yet been arrested. While In
vestigation discloses exceedingly few
specific cases in which injustice of any
kind has been done. 1t is nevertheless
evident that large number OF mining
men are persuaded that thefe is injus-
tice in fact, and that undue hardships
have been imposed upon men engaged
In prospecting and developing mines.
More than rs per cent. of the claims
examined during the past year were
reported favorably. and we have en-
deavored to carry out the law and our
orders intelligently and fairly. But
doubtless improvement can be made II
the mining men will help. The forest
service is anxious for justifiable COM
plant. 1t desires the cooperation and
friendship of the mining men. not their
opposition. and 1t is anxious to assist
in every legitimate way in the develop
ment OF the mining industry.
Accordingly. l write to ask whether
the American Mining Congress,
through you as Its president, or by the
action OF the executive committee. will
appoint in the immediate future a CON-
mittee OF three or five representatives,
as you may deem best. to cooperate
with the forest service In an effort to
reach a mutual agreement. both as to
the rules which should govern the for.
est service. under the law In dealing
with mineral questions on national for
ests, and as to the definition and inter
probation of these rules. so that there
shall be no misunderstanding whatever
as to what is Just and right for both
parties in the premises.
Very sincerely yours.
(Signed) CLIFFORD PINCHOT.
Forester.
In compliance with the request CON
tanned in the letter quoted. President
Richards. through the executive com.
mittee OF the American Mining Con.
gress. appointed n committee which Is
known as the forest reserve committee.
composed OF a. G. Brownlee. Hon. T.. A.
Colburn. w. F. II. Mills. William p.
Daniel and George ]. Bancroft of Den
yer. Colo.
This committee has met several
times In connection with the work In
hand. 1t is now engaged in compila-
ton of the mining laws. and studying
the regulations and instructions OF the
United States Department OF Agricul-
ture for the use OF the national forests.
At this time the committee recog-
nizes the necessity OF securing full and
complete statements OF facts in spe-
cific cases where the regulations or
the spirit OF their enforcement by the
forest service are alleged to have
worked undue hardships or injustice
upon men engaged in discovering, de-
veloping or operating mines. To this
end. 1t invites the presentation I'm
MO- II -tu
wherein It may be shown that the reg
ulations, rulings or instructions OF the
forest service has in any way inter
fered with the prosecution OF legiti-
mate prospecting mining or the reduc-
ton of ore.
Specific cases involving the use OF
timber. the mineralized character OF
claims located. rights of way over ma
,ional forests for all mining purposes.
together with the use OF storage Of
waters for power purposes or domestic
use in connection with the mining op-
erations OF isolated claims, groups Of
claims. or affecting the economic prob
lem of improved service throughout
mining districts or territories will be
by the committee upon a
of facts in the premises
All such statements should be ad-
dressed to the forest reserve commit
tee, American Mining Congress, 1910 |
Court place, Denver. Colo. They will |
be regarded as strictly confidential by |
he committee II SO desired by the per-
sons sending them.
The committee expects to attend the |
eleventh annual session of the Ameri.
,an Mining Congress, to be held at |
Pa, December End, 3rd. 4th
md 5th. 1908. at which place Mr.. Pin
hot has promised to send some OF the
most liberal and most qualified men
'f the forest service to confer with IT,
n order that better understanding
the mining interests and the I
l.