Welcome to the Resources Coalition Homepage
Mission Statement
The purposes and nature for which this corporation, a nonprofit charitable organization, is formed are:
- For the education and defense of human and civil rights secured by law as relates to the right of the public to use public lands as they relate to Small Scale Mineral Prospecting and Mining.
- Resources Coalition is a corporation that shall at all times be consistent with Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
Our mission is to bring about a consensus on the usage of public land through education and respect for private property without endangering the basic freedoms of our country. We have the right to "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" as part of our heritage and access to a variety of usages on private and public lands is part of this right.
Who are we, and where are we about?
- First and foremost, we are about education!
- Resources Coalition came out of the small scale mining community and our goal is a balanced approach to use of our natural resources.
- We strive to protect our rights, those that made our country great.
Use this link to Subscribe to our "Action Alerts" and "Newsletter" email list: Link to Subscribe
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Small Scale Mineral Prospecting and Mining on Washingtons Beaches: On August 11, 2011, the Washington Parks and Recreation Commission adopted rules that will allow prospecting and mining on Washington Beaches, refered to as the Seashore Conservation Area. The rules, which you can view by clicking this link, went into effect on October 9, 2011. Before you can work the beaches, you must first obtain an individual Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA) as WDFW has regulatory authority for the area below the ordinary high water line. Elimination for the need for an HPA will require either a change to Statute RCW 77.55 or to agency rules WAC 220-110-200 thru 206.
NEW
New videos posted in the video section
4 New videos added March 2012. Miners Minute with Mark Erickson and James Buchal on miners issues in WA, OR and CA. including the Blacklund case.
Application for Ocean Beach Mineral Prospecting - HPA
The WDFW has provided this streamlined application for use by anyone applying for approval from Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) to prospect on Washington's coastal ocean beaches. Please submit using the following options:
Print the form, complete it by hand, and mail, FAX, or hand deliver to WDFW's Olympia office
Complete the digital form on their computer, print it, sign it, and mail, FAX, or hand deliver to WDFW's Olympia office
Complete the digital form on their computer, print it, sign it, digitally scan the completed form, and email it to hpaapplications@dfw.wa.gov
A JARPA is no longer required but may still be used.
2012 Miners Rally:
The 2012 Miners Rally is August 24-26, 2012. Information is available at this link: 2012 Miners Rally flyer
2011 Miners Rally: The 2011 Miners Rally appears to have been a partial success.
The event was attended by at least 400 people. It is a real pity that not a single elected official or agency showed up for the Friday Hands on demonstrations.
It is hard to fathom how they can regulate an activity to which they have no idea what it encompasses or how it is done.
A great thank you goes out to Senator Mike Carroll for his interaction and open discussion on Saturday.
See photos of the Raffle Winners at the 2011 Rally here: Link to photos.
Current Washington State Actions
Concerning small-scale ocean beach prospecting and mining (SB 6132)Modifying programs that provide for the protection of the state's natural resources (SB 6406)
Designating the Mountains to Sound Greenway as a National Heritage Area (150 mile swath from Puget Sound to Ellensburg (and eventually beyond) designated as a National Heritage area)
Hydraulic Project Approval Habitat Conservation Plan (Hydraulic Code Rule Making)
Charging an application fee for hydraulic project permits (SB 6011/HB 2135)
Regarding sediment removal by citizen volunteers (SB 6006)
Permitting recreation rock collecting, subject to certain restrictions (SB 6057)
Current Federal Actions
U. S. Forest Service Planning Rule RevisionU.S. Forest Service Seeks Nominations for a Planning Rule FACA Committee
Colville and Okanogan-Wenatchee Forest Plan Revision
Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Motorized Travel Management Plan
Okanogan-Wenatchee Schedule of Proposed Actions for January, February and March 2012
So, you want to work beyond the limitations of the Gold and Fish Pamphlet?
In order to conduct mineral prospecting projects that are not covered in the Gold and Fish Pamphlet, or to work outside the prescribed dates contained in the Gold & Fish Pamphlet, the WDFW requires you to file a Joint Aquatic Resources Permit Application (JARPA), and wait until they make a decision to issue you an Individual Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA). The WDFW has up to 45 days to make this decision, so it is wise to apply for an HPA well in advance of when you expect that you will actually want to perform your mineral prospecting projects, just in case there is a denial or postponement of decision for whatever reason!
Resources Coalition has links on the Menu Buttons above under "Legal Resources", one to the WDFW's website that links to "Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA) Information",
and one to the "One-Stop JARPA Resource Center" from the The Governor’s Office of Regulatory Assistance (ORA).
These resources provide information regarding the JARPA and HPA, however, Resources Coalition recommends that those who seek an Individual HPA
review the JARPA Instructions and complete your JARPA using the recommended verbiage provided here through these links: JARPA Instructions and Recommended Verbiage
Use this link to go to the E-Permitting website to download a JARPA form: Joint Aquatic Resources Permit Application (JARPA) Form
BE SURE TO SAVE A COPY FOR YOUR RECORDS!
In the event that the WDFW denies or places unacceptable conditions on your HPA, you have the opportunity to appeal that decision within 30 days of the decision. There are 2 ways to appeal. the first is an "Informal Appeal" to WDFW and the other is a hearing before the Pollution Control Hearings Board. To make this easy for you, Resources Coalition has created a form that you can print, fill out and send to the appropriate agency to begin your Appeal process. Use this link to download: Appeal Request
Also, you should make a copy this completed Appeal Request Form to keep for your records, and please mail an additional completed copy to:
Resources Coalition
Attn: HPA APPEALS
PO BOX 2131
Sumner, WA 98390
The Right to Know works both ways!
When an officer stops anyone for possible violation, one has the right to understand what he or she is not in compliance with. On the same token as individual we have the right for attorney before giving any statement concerning any action you may have been involved in. When confronted by a officer who appears to have intent of writing a citation one must question the grounds of their knowledge without admitting any wrong doing. By asking what law are you citing? What is your badge number? Are you sure of the code in regards of your observation or understanding? The fish & gold book is full of information which is less then clear, do not say I was doing this just ask where and how was I violating the law?
Download and print out this Public Servant Questionaire Form, it is Public Law and you have the Right to use it!
Public Servant Questionaire
Harassment can be an issue, yet when an officer questions your operation be polite yet firm on understanding what it is that he finds offensive or in violation. We at Resources want to know of any questioning especially if the officer is threatening and did not right a citation. Now if you are in the wrong, one can expect the citation, yet one must always be aware that the officer may not have the correct understanding of law he or she feels is in question.
