Claim folders - whats in it?

[fowledup]

Lots of new claims and claim talk going on and it got me thinking. You often hear folks say "that's one for the file" after a particularly good post or bit of information, so other then the claim documents, maps, and such what references, resources, copies of laws do you feel is an absolute necessity in the file or claimbox (thanks GI) you keep with you while out working your claim,

 

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[goldenIrishman]

Folder? I keep so much on hand that I ended up having to get one of those plastic portable file boxes that holds the hanging folders! That allows me to have everything arranged in groups so it's easier to find when needed. Since it's out in the truck and it's about midnight here I'll just give ya the basic groups for now and will post more detailed info for you later. Depending on where you're working you're going to want: the following folders:
USFS regs that deal with mining if working in National Forest.
COPIES of your claim paperwork. Never take the originals out to the field! Keep those safe at home.
Copies of the federal mining laws
Emergency contact information for you and your neighboring miners.

If you want I've got copies of a lot of the stuff I can e-mail ya Fowled. Just PM me an address

 

[calnatv]

Location notice, map of claim and claim signs. I bring these with me for no other reason then to replace the ones that get stolen and vandalized.

 

[fowledup]

Thanks GI, just throwing this out for general discussion, and to give everyone something reference when making theirs up.
Good points and ideas-
- on having neighbors contact info as well.
-file box
-replacement claim signs
-extra topo map
-copy of partnership agreement if applicable

 

[Bejay]

REGARDING ANY AUTHORITATIVE CHALLENGE OF YOUR MINING ACTIVITY

My briefcase weighs about 50 lbs. But I tend to not carry it down to the workings. My computer has endless files of relevant docs...but I tend to not take it to my workings. Knowledge is a great tool. But there is so much info it is hard to frame an argument out in the field.

But always ask. "By what authority". Ask what CFR....US Code......or aspect of law confronts you by any agent coming to challenge you. Get the name and position of the person you are dealing with. The date... and other info is relevant. Such as: "what is the penalty for my failure to comply?"

You can always go home and put your argument in writing and get it to the right people. I prefer to frame my position and re-state theirs in writing. It forms a record! You can even appease the challenger and let them leave. I doubt if they are going to escort you away. Unless maybe an LEO (pine cone cop) or Sheriff.

Bejay

 

[fowledup]

Bejay- That sounds like the PLP wallet card I keep on my dash for just such an occasion. Fill in the blanks instead of relying on memory filing which most of us are terrible at.

-Pencils, Pens, sharpie
-couple of nails (for signs)
-disposable camera
-50' string (takes no room, used for measuring if need be
-surveyors tape
-duct tape (wrap around pencil) never know when you need to tape a nasty gram to some ones rig.
-notebook

 

[Bejay]

Bejay- That sounds like the PLP wallet card I keep on my dash for just such an occasion. Fill in the blanks instead of relying on memory filing which most of us are terrible at.

Sounds good. I started my hard files and briefcase docs about 35 years ago. Then moved into the computer world and have endless stuff. Either way a miner needs to be able to address a challenge. My ending comment will usually be: "I know you are in error, and I will respect that you might not be completely informed; as it can be difficult understanding such mining issues". Then I might even ask the question: "So where are we going with all this right now?........are you calling the sheriff, your LEO, or are you just going to report this incident?"

I always like to know "where are we at?" "what is the penalty for failure to comply?" Threats are relevant, but knowing how they will proceed is often beneficial as well. Sometimes thinking off the cuff is not easy so I agree the PLP wallet card is very nice. Such notes can really help us "old farts"...."hey honey!...where did I put my briefcase?"....."do you have a pen or pencil?" And then I get: "why would I be messing with your stuff?"....with no HONEY involved!

Bejay

 

[goldenIrishman]

Yeah, the file box keeps everything so you can access it easily as well as keeping it from getting messed up. If you don't happen to have a lot of room for a file box, one of those accordion folders with the pockets will also work well. That's what I started off with but I outgrew it pretty quickly.

Unless you're the only one working an area, having the contact info for the neighboring claims is a must have in my mind. By getting to know your neighbors and offering to keep an eye one their claim you can have better security for everyone. I try to get the neighbors to agree that if they're going to allow others to work their claim that they give them a letter saying so. If you find someone working their claim with out that letter, you can call your mining neighbor right away. I also get the make, model and license number of whatever they're driving. This works well unless the neighbor lives in another state.

 

[goldenIrishman]

Yeah, the file box keeps everything so you can access it easily as well as keeping it from getting messed up. If you don't happen to have a lot of room for a file box, one of those accordion folders with the pockets will also work well. That's what I started off with but I outgrew it pretty quickly.

Unless you're the only one working an area, having the contact info for the neighboring claims is a must have in my mind. By getting to know your neighbors and offering to keep an eye one their claim you can have better security for everyone. I try to get the neighbors to agree that if they're going to allow others to work their claim that they give them a letter saying so. If you find someone working their claim with out that letter, you can call your mining neighbor right away. I also get the make, model and license number of whatever they're driving. This works well unless the neighbor lives in another state.