Unfortunately the PLP and the other recreational mining groups have been pursuing several uninformed legal theories for years and wasting huge amounts of money and support while consistently losing their cases in the courts and on appeal. If anything these recreational groups have created confusion and distress among small miners rather than helping them get back to mining. There is considerable embarrassment now among professional miners about these clumsy efforts and their negative effects on the public perception of mining. Although professional mining companies could have been a big help in knocking down these ridiculous anti-dredging laws they have been ignored by the recreational mining groups. Many mining companies were eager to help in the beginning. After the many failed legal challenges by these recreational groups no professional miners want anything to do with them. The opportunity for their support has been lost. [/QUOTE said:
