Well the people in charge of rules and regulations are temporary, and their minds can be changed as to the best use of PUBLIC LANDS. So it is good, I have seen restrictions here in the public parks and woods change from not being allowed to actual support for activities. It just happens that where you are at, the other interest have had more success for their cause. At least you still have hope as they haven't been closed to the public like private property is. I hope prospectors get better at getting their message to more people. threatning them will harden opposition, at hurt public perception
Yea the "best use" opinion can change. Especially when real science wins out.
I DO NOT nor have I ever had a problem with areas being declared off limits such as wilderness. BUT what I do have a problem with is areas being declared wilderness that do not now nor will they ever meet the qualifications for wilderness.
All to often this is ignored,
Reports. When locals are engaged and listened to, the results are quite often spectacular.
It may be public land, but what right does someone from New York City, who more than likely never visit the area, have to tell those that live there how they should be "managing" the area?
And using what was done a 100 years ago in the mining sector to scare people is disingenuous at best and down right criminal at worst.
As a miner, there are several thins that I agree with though. We should be held responsible to clean up our messes. And surprisingly enough it can be done if certain people are told to sit down and shut up, the adults in the room are taking over.
What you and everyone else need to understand is that due to all the lawsuits from the eco freaks, a once dirty industry has become one of the better success stories in the country. Yes mining can be environmentally friendly with proper reclamation and this is scaring a lot of people.
Reclamation Stories - Metals | Minerals Education Coalition For all the eco freaks to read and weep over.
