Oregon Gold Miner Faces Possible Arrest On Sunday

I've mentioned the Southwest Oregon Mining Association (SWOMA) before in connection with the subject of mining districts.  I have just learned from the SWOMA website that an Oregon gold miner, David Everist, has been involved in a legal battle with the USFS since 2009 regarding his occupancy of his placer mining claim.  (You may read the full story here:  USFS Terror.)

According to a Global Announcement In Support Of Miner Dave at the American Mining Law Forum, Everist is facing a possible confrontation with USFS personnel this Sunday, February 19. According to the SWOMA article, on February 9 District Ranger Donna Mickley sent FS employees to Everist's clain who served him with a "cease and desist" order and informed him that if he did not leave his claim by February 19 that he would be arrested and that his possessions on the claim would be either sold or destroyed.  Everist has requested that miners and non-miners alike come to his claim with video cameras on the 19th to document any confrontation.

In response to Everist's request, the American Mining Law Forum announcement reports that the Jefferson Mining District is organizing the gathering at the claim.  (See the "Global Announcement" linked above for details.)  Jefferson Mining District Chairman Kerby Jackson is expecting Josephine County Sheriff Gilbertson, among others, to be present also.

Although this event is taking place in Oregon, the USFS also operates in Washington and what they do "down south" they may decide to do "up north" as well.

More on this story as it develops.