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�c <br /> November 2, 2016 RECEIVED <br /> Mr.Tim Cazier �OV 15 2016 <br /> Bureau of Reclamation <br /> 1131 Sherman St. Room 215 W&ON OF RECLAMATION <br /> Denver,CO 80203 C MINING ANDWM <br /> Dear Mr.Cazier, <br /> Thank you for having T.C.Waite call to help us with understanding and complying with the Bureau of <br /> Reclamation regulations for claimants of mines(assigned permit ID numberslP01-2016-062 and M2016- <br /> 0643)on BLM and National Forest Service lands in Colorado. She answered some of our questions and <br /> she recommended that I write to you for further advice. So I will explain our current situation,events <br /> leading up to it, and our goals with respect to rockhounding and/or mining in Colorado. We hope that <br /> you will be able to answer more of our questions and recommend an appropriate and affordable course <br /> of action that will allow us to continue enjoying this amazing hobby in Colorado. <br /> Our Introduction to Rockhounding in Colorado. In 2006, Procter&Gamble Pharmaceuticals closed <br /> their prescription new drug discovery research program, putting my husband, Richard,and about 300 <br /> other people in his division out of a job. Richard and I downsized and moved to Divide, CO where he <br /> could pursue his interests in fishing and hunting and I could enjoy mountains and outdoor activities. A <br /> few years later,we discovered what a wonderful area we are in for rockhounding,and since 2010,we <br /> have become active members of the Lake George Gem and Mineral Club and two other clubs. We have <br /> enjoyed the people,the educational opportunities and the rock collecting activities that the gem clubs <br /> provide. In the course of our rockhounding activities,we have become well acquainted with many of <br /> the miners who were featured on the Prospectors show,and Richard has even appeared on the show <br /> assisting Rich Fretterd and Jean Cowman at both their Ace in the Hole claim near Lake George and at <br /> their Agnus Dei mine on Pikes Peak. In addition,three years ago Jean and I took a beginning class in <br /> gemstone faceting together, and I found that I really enjoyed faceting. As a result, I began faceting our <br /> own stones and Richard and I registered a business called Alpine Rock& Rustic, LLC offering faceting <br /> services to others in our area. We also volunteer to help the Dorris family at their Topaz Mountain <br /> mining claim,and they often recommend me to people who find facetable topaz there. At a customer's <br /> request, I expanded the services I offer to include lapidary work and silversmithing while Richard does <br /> some of rock slabbing and cleaning. I also make some jewelry from many of the stones we have <br /> purchased at rock shops,gem shows and from fee dig mines. (I do not mind the fact that I cannot sell <br /> jewelry made from stones collected from non-commercial sites on public lands. I have plenty of other <br /> rough that I can use for making jewelry.) The small amount of income that we earn from this business <br /> offsets part of our expenses for our rock and gem related hobbies. <br /> Our Mining Claims. As you know,the popularity of the Prospectors TV show caused an enormous <br /> increase in the number of rockhounders and miners in our area. Many more mining claims were filed <br /> with the BLM,especially in the Crystal Peak Mining District and the Mt.Antero area. We were <br /> concerned that we(and other rockhounders)would be locked out of these areas by mining claims,so to <br /> ensure that we would be able to continue rock collecting in area near our home,we purchased a mining <br /> claim(Options Lode)in 2011,and later learned how to file claims with the BLM ourselves. <br />