2013-07-16_INSPECTION - M2013040 (2)

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PERMIT #: M- 2013 -040 INSPECTOR'S INITIALS: TCW INSPECTION DATE: July 10, 2013 OBSERVATIONS This inspection occurred to evaluate unpermitted activity at the Ace in the Hole and Godsend Claims in Teller County. Present with me during the inspection were Ms. Marcia Rose - Ritchie (USFS) and Mr. Tom Kaldenbach (DRMS). Mr. Rich Fretterd was present representing the operator during the inspection. The mine site is located within the Hayman Burn area on moderate to steep slopes in two areas. The Godsend claim is in the east - central portion of Section 11 and the Ace in the Hole claim is in the northeast corner of Section 11, partially overlapping the Richard Cowman claim. Portions of both sites were severely burned in 2002. The soil is largely weathered bedrock (grus) with thin topsoil. Mr. Fretterd was cooperative and expressed his interest in compliance and reclaiming his sites. Both claims were in excellent shape with many of the prospect holes filled and regraded and several revegetated. The Godsend claim did not have open holes, but several areas had been recently filled. The largest disturbance on Godsend is in the southeast corner, north of the drainage. Most of this disturbance is quite old, with large trees growing in them. The area where Mr. Fretterd had been working has been recently filled. Mr. Fretterd pointed out an area on north side of Godsend that he would like to eventually mine at some point. There were two open holes on the Ace in the Hole claim, about 4x6 and 6x6 and an outcrop area that he would like to eventually mine. Several areas have been reclaimed. These areas look very good and are in various states of revegetation. No active erosion was observed in either claim. In general, the claims are in good condition. RECOMMENDATIONS: A Reason to Believe (RTB) letter was sent regarding the activity on these claims on July 3, 2013. Given the observations from the inspection, a reclamation permit is required for these claims. Given the cooperativeness of Mr. Fretterd and the good condition of the claims observed, the recommendation is to withdraw the RTB from the Board Hearing if a complete permit application is received by DRMS before August 9, 2013. This inspection was only for the two claims in Teller County. It is our understanding that Mr. Fretterd has additional claims in Park County. These claims would need similar permitting if they are being actively prospected or mined as defined by 34 -32- 103(8) and 34 -32- 103(12). Reclamation Success: Mr. Fretterd has filled and regraded most of his working areas. The older areas are regrowing nicely with few weeds and look to be in good condition. Page 2 of 8