UPDATE : TICKET SALES ARE NOW CLOSED. FINAL DRAWING IS ON Friday, 2nd June, 2017 at the Galice and Waldo Mining District Monthly Meeting in Grants Pass
{CLICK HERE to go to the PRIZE DRAWINGS PAGE}
The Western Culture Conservancy was born out of a need to protect the rich cultural heritage and livelihood of rural Oregon and the west. We feel that our cultural heritage of mining, logging, and agriculture are an integral part of our economy, lifestyle and values.
Our goal is to provide a funding venue for the legal defense and protection of our cultural rights. As a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit organization, donations to the Western Culture Conservancy are tax deductible, and we can benefit from the Equal Access to Justice Act just like the extremist green organizations that are attacking and destroying our most American way of life.
In 2013, Sen. Alan Bates (Medford) and the State of Oregon enacted Senate Bill 838. Among other things, SB 838 created a total ban (Moratorium) on the use of “all motorized placer mining equipment” within any stream designated as Essential Salmon Habitat (ESH), or habitat for Bull Trout or eels; for five years starting January 2, 2016. In response to this totally absurd travesty of justice, the Waldo & Galice Mining Districts have retained attorney James Buchal to file suit in Federal Court (Medford) to stop SB 838 and the Moratorium.
This case is important to all miners, not just the ones in Oregon. If we fall by the wayside on this ruling it will be coming to a state near you!
On March 25, 2016, Magistrate Judge Clarke ruled against the miners, stating that a ban on all motorized equipment was not a prohibition on mining and upheld SB 838. The mining community is appealing the federal magistrate’s decision to uphold the dredge and motorized mining ban in the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.
To date, the miners and the Western Culture Conservancy have raised and spent thousands of dollars fighting against SB 838 and for the rights of all Americans granted under the 1872 Mining Law; but thousands more will be needed to bring this to a successful end.
To help raise these funds, the Western Culture Conservancy - a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit organization - is going to hold a raffle (to be announced soon) for the 9th Circuit appeal.
We are actively seeking donations of money or merchandise to be used in this raffle. The money raised will be used for the legal defense fund. All donations of merchandise and money are tax deductible.
Thank you for your consideration.
Rick Barclay
President, The Western Culture Conservancy
