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lindajft
Nov 26, 2007, 11:23 PM
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wow, how do you do the link? oh, never mind I just realized.
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scotchie
Nov 27, 2007, 12:24 AM
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For the benefit of others, the key post (from Fred AmRhein) that I felt answered the question was:
In reply to: A hearing was held today on HR 3301, the bill that will privatize Oak Flat and around 3,000 other acres around it for use in Resolution Copper Company's mining efforts. Looks like the Forest Service thinks the funding provided for a new campground is insufficient and that the valuations for the FS lands are too low. Also, the BLM says it doesn't have the resources for a climbing park. According to the President of RCC, the state has said in a "study" it did a few years ago that there will be 150,000 visitors to a climbing park and that it will be economically viable. (150,000 people per year down a dirt road bulldozed by RCC's contractor?) Wonder who did that study and what the assumptions were and whether it really is valid? But, of course, whether the state moves forward is its decision, not RCC's, says the Executive. So . . . BLM hasn't the funds, the state hasn't the funds, and RCC passed on the opportunity to step up and pay for things when directly asked about the issue as Governor Napolitano addressed in her letter ($8 million according to Congressman Grijalva) And now the state is headed toward an $800 million shortfall for next year, (Az Rep, 11/1 article) and it is perhaps worsening. Not anything we didn't already know, but nice to see that others are starting to catch on. On another note, legal driving directions have been posted on Mountain Project. The only guide to the route development that has been done was written by RCC and is no longer posted on their website.
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traddad
Feb 22, 2008, 4:16 PM
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Renzi just got indicted.
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lindajft
Feb 22, 2008, 5:53 PM
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[http://thinkprogress.org/2008/02/22/renzi-indicted/] hmmm.....
(This post was edited by lindajft on Feb 22, 2008, 5:55 PM)
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thrasher1
Feb 22, 2008, 11:22 PM
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http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/02/22/renzi.indictment/index.html not sure if this is the same "deal", but I think it was...
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gandolf
Mar 1, 2008, 7:40 AM
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According to this linked article Renzi was trying to make money off of public land swaps (not just with Resolution copper). I will add that, according to the article, Resolution Copper refused to deal with Renzi. http://www.beyonddelay.org/node/94
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gandolf
Mar 17, 2008, 7:06 PM
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There is a new group, the Queen Creek Coalition, that has been formed to represent climbers in the fight for Queen Creek. There is meeting next week (Monday March 24th) in Phoenix. Please see the following webpage for details: http://www.queencreekcoalition.com/
(This post was edited by gandolf on Mar 17, 2008, 7:07 PM)
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curt
Jul 21, 2008, 8:34 PM
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An interesting assessment, to say the least...
In reply to: Mine land deal, delayed by Renzi scandal, resume Jerry Kammer - Jul. 19, 2008 12:00 AM Republic Washington Bureau WASHINGTON - Resolution Copper Mining Co. has hired two Phoenix-based lobbying firms to boost its efforts to win support in Arizona and persuade Congress to pass land-exchange legislation essential to its plan to mine a massive copper find deep underground near Superior. The approach appears to be working. The company has received good reviews for its alliance-building efforts with local communities and state agencies, and the land-swap deal appears to be back on track in Washington more than a year after it was sidelined by the corruption probe of Rep. Rick Renzi, R-Ariz. "They've been very active in the community, very open about having meetings about the project," Superior Mayor Michael Hing said. Last week, a Senate panel held a hearing on land-exchange legislation introduced by Sen. Jon Kyl and backed by most of the state's political leadership. "With this land exchange we can preserve lands that advance the important public objectives of protecting wildlife habitat, cultural resources, the watershed and aesthetic values, while generating economic, recreation and employment opportunities for state and local residents, " Kyl, an Arizona Republican, said at the hearing. Phoenix-based lobbyist and public-relations man Gordon C. James, who has close ties to the Bush administration, has been key to moving the land swap. He is part of a growing breed who work on political campaigns, then lobby officials they help to elect. He worked on both the 2000 and 2004 Bush presidential campaigns, mostly helping prepare and stage rallies and events. The Bush campaign paid James $59,000, while the Republican National Committee paid him $402,000 during the 2004 campaign. James' wife, Lisa, was the executive director in Arizona for the Bush-Cheney 2004 campaign. "Gordon James is our link to the Bush administration," Resolution Copper President David Salisbury said. "It's important to have those connections." Last year, Resolution Copper, a joint venture of London-based Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton of Australia, paid $123,000 to the James firm, according to lobbying disclosure records. The company's lobbying campaign is trying to reverse delays related to Renzi. Renzi, whose district includes Superior, was indicted in February on charges he attempted to manipulate a land exchange to benefit a former business partner who owed him $700,000. The indictment also accuses Renzi, who has denied wrongdoing and whose trial is set for March in Tucson, of offering to help Resolution Copper if it purchased property owned by the former partner, who is also under indictment. But the company backed off, and federal investigators moved in. Their probe cast a pall over the proposal to trade federal land at the copper mine site for other parcels assembled by the company. Congressional interest in the authorizing legislation cooled. Kyl, who supports the legislation, also has ties to the James firm. Lisa James was director of coalitions in Kyl's 2006 campaign for re-election. At the Senate hearing, the Bush administration also gave the proposal a thumbs-up. Its support came via testimony from officials at the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. For help at the state level, Resolution Copper has paid about $220,000 since 2004 to Policy Development Group, another Phoenix-based lobbying firm. Established by Ron Ober, a longtime aide to former Sen. Dennis DeConcini, the firm is a fixture in Arizona politics. The firm's Web site boasts that Ober "has served as a key adviser and strategist to several national, state and local elected and appointed government officials, including Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano." Ober said his firm's greatest value to the Resolution Copper has been in developing links at the local, county and state level. "They're a new company in Arizona, not like Dial or SRP," said Ober, explaining the company's need for home-grown eyes and ears. Curt
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elwood54
Apr 13, 2009, 2:43 PM
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article in todays Wall St. Journal. The title is "Recession Erodes Resistance to Copper Mine". Here's a link: http://online.wsj.com/...odays_us_marketplace I'm not sure if you guys will be able to see it...I think its free for a week or something. Hopefully this will inspire some increased resistance...
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lindajft
Apr 13, 2009, 3:20 PM
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can you copy & paste the full article... I could only read the first paragraph and it wants money thanks! Linda
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pheenixx
Jun 11, 2009, 9:29 PM
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Climbers, here we go again.. The current *new* and (not necessarily) improved version of the Land Exchange has been introduced into both the House & Senate. The Senate version S.409 - http://thomas.loc.gov/...1:./temp/~c111kVHIrh has been referred and wil be heard before the Energy and Natural Resources Committee next Wednesday, June 17th..!! A local group has posted a response at http://www.queencreekcoalition.com/...cc_letter_may09.html quoted in part as follows: ..."the qcc states that it cannot endorse legislation that is going to destroy the surface of Oak Flat by the mining company and that any compensation outside of the legislation that might be forthcoming should not require such an endorsement. A big difference between the new and old legislation for climbers is that Tamo (the "State climbing park") was removed due to a deadlock between the State and the mining company (Resolution). In its place, The Pond climbing area parcel will be turned over to the public and several other areas are targeted for eventual development/improvement for access to climbing. Money is designated for infrastructure such as roads, trails, etc., at the Pond, Inconceivables, and chill hill (the latter 2 areas are just South of Superior on the west side of the highway-long hikes/rough roads at this time). Also, Apache Leap is set aside and left in the public's hands, though better legal/perpetual public access to it is not provided for in the legislation. Any one with any concerns or thoughts is encouraged to voice them in writing to your congressman/woman, the appropriate subcommittee..." --.--.--.--.--.--.--.--.--.--.--.--.--.--.--.--.--.-- .--.--.--.--.--.-- Oak Flat is public land that has been protected for 50+ years. Anyone that would like to see preservation and climbing access continue for this area as well as the areas surrounding Queen Creek, should definitely contact the QCC, the Access Fund, and any (or all) members of the concerning subcommittees The Access Fund website-link for Arizona currently has no "Regional Coordinator" listed - so perhaps it's o.k. to contact Jason Keith and/or Brady Robinson at ~ http://www.accessfund.org/...709/k.CACA/Staff.htm. Now is the time to speak up... - or forever be reminded (that you didn't) when Queen Creek & Oak Flat sink into a BIG hole in S.E. Arizona. Thanks to everyone for your time & interest in preserving access to these areas Links: Queen Creek Coalition -- http://www.queencreekcoalition.com/ Access Fund -- http://www.accessfund.org/...in_Your_Backyard.htm Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee -- http://energy.senate.gov/...Action=About.Members
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pheenixx
Jun 19, 2009, 4:48 AM
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QueenCreek/Oak Flat Land Exchange S.409 hearing took place yesterday If anyone wants to watch McCain throw a temper tantrum at the Forest Service and Sen.Rish pound his fist saying that "Nobody here cares about the Environment" ... guardians of our public lands in action: http://energy.senate.gov/...51-437f-baae33c42d57 fast forward to 22:45 (min/sec) to avoid falling asleep
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curt
Jun 19, 2009, 6:21 PM
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Thanks for posting the link. I watched the hearing live yesterday, and McCain acted more like a thug or bully than a politician of any kind. I guess the rumors concerning his temper have some basis in fact. Curt
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pheenixx
Aug 18, 2009, 2:23 AM
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witness 1st-hand fist-pounding this Friday..!!! ------------->>>- forwarded -<<<------------- Interior Secretary Salazar and Senator McCain will be holding a Town Hall meeting at the Superior High School, August 21st at 11:30 in the morning to hearing what the public has to say about S. 409, the Oak Flat land exchange. It is imperative that anyone even remotely concerned or interested in NEPA, Cultural protection law waivers & other Environmental, Recreational & Access issues in the Oak Flat land exchange bills attend this critical meeting. There may be other activities after the Town Hall gathering, plan to spend the day if you can. This will truly be an event. Rio Tinto and BHP understand the importance of continuing their stranglehold on the Arizona media and have enlisted Senator McCain to do the dirty work of delivering the goods to these giant mining companies in Washington, DC. McCain is pulling out all the stops. There is a great deal of momentum for the common sense approach to follow the laws and rules before any possible land exchange. All eyes will be on Superior this Friday! Land exchange details, AzMiningReform Coalition -- http://www.azminingreform.org/...%20Alert%206-10.html Recent article -- Az Star, Sun 8-16-09 http://www.azstarnet.com/allheadlines/305104
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lindajft
Aug 20, 2009, 6:43 PM
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Is anyone leaving from Tempe area to go to this, that would be willing to carpool Linda 602-570-6588
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lindajft
Sep 8, 2009, 11:41 PM
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thanks Manny!
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pheenixx
Dec 11, 2009, 8:00 PM
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it's been awhile and the battle continues over on Mountain Project...http://www.mountainproject.com/...nd_swap/106456250__4 looks like the AMC is turning tail & giving in to the mining company. what a shame after all they fought for. I hope the Queen Creek Coalition pulls though for climbers
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curt
Dec 11, 2009, 8:48 PM
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pheenixx wrote: it's been awhile and the battle continues over on Mountain Project... http://www.mountainproject.com/...nd_swap/106456250__4 looks like the AMC is turning tail & giving in to the mining company. what a shame after all they fought for. I hope the Queen Creek Coalition pulls though for climbers I really have no idea how you arrived at that conclusion, but I am not an AMC member, so I will not attempt to speak for them. I did post this over on Mountain Project, since that site seems to have become the central place for discussing this topic.
curt wrote: The current QCC position is really quite simple: 1) The QCC opposes the current land exchange legislation, as the concerns and interests of the climbing community have not been adequately addressed. This is wholly consistent with the message that the Access Fund has been communicating to Congress on their recent visits to Washington. 2) The QCC will not endorse any form of the land exchange legislation that fails to permanently preserve the recreational resource (climbing) that currently exists above the proposed mine site. As others have mentioned, this is a condition that RCC has thus far refused to accept. 3) The QCC is committed to remaining actively engaged with both Congress and RCC to work toward some outcome that is acceptable to all parties. As you may imagine, this is much more easily said than done. Curt
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lindajft
Dec 16, 2009, 1:05 AM
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This is bullshit.... Why isn't the QCC been on top of this? Linda Gandolf welcome to the climbing world What's your original name? You can p.m. me if you like
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dief
Feb 17, 2010, 2:43 PM
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QCC Response to RCM Offer February 2010 The QCC board is hereby responding to the full list of items contained within the RCM Offer of October 10, 2008. Preface: The QCC would like to see a timeline of RCM’s major steps in the development of the Mine starting from the passage of the legislation to formal commencement of ore extraction under full operational status. A Gantt chart with critical path items based on those major steps would be an optimal means of communicating that time line. Issues to be addressed by congressional legislation Item (1) of the CCR states that: "As part of RCM's land exchange with the United states, RCM will transfer to the United states three parcels of RCM land, totaling approximately 365 acres, known as i) the "Pond"; ii) "Dripping Springs"; and iii) "Apache Leap South End." These three parcels will be transferred to the United States regardless of the values of any other lands or cash equalization involved in the exchange." QCC's current concerns here lie not with RCM, but rather with the USFS and potentially ADOT. The USFS does not want to take the Pond parcel under the terms of the current exchange language, which specifies that the parcel must be actively managed as a climbing area. Action: QCC will ask RCM and, in parallel, congress to restate the language in the bill so that the USFS would take the parcel and merely allow recreational use of the land. If USFS still believes that taking the Pond parcel is not in the public interest, QCC will approach both RCM and congress with the idea of transferring the Pond to another party--instead of the USFS. Also, the USFS recently informed the AF that ADOT may have issues with climbers parking at the existing Pond parking lot and then crossing the highway to the north to access the climbing area. I don't believe there are any specific actions here, as we do not know the validity or nature of the ADOT objections. QCC can certainly provide solutions however, including signage indicating that the correct approach to the Pond is via the path going under the bridge at the base of the Pond--instead of crossing on top of the highway. Finally with respect to the Pond, highway 60 may eventually be re-routed outside of Queen Creek canyon, essentially "land-locking" the Pond inside RCM private property. Action: QCC will ask RCM to guarantee access to the Pond even in the eventuality that existing highway 60 reverts to RCM ownership. Dripping Springs Action: QCC will ask that this parcel be conveyed to the BLM with access. Apache Leap Action: QCC will ask RCM and congress that the QCC be added to the groups that are named in the legislation tasked with developing the future management plan for Apache Leap. Action: The Local Climbing Affairs subgroup of the QCC will explore the possibility of expanding both the 95 acre size of the Pond Parcel and also the acreage of the Atlantis parcel, that falls under the long-term license agreement with RCM. Action: The QCC will continue to push for at least a "primitive" campground above the Pond area. Item (2) of the CCR states that: "RCM will pay the sum of $1,250,000 to the USFS in the land exchange, and will ask congress to add language to the legislation specifying that the USFS shall use these funds for the construction or improvement of access roads, turnouts, trails, camping, parking areas and other facilities to promote and enhance rock climbing and bouldering opportunities in the areas near Superior, Arizona known as the "Pond," "Upper Pond," "Inconceivables," and "Chill Hill" areas." Action: The QCC will ask RCM and congress for similar language changes as in Item (1) above, removing the specific requirement that the USFS "promote and enhance" rock climbing on the parcels in question. Action: QCC will explain to both RCM and congress that the improvements to the parcels in this section are imperative and that it should not be "our" problem if the USFS will not agree to use the designated funds for the stated purposes. Further, we will ask that these specific improvements be provided, whether $1,250,000 is sufficient for this purpose or not. Action: QCC will clarify that these improvements be provided to "passenger car" standards. Item (3) of the CCR deals with surrender and withdrawal of mineral rights for the Pond and Apache Leap South End parcels. Action: Rick Cecala has agreed to provide a legal opinion of the language contained in the current draft legislation. Item (4) of the CCR states that: RCM will ask congress to specify that the USFS allow reasonable climber access to Apache Leap from the west as part of the Apache Leap study process already in the legislation. Action: QCC will continue to ask RCM and congress that this language be included in the legislation. Issues to be resolved by amended climbing license and/or other means. Item 1) Access to the Pond, Upper Pond and Devil's Canyon. This section basically says that RCM will work with ADOT and QCC to identify and construct safe turnouts and access to these climbing parcels from highway 60. Further, the section says that this work will be done by RCM at its own expense and in addition to the $1.25M previously mentioned for other purposes. Action 1 - Separate Pond issues from Devil's Canyon issues. Action 2 - Question RCM regarding how the Pond "improvements" can be constructed without USFS approval/support of the construction. 2. Atlantis climbing parcel: This 74 acre parcel is existing RCM private land, and is under existing license to the Access Fund. RCM believes this area may be needed for tunnels or other mining facilities in the future, but that any such uses are unlikely to interfere with climbing activities for any significant period of time. Therefore, RCM will extend the existing license for the Atlantis parcel until 2060. If the Atlantis parcel is no longer needed for mining activities at the expiration of the license, RCM will consider a transfer of the land to the U.S. Forest Service or other governmental entity at that time. Otherwise, the license may be renewed on similar terms, for 10-year periods. Action 1: The QCC would like to work with RCM to evaluate the currently proposed 74 acre parcel with an eye on expanding it to cover all the climbing that is currently on RCM lands (exclusive of the Pond parcel) in the general area of Atlantis proper, including climbing crags north of Highway 60 that may not be included in an expanded Pond parcel. Action 2: As stated in item 10 below, the QCC has concerns with the current License Agreement. Jason Keith of the Access Fund will be taking the lead on this item. Action 3: As stated in item 11 below, the QCC would like to receive an addendum to the MSHA letter of December 9, 2008. The addendum to that letter should also cover the roads, trail heads, trails, climbing crags and associated easements that will be on future RCM lands after the Land Exchange is finalized. 3. Central Oak Flat: This 234 acre parcel, and access thereto, will be under license to the Access Fund once RCM acquires it in the land exchange. RCM will extend the existing Access Fund license for this parcel until 2019, with an option for renewal. Action 1. The QCC would like to work with RCM to evaluate the currently proposed 234 acre parcel with an eye on expanding it to cover all the climbing that is currently on RCM lands or will be owned by RCM after the Land Exchange is finalized. The QCC will work with RCM to identify continued climbing areas adjacent to the parcel based on their proposed Mining Plan of Operations Action 2. As stated in item 11 below, the QCC would like to receive an addendum to the MSHA letter of December 9, 2008. The addendum to that letter should also cover the roads, trail heads, trails, climbing crags and associated easements that will be on future RCM lands after the Land Exchange is finalized. Action 3: As stated in item 10 below, the QCC has concerns with the current License Agreement. Jason Keith of the Access Fund will be taking the lead on this item. In any case, the time period in this item should be changed from the time certain of “2019” to a “10 years from the passage of the legislation.” 4. “Eurodog Valley”: The area is on land that is either already owned by RCM, or land that will be acquired by RCM in the land exchange. RCM will grant a license allowing access to and use of this area for rock climbing and bouldering until 2019, with option to renew. Reasonable access and parking on RCM land will be provided by RCM. RCM presently expects that a new Shaft 9 access road (to replace the Magma Mine Road) will be constructed, and will be licensed for climber access to Eurodog Valley once completed. RCM also agrees to be able to license Lower Eurodog (i.e. the portion below any new Shaft 9 road) for climbing on a long term basis, similar to the Atlantis license, if upon completion of RCM's feasibility studies for Lower Eurodog, it does not appear to be needed for mining activity. Action 1: Change the sentence, “Reasonable access and parking on RCM land will be provided by RCM. RCM presently expects that a new Shaft 9 access road (to replace the Magma Mine Road) will be constructed, and will be licensed for climber access to Eurodog Valley once completed, to, “Reasonable access and parking on RCM land will be provided by RCM when RCM builds the new Shaft 9 access road (to replace the Magma Mine Road). RCM will also provide under the license for climber access to Eurodog Valley once the new road is completed.” Action 2. As stated in item 11 below, the QCC would like to receive an addendum to the MSHA letter of December 9, 2008. The addendum to that letter should also cover the roads, trail heads, trails, climbing crags and associated easements that will be on future RCM lands after the Land Exchange is finalized. Action 3: As stated in item 10 below, the QCC has concerns with the current License Agreement. Jason Keith of the Access Fund will be taking the lead on this item. In any case, the time period in this item should be changed from the time certain of “2019” to a “10 years from the passage of the legislation.” 5. The "Mine Area": Portions of the rock climbing area known as the "Mine Area," including but not limited to Upper Looner Land, Lower Looner Land, Magma Gardens, The Arena, Simpsons Hall, and the Grodens, are located on land that either currently belongs to RCM, or that will be acquired by RCM in the land exchange. RCM will grant a license allowing access and use of this area for rock climbing and bouldering until 2019, with option to renew. Action 1: The QCC wants to clarify and represent on a map what the proposed road and parking access would be to the “Mine Area”, including the existing road to Lower Devils Canyon which exits off of the current Mine Road. Action 2. As stated in item 11 below, the QCC would like to receive an addendum to the MSHA letter of December 9, 2008. The addendum to that letter should also cover the roads, trail heads, trails, climbing crags and associated easements that will be on future RCM lands after the Land Exchange is finalized. Action 3: As stated in item 10 below, the QCC has concerns with the current License Agreement. Jason Keith of the Access Fund will be taking the lead on this item. In any case, the time period in this item should be changed from the time certain of “2019” to a “10 years from the passage of the legislation.” 6. Apache Leap and access from the East: RCM will grant a license allowing climbers reasonable access to Apache Leap from the east (top side) across RCM property. Further, those portions of Apache Leap, if any, which are property of RCM following the land exchange, or which thereafter become property of RCM through any means, will be subject to a license allowing access and use of such area(s) for rock climbing and bouldering until 2019, with option to renew. Action 1: Change the text of item 6 to read: “Apache Leap access from the East: RCM will grant a license allowing climbers reasonable access to Apache Leap from the east (top side) across RCM property.” (with additional language on duration and character of license below). Action 2: Include the climbing areas north and south of the three electric poles on the edge of the Leap within the Licensed Area. Action 3: Clarify where the road access, parking and trailhead will occur on a map. Action 4. As stated in item 11 below, the QCC would like to receive an addendum to the MSHA letter of December 9, 2008. The addendum to that letter should also cover the roads, trail heads, trails, climbing crags and associated easements that will be on future RCM lands after the Land Exchange is finalized. Action 5: As stated in item 10 below, the QCC has concerns with the current License Agreement. Jason Keith of the Access Fund will be taking the lead on this item. In any case, the time period in this item should be changed from the time certain of “2019” to a “10 years from the passage of the legislation.” 7. Apache Leap Westside Access: RCM will grant an access easement across its property in the Cross Creek drainage on the west side of Apache Leap to allow climber access to Apache Leap from the west. Use of the easement will be contingent on the Forest Service approving access on its land to the east and west of the RCC easement area – a matter which will be examined in the Apache Leap study process already in the legislation. Action 1: (1-12-10) The QCC expressed its concerns that while RCM was promising to give access and easements across its land under a license, in point of fact a related issue was an easement across the USFS parcels and the related construction and long term maintenance costs involved in coming up the hill to the Leap. Therefore, the QCC was not sure how much value there was in an agreement that had that amount of uncertainty. What is needed is for the parties (e.g., RCM and USFS) who own lands and interests along the potential access roads, trails and parking to identify the optimal alignment for road, parking, trailhead and trail easements and to agree on a solution which includes granting of easement rights to a suitable entity, construction of the related infrastructure, and provision for long term operating and maintenance costs. Action 2: The QCC would like RCM to place the historic climbing into any relevant documents concerning Apache Leap during the NEPA process. 8. Upper Devils Canyon: RCM will grant a public access easement on the existing “power line road” to the existing trailhead and trail (near the 500KV power line) which access upper Devil’s Canyon. The easement may be extinguished and replaced by another easement of similar character, conferring equivalent access, without cost to the easement grantee and at RCM's sole expense, if relocation of the existing access road becomes necessary to accommodate future mining activities. Action 1: (1-12-10). The QCC expressed concerns that ADOT might not allow a turn-out near the curve where old highway 60 left the new alignment. Instead, it might be necessary to come off the current Mine Road after it leaves Highway 60 and then head east to Upper Devils through the Exchange Parcel. Action 2: The QCC would like to clarify on maps that the easement offered will extend to the Beach, Bingham Land, and the Boy Scout Trail. 9. Lower Devils Canyon: RCM will license use of the Magma Mine and “drill roads” until 2019, or until new access to Lower Devils Canyon becomes available via an improved Rawhide Road on east side of Devil’s Canyon and/or via an improved road from Highway 177 into Oak Creek. RCM will make reasonable efforts to assist and encourage the Forest Service to keep any such improved roads open for recreational use. Action 1: (1-12-10) The QCC stated that it wanted to be sure that proper access to Lower Devils Canyon was secured. It also had concerns about access across the State Trust Land to the rock crags. David stated that there will be at least two access routes to Lower Devils Canyon due to the monitoring wells that Resolution must install. An east side approach (down the current Rawhide Road) will place a monitoring well at the north edge of the State Trust Land. The QCC stated that if such were to occur, it would want the road taken down the approximate 1 mile to the edge of the canyon itself. David said that he would approach the State Land Department to investigate extending recreational roads on State Trust lands past the Monitoring well. David stated that the other access to Lower Devils would be from the south. The existing four-wheel dirt road that comes up from Highway 177 would be improved to allow Resolution to access a monitoring well on the western side of Lower Devils Canyon. The QCC stated that it would want all of the roads being discussed as Monitoring Well roads, and other access roads, to be drivable by 2-wheel drive vehicles. David said that that should be easy enough, unless USFS standards for grades made it impossible without the addition of switchbacks. If the road was steep and drivable to access their wells, the USFS might not want them to cut additional road footage in the form of switchbacks. He will investigate this further. Action 2: It is imperative that RCM and the rock climbing community have a means of communicating when the access roads deteriorate due to man-caused or natural occurrences and that RCM institute a rapid response to address and correct the deterioration. 10. License terms: Each license agreement described herein shall be in a form and contain provisions acceptable to QCC and Access Fund, and, except as otherwise specifically provided in this Letter of Intent, neither QCC nor the Access Fund shall have any obligation or duty hereunder prior to their approval and acceptance of such license agreements. The privileges granted under any license shall not be unreasonably suspended by RCC, but may be temporarily or permanently suspended if necessary to: 1) accommodate RCC’s mining operation needs in a specific area or areas; 2) to protect public health and safety; and/or 3) if licensee or its members utilize a licensed area in a manner so as to significantly damage the climbing resource or environment, or engage in consistent and repeated behavior that violates the terms and conditions of the license and/or creates risks to the licensees or to public health and safety. Action 1: (1-12-10) The QCC stated that it wanted a new or amended predetermination letter from MSHA stating that all of the climbing parcels, climbing paths, access roads, and trailhead facilities were not within lands MSHA would consider lands of “active mining operations.” This in effect would remove MSHA concerns from the climbing parcels. David stated that they already had such a letter from MSHA. The QCC handed him the letter and stated that it was specific to the Town of Superior and a hiking path up Queen Creek Canyon from the Town. The QCC stated that they felt it did not necessarily cover the climbing areas, etc. They urged David to take another look at the letter and perhaps get an “addendum” addressing the specific climbing areas as not being under MSHA oversight. 11. MSHA: RCM will work with QCC and the Access Fund in an attempt to insure that MSHA regulation does not interfere with activities authorized under any climbing license or licenses granted by RCM. Action 1: (1-12-10) Given that a number of the items above would be covered in a revised License Agreement (current signed License Agreement allows for continuing climbing for a 5-year period but is unilaterally revocable), the QCC and David discussed moving forward with taking another look at the License Agreement Language and beginning to make some changes. Jason Keith, Policy Director the Access Fund would be the primary party representing climbers in this process. 12. Tam O’Shanter: It is acknowledged that existing law permits the State of Arizona and/or local government to apply to BLM for an RPP Act conveyance of Tamo land in the future. Once RCM acquires the Oak Flat Federal land in the land exchange, and if and when the State and/or a qualified unit or units of local government make a written request to RCM, RCM will provide $1 million to assist the entity(s) making the request for Tamo lands. RCM will also work with climbers and others to consider providing additional funds to such entity to assist in the development of a Tamo climbing area upon the transfer of Tamo land to the State and/or unit(s) of local government. Language remains as is: 13. The Drip, Steamboat Mountain, Land of Lost, and The Homestead: RCM has been advised of access issues with regard to these areas and agrees to consult with representatives of the climbing community and State or local governments, after RCM receives mine plan approval, regarding creation of a memorandum of understanding pursuant to which RCM would assist efforts to preserve or enhance climbing opportunities in these areas. Action 1: The QCC would like to work with RCM and the State Land Department concerning access easements to the Homestead through the State Trust Land parcel. 14. Boulder relocation: RCM and QCC agree to discuss relocation of a limited number of boulders and/or a limited amount of vegetation, off- site, from land currently owned by RCM or which will be owned by RCM following completion of the land exchange. Language remains as is: 15. Route development fund: RCM will furnish $50,000 upon signing of this Letter of Intent to be used as a fund to purchase hardware for developing new rock climbing routes and/or the maintenance of established routes, subject to a memorandum of understanding acceptable to RCM governing the custody and disposition of the funds. Language remains as is: 16. Queen Creek greenbelt: RCM agrees to facilitate meetings with QCC, Forest Service, Town of Superior, State and ADOT to discuss and develop a long-term memorandum of understanding pursuant to which a greenbelt in and near Queen Creek Canyon can be established and maintained. Language remains as is: 17. “Co-existence” agreement: Each license referenced herein shall recite that RCM intends for climbing and mining to co-exist in Queen Creek Canyon and environs to the greatest extent possible consistent with reasonable safety and mining operation concerns, and this Letter of Intent and any agreements which it contemplates shall be interpreted so as to give effect to this intention. Language remains as is: 18. Insurance: All future insurance premiums for insurance required by any license agreement referenced herein, if RCM elects not to self-insure, shall be paid by RCM. Language remains as is: 19. Scope of Agreement: Except as otherwise specifically provided, the provisions of this Letter of Intent are conditioned on passage into law of S.3157 or a measure substantially similar to it, with the modifications described herein, prior to the end of the 111th Congress. If that does not occur, then the provisions of this Letter of Intent shall expire at the end of the 111thCongress, unless extended by the parties. Further, it is hereby agreed that upon signing of this Letter of Intent, QCC and the Access Fund will promptly sign a letter of support for the proposed legislation, with the modifications described herein, and send the letter to the Arizona Congressional delegation. Action 1: The sentence, “Further, it is hereby agreed that upon signing of this Letter of Intent, QCC and the Access Fund will promptly sign a letter of support for the proposed legislation, with the modifications described herein, and send the letter to the Arizona Congressional delegation,” will be changed to read, “Further, it is hereby agreed that upon signing of this Letter of Intent, QCC and the Access Fund will promptly sign a letter of cooperation with regard to the proposed legislation, with the modifications described herein, and send the letter to the Arizona Congressional delegation. III. Additional Issues to be resolved by amended climbing license and/or other means. Northern Devils Climbing Area. Action 1. RCM and the QCC will add an additional item to the Agreement. This item will cover RCM’s commitment to work with the QCC, ADOT and any other party with the goal being roadway, trail head and climbing crag access and any required easements thereto with regard to the area known as Northern Devils Canyon on Marty Karabin’s climbing maps.
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ErikF
Mar 5, 2010, 2:01 PM
Post #574 of 619
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Registered: Oct 29, 2009
Posts: 41
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Hi folks, We have updated the QCC web site (thanks, Greg) with two documents - RCM's first response to our January meeting with them, and the full list of our responses to their last offer in October 2008. Thanks to everyone who gave input previously to the "matrix of concerns." We hope to have a meeting of the climbing community soon to give an update and hear back from you. We'll announce in various ways where and when. Also, for those who are interested, here is a recent outline of QCC activities. Erik January 12, 2010 – QCC met with RCM to present list of items related to Concerns and Possible Solutions with the Oct 2008 RCM Offer Proposal. January 19, 2010 – QCC met to work on the rest of the Concerns and Possible Solutions with the Oct 2008 RCM Offer Proposal. January 30, 2010 – Members of QCC met with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Vilsack in Superior, Arizona. February 2, 2010 – QCC met to finalize the Concerns and Possible Solutions with the Oct 2008 RCM Offer Proposal. February 8, 2010 – QCC delivered to a Response to RCM of the Concerns and Possible Solutions with the Oct 2008 RCM Offer Proposal. The full text of the QCC Response is included below. February 8, 2010 – RCM sent QCC a letter of initial responses to QCC’s concerns (arrived Wednesday the 10th). The issues covered involved the Pond parcel and MSHA. February – second week – Representatives of the QCC and the AF held meetings in Washington DC with key congressional staff members February 16, 2010 – QCC met to discuss items and information gained since previous meeting. It will continue on the dual tracks of continued negotiations with RCM to address concerns and possible solutions as well as pursuing its legislative track with congressional contacts.
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dief
Mar 19, 2010, 3:25 PM
Post #575 of 619
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Registered: Jan 21, 2004
Posts: 91
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Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick pushes mine-bill revision by Erin Kelly - Mar. 19, 2010 12:00 AM Republic Washington Bureau . WASHINGTON - Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick introduced a revised bill Thursday that could speed up congressional action on development of North America's largest copper mine and bring an estimated 1,400 jobs to the Superior area. The freshman Arizona Democrat offered the rewritten legislation to reflect changes already agreed to by bipartisan members of the Senate energy committee when the panel approved the Resolution Copper project last year. Kirkpatrick could now bypass the House Natural Resources Committee, where her bill faces opposition from fellow Rep. Raúl Grijalva, D-Ariz. Grijalva is chairman of a subcommittee that oversees public lands issues and has sided with conservationists and Native American groups who believe the mine would harm the environment and destroy cultural sites. House Democratic leaders have been working with Kirkpatrick to pass the bill, which they know could be key to her re-election in November. "This proposal is a great example of how we can get folks back to work without spending millions of dollars," Kirkpatrick said. The project calls for a federal land exchange in which Resolution Copper would get about 2,400 acres in the Oak Flat area of the Tonto National Forest in return for giving more than 5,000 acres of environmentally sensitive land throughout Arizona to the federal government.
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