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At the Final Hearing for the Idaho-Maryland Mine on February 15 & 16, 2024, Nevada County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously 5-0 to deny the certification of the Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and deny the Rise Gold project, fully rejecting Rise Gold’s plan to re-open the Idaho-Maryland Mine ! You can thank our Supervisors by sending an email to bdofsupervisors@nevadacountyca.gov . This is a huge victory , but it's important to know that it's  not over yet . Rise Gold has sued the County. They still claim they have a vested right to mine, and that the County has violated their due process rights in the processing of the application. CEA Foundation attorneys, Shute, Mihaly, & Weinberger, analyzed their vested rights claims and assert they "will be dead on arrival in court." An Exhausting But Rewarding Marathon American Activist Dorothy Height, once said “Without community service, we would not have a strong quality of life. It's important to the person who serves as well as the recipient. It's the way in which we ourselves grow and develop.” And grow we did.  Opposition to the mine has brought this community together like perhaps no other issue. Over the last almost 4 years, thousands of residents, hundreds of businesses, and dozens of activist groups have come together to voice their opposition to the mine. In the meantime, County planners and executive staff spent exhaustive hours working to process the application thoroughly and fairly. Together – this community provided an example  of how to participate in the process with a respectful presence and well researched analysis of the issues. Fortunately, our efforts were well rewarded. Our County’s planning department and commissioners reviewed the risks and stood up for the people. Our Supervisors and their executive staff created an outcome that will protect our air, water, and quality of life in the future. There really are thousands of people to thank for this outcome . Civil servants, researchers, writers, speakers, demonstrators, educators, organizers, project managers, typists, filmmakers, minstrels, and more. It took ALL of us to get to where we are today. You know who you are. Please pat yourself on the back. This was an incredible community effort ! Hearing Highlights Hundreds of people of gathered  at the Rood Center for the hearing – despite chilly, rainy weather – proudly displaying “no mine” stickers and signs. Almost 90 people provided passionate public comments against the mine. At the same time, the County’s YouTube channel recorded over 1,500 views on the first day and 1,000 on the second. Watch Supervisors’ Final Comments and Vote   (apx 35 min) Or re-watch your favorite parts by watching the YouTube recordings of the full hearing. BOS Hearing Feb 15 Part 1 - 4:33   BOS Hearing Feb 15 Part 2 - 5:11   BOS Hearing Feb 16 – 4:26 In final comments, District 4 Supervisor Sue Hoek summed it up succinctly when she said, “This one doesn’t fit this spot anymore”. “ I just don't see it,”  said District 3 Supervisor Lisa Swarthout whose district includes the mine. “I don't see the promise of potentially 300 jobs to override people's quality of life”. “It’s clear that this community wants to move forward to a cleaner economic future  and not go back to mining,” said District 1 Supervisor Heidi Hall. “Brunswick Road is certainly not rural,” said District 2 Supervisor, Ed Scofield. “It’s right on the outskirts, right adjacent to the city limits to Grass Valley… That means that this operation will have the possible impact of 1,000s of people , if not more, if something goes wrong.” Hardy Bullock, Board Chair and District 5 Supervisor wrapped up the final comments. “The final EIR has adequately described – the key word ‘described’ – the potential significant and unavoidable impacts. But the project in my mind, has not adequately removed or mitigated these environmental threats which threaten our community, our way of life for cultural and economic prosperity here.” Lisa Swarthout made the final motion that was unanimously approved: “I make the motion that we deny the certification of the Environmental Impact Report and that we deny the Rise Gold project.” In the News Local News 2/17 – TheUnion.com | 'This one doesn’t fit this spot anymore': Supervisors deny proposed mine project 5-0 2/16 – TheUnion.com | BREAKING: Supervisors vote 5-0 against reopening Idaho Maryland 2/16 – YubaNet.com | Supervisors Deny Rise Grass Valley’s Idaho Maryland Mine Project 2/16 – KNCO.com | Final Rejection Of Idaho Maryland From Supes   Other Insightful Summaries 2/20 CapRadio.org | Nevada County rejects controversial gold mining project 2/20 BNNBreaking.com | Nevada County Says No Amid Community Concerns   TV News ABC 10 News 2/16 - Nevada County supervisors unanimously reject reopening historic gold mine 2/15 - Historic Nevada County gold mine to see final meetings before decision CBS News Sacramento 2/16 - Nevada County denies bid to reopen historic mine after days of public comment 2/16 - Nevada County supervisors reject reopening Idaho Maryland Project 2/15 - Heated debate unfolds Thursday over proposed Idaho-Maryland Mine project FOX 40 News 2/16 Nevada County officials reject Grass Valley mine reopening 2/15 - Dozens of community members speak out against proposal to revive mine 2/15 Nevada County supervisors to have final say on Idaho-Maryland mine project

In May 2024, Rise Grass Valley filed a petition for peremptory writ of mandate against Nevada County. They're attempting to overturn the Board of Supervisors' denial of vested rights for the Idaho-Maryland Mine, and their decision to deny the application and use permit for the mine. Both decisions were unanimous. According to opposition leader, CEA Foundation, the lawsuit by Rise is more of the same delusional song that Rise has been singing all along. E.g., The case for vested rights has no merit. The mine shut down in around 1956, the mine was flooded, and all the structures were removed. Rise doesn’t even own the land where much of the processing took place. There has been no continuity of ‘mining operations’ taking place to warrant a claim of vested rights. The vested rights arguments made by Rise based on the Hansen case are based on a misinterpretation of those findings. The claims regarding the failure to certify the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) are also meritless. The EIR contained significant flaws, failing to adequately address the impacts to well owners, water quality, air pollution, noise, and more. The requested zoning changes were inconsistent with the General plan when considering the current residential land uses. Investors beware. The fact that Rise Gold has raised capital through private placement offerings of corporate stock to pursue a meritless lawsuit based on such misleading information should be a big red flag. Note that they also need to raise another $3.3 million to clean up the toxic mine tailings on the 56 acre Centennial site, as per their agreement with the Department of Toxic Substances Control. NEWS COVERAGE The Union May 15, 2024: Rise Grass Valley files lawsuit based on claims of “vested rights” to mine Idaho-Maryland Mine site YubaNet May 13, 2024: Rise Gold files lawsuit against Nevada County LEGAL FILING Rise Grass Valley Filing, May 10, 2024

A powerhouse panel of community experts reviewed the conclusions of Nevada County's Economic Impact Report in a December 2022 MineWatch meeting. The report was authored by independent consultant, Robert D. Niehaus (RDN). “A closer examination of the RDN Report leaves a lot of room for questioning their conclusions, said CEA Foundation President, Ralph Silberstein. [The webinar's] panelists found that the numbers were overly optimistic, that the real estate estimates were a big miss, and that the possible economic benefits to the community would be overshadowed by a lot of downside risk.” Read summaries of presenter comments below or click to listen to sections of the presentation. Keep scrolling to see panelist bios, quotes, slides, and related content. Full presentation (2 hours) REAL ESTATE Real Estate - Charlie Brock, Licensed Realtor and past President of the Nevada County Board of Realtors (5:20) Hear Brock's reaction to the report's dismissal of overwhelming opposition by local real estate agents Learn why local agents and appraisers predict considerable drops in real estate values Real Estate Case Studies & Webinar Summary - Martin Webb, KVMR Radio Host, Business Owner, and Solar Expert (30:25) Take a visual journey comparing neighborhoods around the three mines used in the study vs. ours Learn why this project is unprecedented in its lack of readiness, inflated claims, and proximity to homes PROJECT UPDATE & READINESS ASSESSMENT Project Update - Ralph Silberstein, President, CEA Foundation (5:45) Learn about where things stand in the fight against the mine Learn about the parts of the report that corrected some of Rise Gold's most outrageous claims Industry Perspective - Dr. David Chambers, Founder/President, Center for Science in Public Participation (19:36) Learn about the Idaho-Maryland Mine project's level of "readiness" as defined by the mining industry Learn why "gold reserves" used for high end estimates of tax revenues aren't proven/certified EMPLOYMENT & RISKS Employment, Economic Impact, & Risks - James Steinmann, Founder, Steinmann Facility, Planning and Project Management (16:51) Learn why Steinmann asserts that the economic report is "in no way conclusive" Learn why Steinmann believes that 58% of Rise Gold's workforce would be commuters, rather than 32% REVENUE & SPENDING Revenue & Spending Impacts - John Vaughan, CIO PRIDE Industries, retired (11:56) Learn about economic modeling software limitations and how revenue results can appear inflated when combined with questionable data from the applicant Learn how the cost of risks, such as catastrophic events and health consequences, weren't included OTHER Questions and Answers with Panelists (15:46) Panelists answer audience questions Introduction - Moderator, Greg Thrush introduces the session (Run time = 3:21) January is Critical for Action - Traci Sheehan - Organizer, CEA Foundations (1:17) A key priority in January is to review and comment on the Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) The County has yet to announce the date of their public meeting on the FEIR. Watch for it. PANELIST BIOGRAPHIES Ralph Silberstein, President, CEA Foundation Ralph Silberstein is the President of the Community Environmental Advocates Foundation. Ralph served as a Grass Valley Planning Commissioner and on the Nevada County Fish and Wildlife Commission. He is a retired software engineer, business owner, and former building contractor. With 20 years of experience working on mining issues, he is an invaluable resource in the MineWatch campaign. Dr. David Chambers, Founder and President of the Center for Science in Public Participation David Chambers is the founder and president of the Center for Science in Public Participation, a non-profit corporation formed to provide technical assistance on mining and water quality to public interest groups and tribal governments. Dr. Chambers has 45 years of experience in mineral exploration and development – 15 years of technical and management experience in the mineral exploration industry, and for the past 30 years he has served as an advisor on the environmental effects of mining projects both nationally and internationally. He has Professional Engineering Degree in physics from the Colorado School of Mines, a Master of Science Degree in geophysics from the University of California at Berkeley, and is a registered professional geophysicist in California (# GP 972). Dr. Chambers received his Ph.D. in environmental planning at Berkeley. His recent research focuses on tailings dam failures, and the intersection of science and technology with public policy and natural resource management; financial assurance for mine closure and post-closure; and, the water impacts of mining. James Steinmann, Founder, Steinmann Facility, Planning and Project Management Jim Steinmann is a resident of Grass Valley and founder of his Facility, Planning and Project Management Firm. He has 55 years of experience as a Planning Consultant for large-scale development projects. The vast majority of the projects included analyses of alternatives, environmental impacts, and economic evaluations of alternative courses of action. Three of the projects Jim participated in are particularly relevant to the proposed gold mine activation. John Vaughan, CIO PRIDE Industries, retired John Vaughn has been a resident of Nevada County since 1967. His water is served by a well approximately 100 yards from the southwest edge of the Rise Gold mineral rights area. He’s served executive roles at various for-profit and non-profit industries including at Grass Valley Group, Utah Scientific, Precision Printers and PRIDE Industries. He has extensive experience in software development, software selection, business analytics, including profit/loss and cost/benefit studies, acquisition strategies and logistics. Charlie Brock, Licensed Realtor and past President of the Nevada County Board of Realtors Charlie Brock has been a licensed Realtor in California for 54 years. He is the past President of the Nevada County Board of Realtors, founding Director of Nevada County United Way, and has served on numerous non-profit boards in Nevada county. Martin Webb, KVMR Radio Host, Business Owner, and Solar Expert Martin Webb has been in the renewable energy field for 25 years, as a business owner and solar expert, which translated into a life of environmental activism. Whether producing radio shows on KVMR as the host of “The Climate Report,” or on TV as the host of “Tipping Point,” a new monthly program on Nevada County Media, he has become a well-known voice for environmental awareness around a host of issues, including the proposed mine. PANELIST QUOTES Summary “We are grateful to the County for commissioning an independent economic report, rather than relying solely on the private report produced by Rise Gold”, said Ralph Silberstein, President of CEA Foundation. “It corrected some of Rise Gold’s most outrageous claims. And yet it shares a similar problem with the Draft EIR released earlier this year, relying heavily on information provided by the applicant.” “While the report has given us some useful data, supervisors may want to take it with a huge grain of salt,” said Silberstein. “In the end, the Supervisors will be left with a single overriding question. Is this report credible enough to use as a justification to dismiss the lengthy list of environmental and financial risks? Economic Impact & Risks ”This report is in no way conclusive,” stated Jim Steinmann, Founder of Steinmann Facility, Planning and Project Management. ”Benefits to the community are substantially overstated, the costs of operations are understated, and the risks are ignored. For instance, over half the workers would likely be commuters sharing rental housing. Only a fraction of their spending would stay in the county.” “Economic studies often present an incomplete picture,” stated John Vaughan, CIO PRIDE Industries, retired. “In this case, the software model used is designed to showcase benefits and highlight revenues – it is specifically designed not to show economic risk and real cost. When used in combination with data provided by Rise Gold, many of the economic benefits were unrealistic.” Real Estate Property Values “RDN’s assertion that they found ‘no conclusive evidence’ the project would lower property values is a gut-punch for people living close to the mine,” said Charlie Brock, Nevada County Realtor for 54 years. “The report disregards the overwhelming opposition of local real estate experts who believe the mine will have considerable negative effects. It also reveals RDN’s lack of expertise on the subject by creating a custom analysis of three mines that bear almost zero resemblance to our community or situation.” “The case studies show us that this project is unprecedented,” said Martin Webb, KVMR Radio Host and four-time business owner. “RDN identified three mines that were similar, but none were a good match for our properties, home values or the sheer number of homes in close proximity to the mine.” “My opinion is that the Niehaus economic report contradicts itself, relies on questionable assumptions and methodologies (they discounted all realtors opinions) in order to arrive at a misleading and faulty conclusion, said Charlie Brock, Nevada County Realtor for 54 years. In my opinion, the reopening of the Idaho-Maryland Mine will have an immediate, long-term, detrimental effect on real estate values in Western Nevada County.” “The Economic Study failed to implement accepted appraisal methodology that has clearly led to an unsubstantiated conclusion of 'no impact' on value.” “A carefully devised market study that includes comparison of controlled market comparative data and comparative data truly proximal to similarly operating mines -- each being subject to the same market conditions (at the same point in time) -- might have led to a much different conclusion.” Daniel Ketcham, SRA, MAI, SR/WA Designated Member Appraisal Institute & International Right of Way Association, Certified General Appraiser - California (read by Charlie Brock in live presentation). MORE EXCELLENT CONTENT ON ECONOMICS Economics is a hot topic. See the long list of outstanding opinion pieces in our library. COUNTY INFORMATION View the County's main information page Read the report (PDF) Watch the recording of the County's webinar (Register to watch) View the slides from the County's webinar (PDF)

SAve the date All hands on deck! Join us at the County's Public Hearing for the Idaho-Maryland Mine. If you attend one meeting this year, let this be the one! ACTION ALERT! Send A Letter! The d ecision is coming soon. It’s time to tell the County to Just Say No to the Idaho-Maryland Mine! ​ Even if you' ve written a letter before, please write a new one. Our handy new online letter-writing tool makes it quick and easy. Read the latest news. ​ ​ ​ Save the Dates The County has announced the final public hearing . Join the fun! Dress up, or just come. February 10. Learn more March with us in the Parade! FINAL HEARING Hearing hours extended to 7pm on Thursday! This is it! Your last chance to speak up. Help us show Supervisors this community’s fierce opposition to the mine. ​ Get the details ACTION ALERT! TO THE IDAHO-MARYLAND MINE SAve the date All hands on deck! ​ Join us at the Public Hearing. If you attend one meeting this year, let this be the one! Send A Letter! The decision is coming soon. ​ Use our letter- writing tool to make quick work of sending a letter to decision makers. ACTION ALERT! TO THE IDAHO-MARYLAND MINE SAve the date All hands on deck! Join us at the Public Hearing. If you attend one meeting this year, let this be the one! Learn more The decision is coming soon. ​ ​ U se our letter- writing tool to make quick work of sending a letter to decision makers. Send A Letter! ACTION ALERT! ​ ​ Let's Finish This! W e’re asking County Supervisors to say NO to vested rights during the December hearing, then schedule a final vote on the project without further delay. Sign The Letter! SAve the date We Need A Strong Showing! Join us at the Public Hearing. Supervisors will review Rise's absurd petition for vested rights. Learn more Double your dollars! Donate ​ ​ Donate by November 10 to help us take full advantage of the matching fund pledged by generous supporters. All donations are tax-deductible. TO THE IDAHO-MARYLAND MINE TAKE ACTION! Add your name to a letter asking Nevada County Supervisors to say NO to Rise Gold's outrageous petition for vested rights and schedule a final vote on the mine as quickly as possible. Sign The Letter Learn more Thank you Nevada County Planning Commissioners for your unanimous vote to Just Say No to the Idaho-Maryland Mine! Your diligence and patience in listening to community concerns is deeply appreciated. We hope the Board of Supervisors will accept your recommendation in August. The MineWatch Community ACTION ALERT! Tomorrow is the day! Please join us at the Public Hearing on December 13th. We Need A Strong Showing! Supervisors will review Rise's absurd petition for vested rights. ​ Learn more TOGETHER, WE're STOPPing THE MINE! In a final public hearing on February 16, 2024, the Nevada County Board of Supervisors said NO to reopening the Idaho-Maryland Mine. Thank you Nevada County! And thank you to the thousands of residents, hundreds of businesses, and dozens of groups who came together to oppose this project! Learn more. ​ PLEASE send an email to say thank you to the Supervisors for their courageous decision! bdofsupervisors@nevadacountyca.gov understand the process The approval process for the mine is regulated by California's Environment Quality Act (CEQA), making the whole effort a marathon, not a sprint. Here is a quick view of major milestones. For a detailed timeline, visit the Nevada County project page . July 2020 Jan thru Apr 2022 Thru End of 2022 Notice of Preparation open for Community Review Draft Environmental Impact Report open for Community Review County Reviews Community Comments - Will likely recirculate the Draft Environmental Impact Report 2023 Nevada County Board of Supervisors makes a Decision County economic impact report released - Public Meeting December 15 WE ARE HERE Learn how to help Listen to retired Capital Planner, Paul Schwartz, explain the timeline, process, and decision points for the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR). The County is required to produce an environmental report per the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). His DEIR Explainer presentation begins at 18:00 minutes >>> ​ View Nevada County's detailed project timeline chart here . Need quick access to our best links for sharing or next-step actions? Get a list of our favorites.

action KIT Need quick access to our best links for sharing or next-step actions? Here's a list of our favorites. MineWatch Website www.MineWatchNC.org Subscribe to the MineWatch newsletter https://www.minewatchnc.org/subscribe Donate to support the cause https://www.cea-nc.org/donate/ ​ Send comments to the Nevada County Board of Supervisors Use our online letter writing tool to quickly compose and send a message. https://www.minewatchnc.org/send-a-letter Look at our writing kit for inspiration, facts, or tips about how to write your letter https://www.minewatchnc.org/writing-kit Write your own email and send it directly to the supervisors bdofsupervisors@nevadacountyca.gov Make a bigger impact by getting your comments read out loud at bi-weekly ​Board of Supervisor meetings https://www.minewatchnc.org/post/comment-at-board-of-supervisors-meetings Send by mail Nevada County Board of Supervisor, 950 Maidu Ave. Nevada City, CA 95959 Heidi Hall , Supervisor District 1 Heidi.Hall@nevadacountyca.gov District 1 includes Nevada City and the unincorporated areas of Banner Mountain, Cascade Shores, Deer Creek, and the Highway 174 corridor. Ed Scofield , Supervisor District 2 Ed.Scofield@nevadacountyca.gov District 2 includes the communities of Alta Sierra, Lake of the Pines, and unincorporated areas along Highway 49. Lisa Swarthout, Supervisor District 3, Lisa.Swarthout@nevadacountyca.gov District 3 includes the City of Grass Valley, Cedar Ridge, the Brunswick Basin, Squirrel Creek, and unincorporated areas along Highways 49 and 20. Susan Hoek , Supervisor District 4 Sue.Hoek@nevadacountyca.gov District 4 includes the communities of Penn Valley, North San Juan, Rough & Ready, Lake Wildwood, Spenceville, and unincorporated areas along Highways 20 and 49. Hardy Bullock , Supervisor District 5 Hardy.Bullock@nevadacountyca.gov District 5 includes the Town of Truckee, and the communities of Soda Springs, Washington, Graniteville, Hirschdale, Boca, Floriston, and unincorporated areas along Highways 49, 20, 89, and Interstate 80. Get a free "Stop the Idaho Maryland Mine" pin Send an email with your mailing address to: register@cea-nc.org Get a yard sign Send an email to nominesigns@cea-nc.org ($10 suggested donation) ​ ​ Join our Facebook members group https://www.facebook.com/groups/593387024717920 Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/minewatchnc/ Join our NextDoor group https://nextdoor.com/g/fv9o8hl6v/ Learn about upcoming events https://www.minewatchnc.org/events Ask questions mineconcerns@cea-nc.org View Maps https://www.minewatchnc.org/post/idaho-maryland-mine-mineral-rights-map Learn the talking points https://www.minewatchnc.org/writing-kit Find articles, videos, meeting recordings and more Library - https://www.minewatchnc.org/blog Advanced Search - https://www.minewatchnc.org/search-results Understand the Project Timeline https://www.minewatchnc.org/post/understanding-the-process-timeline Get handout materials for tabling or canvassing activities Send an email to mineconcerns@cea-nc.org ​ become a minewatcher Join our newsletter for updates and monthly meeting invitations. Subscribe

WRITING KIT Looking for inspiration or facts to help you create a stronger comment letter? Here's a collection of resources that can help. Key Resources Why Say No - General Talking Points - Read a one page summary of the key reasons to say no to the Idaho-Maryland Mine. CEA Foundation / MineWatch Final EIR Talking Points - Get more d eta iled summary arguments for why the County should deny the F EIR and the whole project. CEA Foundation | MineWatc h How to Comment on the FEIR (pdf) For people who submitted DEIR comments or want technical guidance. CEA Foundation | MineWatch Supporting Resources Inconsistencies with County General Plan Goals and Policies CEA Foundation Legal Background Supporting Denial of FEIR Certification and Project CEA Foundation | Prepared by attorneys Shute, Mihaly, and Weinbe rger Wells Packet of c omments by Wells Coalition, CEA Foundation & San Juan Ridge Taxpayers Association Mine Waste Mine Waste and Water Impacts Public comment by CEA Foundation Mine Waste and Air Impacts (Asbestos) Public comment by CEA Foundation Centen nial Site Public comment by CEA Foundation Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG) Public comment by CEA Foundation Economic Impact Report Community Review MineWatch website Community Opposition MineWatch website Additional Resources MineWatch website art icle & op-ed library ​ Got questions? Contact mineconcerns@cea-nc.org ​ This kit is designed to collect guidance documents and key arguments against the mine in the weeks before the County makes a decision. M ore content will be added as it becomes available. become a minewatcher Join our newsletter for updates and monthly meeting invitations. Subscribe