Miner Accused of Illegal Operation

A southern Oregon man is in federal court facing criminal charges for allegedly mining illegally on public lands. This is the second time he's been charged. Clifford Tracy has already been convicted once for illegal mining back in 2009 and once again he's in a federal court facing similar charges. The Gold Hill resident is being charged for allegedly mining without meeting federal regulations in an area home to endangered species like the Spotted Owl, and Coho Salmon.Court documents allege Tracy was responsible for removing the forest, and causing sediment discharge that was observed a mile and half down stream.In an earlier case he was convicted for mining illegally along Sucker Creek. Tracy was ordered to pay land restoration cost in that case but taxpayers had to pick up the tab for a little over twenty-thousand dollars after he filed bankruptcy.