Letter: Public lands lawsuit now in the courts

Dear Editor:

A lawsuit has been filed in a court in California.

The U.S. Forest Service has been charged with numerous violations of many laws and the plaintiffs are seeking damages as well.

Lucky for us, common people, we do have our rights under the U.S. Constitution. In this case, it has to do with the Fifth Amendment, which does allow government to take people’s property. The government is also required to pay fair market value for the property.

Much of the lawsuit has to do with the illegal road closures, which have the effect of banning the public from the public lands.

Damages may be set and awarded by the court and could cost the taxpayers huge amounts of money.

Public Lands for the People (PLP) is bringing this suit for the plaintiffs. Any mining claim people who are interested can give me a call at 295-4807.

Bill Rankin

Troy