Eagle Nest Mine Reclamation Amendment Project (PLN24-00384)

The Eagle Nest Mine Reclamation Amendment Project (PLN24-00384) is an approved amendment to the Eagle's Nest Mine Reclamation Plan (PMPBT20050399) located in Foresthill, Placer County, California. Proposed by Ian Merkel of Eagle's Nest Mining, LLC, the project supports the expansion of underground workings for the Red Ink Maid and Big Seam Mines. The scope of work includes the addition of a one-acre dump site and the extension of an existing roadway to provide emergency access to an underground exit portal. Reclamation efforts will involve installing tree wells on the new dump site and removing the extended roadway to replant the area with native vegetation. The project was approved by the Planning Commission on October 30, 2025, following a Mitigated Negative Declaration under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The project is subject to rigorous environmental and regulatory oversight, including a Mitigation Monitoring Plan, a Fire Prevention and Control Plan, and compliance with the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board's Waste Discharge Requirements and Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan. Inspections are conducted annually by Placer County's division of Engineering and Surveying, with specific focus on Hilfiker walls and road widening compliance. The project is expected to remain active until an anticipated closure date of December 21, 2038. Administrative lead is provided by Placer County, with Meghan Schwartz serving as the primary county contact.