By Brian Schiedel

PORTLAND, Ore. -- A Gold Hill man has been convicted of running an illegal mining claim within the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, and more are also facing similar charges.

Clifford Tracy, 37, will serve one year of probation, in addition to the 12 days he already spent in jail for refusing to stop his unauthorized mining. The government has requested a permanent order to bar Tracy from any mining activity unless he is complies with all federal regulations and a damage award of over $30,000.

In addition to Tracy's conviction, seven others in four separate cases face similar charges of maintaining, occupying and using residences in the National Forest in both eastern and southern Oregon.

Of those seven defendants, Michael and Linda Backlund are charged with unlawfully maintaining a residence in the Umpqua National Forest, Cottage Grove Ranger District. If convicted, the Backlunds each face up to six months in prison and a fine of $5,000.

The other five defendants in these cases also face similar punishment if convicted for the alleged crimes.

The new cases are part of acting US Attorney Kent S. Robinson's initiative to combat unlawful occupancy and mining operations on public land in Oregon.