Tuolumne County Supervisors Approve Ball Mill Donation

Sonora, Ca — By a 4-1 vote, the Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors granted conceptual approval to accept the donation of a ball mill from the Eagle Shawmut Mine area, and authorizing its placement on a portion of the County´s property in Big Oak Flat.

A group of residents, including Supervisor Mark Thornton, have been leading an effort to return the relic from its current location in Pollardville, back to Tuolumne County. The mill originally sat in the town of Jacksonville, an area that is now buried beneath the waters of Lake Don Pedro. Years ago, the mill was moved to the Pollardville Ghost Town theme park, which is now set for demolition.

Supporters are planning to raise private donations to fund the project. The hope is to have it working and operational within a few years. The ball mill proposal must still go before the County Historic Preservation Review Commission, and have a CEQA review. Today´s lone vote against was from Supervisor Liz Bass.

Written by BJ Hansen