California became a state because of its mineral wealth. People from around the world flocked to the gold fields of central California and turned over the earth in the promise of riches to come. Small towns sprouted up and a continuous stream of people flowed into the state. The gold rush lasted a few years and, what had been a geographically isolated area on the west coast of North America, was suddenly home to 300,000 residents.
Department of Conservation
On August 3 2012, the Department of Conservation (DOC) released the New Amendments to the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act.
The document may be viewed here: DOC SMARA.