ID H0372

Requires operators to submit exploration and reclamation plans and bonds not exceeding $750 per affected acre prior to motorized exploration on state lands, with bonds covering estimated reasonable reclamation costs plus 10%.

Establishes a $2,500 per-acre bond cap for exploration reclamation, with exceptions only when the board determines the higher bond is necessary, provides written notice to the operator, and conducts a hearing where the operator may testify.

Mandates operator compliance with the dredge and placer mining act and surface mining act where applicable, and requires the board to approve exploration plans within 60 days or the plan is deemed approved if weather permits.

Specifies that upon completion of reclamation activities, the board must notify the operator within 30 days whether reclamation was satisfactory and release the bond accordingly, with provisions to extend deadlines by up to 30 days due to weather conditions.

Allows operators to appeal board decisions to reject exploration plans or refuse bond release, and clarifies that suction dredges with intake diameters of 2 inches or less in perennial streams and 5 inches or less in navigable rivers are considered casual exploration.