The following information must be taken in context to our existing situation (being challenged in court) that California has eliminated our use of mechanized gear to prospect for gold:

We have a very good working relationship with the local Department of Fish and Game and Forest Service Rangers. Please treat these people with politeness and respect. Keep in mind you are reflecting an image of the entire Club when you deal with them and the other local people.

Our members enjoy a great deal of privilege and freedom to operate on our claims. This is because we are a well organized and ethical group. We will be able to continue this as long as all of us conduct ourselves in a responsible manner.

These are among the operation guidelines which we have agreed to with the local agencies. They are very reasonable. This is a general outline. It does not include every single thing a person cannot do. It covers many of the main point’s members and guests should know about. It is up to each individual to keep informed. Important new information is posted on the Club bulletin board at headquarter offices, and on our web site.

Any member, or anyone else conducting mining operations on the forest that is not within these guidelines, is not included as part of our agreement with the U.S. Forest Service, and must negotiate their own program as a separate activity.

SURFACE MINING GUIDELINES:

  1. Dry mining activities are allowed to the high water line. This is where the line of permanent vegitation (trees) begins.
  2. No hose larger than 3/4 of an inch (garden hose) shall be used to clean bedrock cracks outside of the active waterway.
  3. Our understanding is that a dredging permit is not required to use the suction assembly of a concentrator when working up on the bank well above and away from the existing waterway. However, if a sluice box is attached to the suction assembly, the device is classed as a “suction dredge” by the California regulations, and cannot be within 100 yards of an active waterway.
  4. When using water up on the bank, you must prevent water runoff to erode the bank away. If you are not sure if you are operating within acceptable guidelines, ask for assistance from Club management or the local Fish and Game representative. Play it safe!
  5. No amounts of sand, silt, gravel or other materials may be washed from (using water from a pump) the bank into the active waterway.
  6. No surface mining activity is allowed that will erode or damage the existing bank of the waterway or cause a widening of the existing waterline.
  7. Vegetation along the edge of an active waterway may not be removed, except to make a path or clear a little room for equipment and mobility where absolutely necessary. Vegetation which creates shade on the edge of the waterway cannot be removed to facilitate mining activities.
  8. Sample holes should not be excessive in size. The hole should be filled in with cobbles and tailings as it is moved in any direction, to avoid allowing the hole to become excessive in size.
  9. All sample holes must be filled in when you have completed your prospecting activity. This means that cobbles should be moved back into the hole, and tailings should be shoveled back on top of the cobbles.
  10. To avoid washing sand, silt or gravel into the active waterway, natural contours of the area out of the water can be used to slow or contain the water to allow setament to drop out.
  11. Anyone wishing to operate in excess of these rules may require consultation with the U.S. Forest Service and/or Department of Fish and Game.
   

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