Salmon-Challis National Forest

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Challis - Yankee Fork Ranger District

Panning for Gold

Introduction

Most gold bearing gravels have been "worked" many times the last century. Although there may still be a little "color" left, the chance of striking it "rich" is slim. Still, to many people, searching for that big gold deposit is serious business. For others, it is simply an enjoyable recreational experience during the family vacation. Whatever your expectations, you need to be aware of the rules of the game.

Lands open to prospecting:

Most of the National Forests in the western states are open to prospecting and mining, including panning for gold. However, it is important that you recognize the following: First, within the boundaries of most National Forests there is a considerable amount of privately owned land. These private lands are not open to prospecting or mining without the owners' permission. National Forest visitor maps, for sale at all Forest Service offices, show the general location of these privately owned tracts. Secondly, some areas of the National Forests are not available for prospecting and mining, including panning for gold. The local District Ranger's office can provide information about these specific areas. And lastly, the more easily found mineral deposits have already been discovered and "claimed" by other prospectors. Entering onto these claims for the purpose of prospecting or removing any mineral is "claim jumping" or trespassing.

Before you begin prospecting, you should check the local county records for any claims in the area in which you are interested. Then, you should check the area on the ground for any evidence of a claim that may have been staked recently.

Regulations governing prospecting and mining in the national forests:

Anyone proposing to conduct operations that might cause a disturbance of surface resources on the National Forests must file a "Notice of Intent" with-the local District Ranger. The District Ranger then has 15 days to determine whether or not the proposed operations will likely cause a "significant" disturbance of the surface. If he determines that a significant disturbance is likely, the operator will be required to prepare a plan of operations, which includes provisions for the protection, and rehabilitation of the surface resources.

A "Notice of Intent" is not needed to simply "pan" for gold when it will not cause significant surface disturbance. However, a "Notice of Intent" is required for any operations that will involve the cutting of trees or the use of mechanical earth moving equipment. When the "Notice of Intent" is filed, the local District Ranger will be able to advise you of any permits, which may be required by local, state, or other federal agencies.

State laws governing use of suction dredges and other equipment in rivers and streams may vary. The local District Ranger can help you obtain information on such laws.

Where to obtain more information:

Mining in National Forests (CI-14)-Contains the full text of the regulations for National Forest surface use under U.S. mining laws. Available at most Forest Service offices or a copy can be obtained from one of the offices listed on the back of tills brochure.

Staking a Mining Claim on Federal Lands (IS #270, revised 7/79)-Contains general information about staking and filing mining claims. Available at most Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management offices, or write: U.S. Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Washington, D.C., 20240.

Regulations pertaining lo Mining Claims Under the General Mining Laws bf 1872 (Circular No. 2289)-Contains the full text of the regulations pertaining to mining claims under the General Mining Laws. Available from the U.S. Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Washington, D.C., 20240.

Regulations pertaining to: Recordation of Un-patented Mining Claims (Circular No. 2444-A)-Contains the full text of regulations regarding the recording of mining claims with the Bureau of Land Management. Available from the U.S. Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Washington, D.C., 20240.

Patenting a Mining Claim on Federal Lands (IS //4-70)-Contains information on how to file an application for a mineral patent. Available from the U.S. Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Washington, D.C. , 20240.