Just wondering what everyone here on GPS thinks if it is legal or not to Dry Land Dredge here in Ca. this year? I'm getting conflicting reports from friends and from what I read on the internet. I don't want to end up getting fined or equipment consficated. Do you need to file a Notice of intent to mine? Do you need a plan of operations?If you are dry land dredging within 100 yards of the existing stream, will you be ticketed. It seems to me that there are so many issues that needto be clairfied? All opinions and factual evidence is most welcome.
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I've also heard that just pumping water out of the stream with your pump and footvalve could be considered a suction device ? I don't think that is true, but I'm throwing these thoughts out there to get some clairfications on this issue. I so badly want to find some sort of productive way to mine this summer!
I haven't come across anything that would prevent you from pumping water out of a stream.
The catch would be that you NOT be drawing material from the stream. Is dipping your cup into the water for a drink concidered a gravity type of suction devise? I take water from one of the side streams for use at my cabin. I seriously doubt that I am in violation there. I'm not sure of the ramifications concerning water rights of those down stream, ya know, depleting the supply so to speak. I would believe that we have some water rights, being claim owners.
I feel your pain Bro, not many choices left to us.
Concider this, if you run a power sluice, are you in violation because you are sucking the water up to run your sluice? I think not! The issue, as I understand it, is that "dredging/sucking" material from the stream is what is prohibited.
Well, that's my nickles worth. LOL
booming,or using a suction device powered by a pump,300 ft. or further from an active stream or river ,or lake,is perfectly legal.i was at the dredge ban eir scoping meeting in redding ca.this subject was discussed,and questions answered by mark stopher.who is the quack that answers directly to the director of ca. fish and game.dont take my word for it,or any other third hand info source.read the regs online,call dfg,blm,etc.booming not a mystery to them,all agree legal practice provided:discharge does not directly re-enter the live watercourse,minimal surface impact on public,er i mean gov lands(so stack the big rocks,use them to refill the hole when done)as for pumping water for this op,no problem.was never illegal,except in areas closed to motorised equipment.will be posting some pics here,showing my version of this legal low impact activity.this winter probably.after the new regs have been firmed up.doubt that booming will become a common practice,not many possess the equipment needed for this.imagine mining hundreds of feet away from the pump(s).better rig the footvalve so you dont lose prime.cuz it takes a good pump to do it.luck all.
Andrew thanks for the info!
Next question, on your valid mining claim or mine.
Would you have to provide the FS with a Notice of intent to mine or Plan of Operations to Power sluice or Boom?
.....after all,........
what the heck is a "recirculating sluice/high banker"?
It sho ain't no dredge!
All ya need is some water to recirculate.
How do ya get it?
Ya get it, by pumping it to a holding tank.
( ...and why not pump the water from the tank, while you are pumpin' water in?
Ya sho ain't dredgin' within 300' of an active stream. )
What happens after the water is contained in the tank, should be a different issue, right?
Wanna buy a water truck? LOL
I got one for sale!
4700 gals., that ought ta keep ya busy. LOL
Scott, Try asking Chip Hess one of our new members he owns the local prospecting shop here in Redding just talked to him last saturday and he is quite up on that ruling and the info he gave me was green light as long as your 300 foot from a waterway and not draining back in to it.
If you need a nozzel built for dry land dredging. Check out Chucks site. I think they have a link here. If not just search midwestprospector. It's called the Hydro Force Nozzel. And he has 4 different sizes.I have one and they work awsome. He also has vidio of it in action. I'm going to use one this year on my claim in Ca.
Replies
The catch would be that you NOT be drawing material from the stream. Is dipping your cup into the water for a drink concidered a gravity type of suction devise? I take water from one of the side streams for use at my cabin. I seriously doubt that I am in violation there. I'm not sure of the ramifications concerning water rights of those down stream, ya know, depleting the supply so to speak. I would believe that we have some water rights, being claim owners.
I feel your pain Bro, not many choices left to us.
Concider this, if you run a power sluice, are you in violation because you are sucking the water up to run your sluice? I think not! The issue, as I understand it, is that "dredging/sucking" material from the stream is what is prohibited.
Well, that's my nickles worth. LOL
Next question, on your valid mining claim or mine.
Would you have to provide the FS with a Notice of intent to mine or Plan of Operations to Power sluice or Boom?
what the heck is a "recirculating sluice/high banker"?
It sho ain't no dredge!
All ya need is some water to recirculate.
How do ya get it?
Ya get it, by pumping it to a holding tank.
( ...and why not pump the water from the tank, while you are pumpin' water in?
Ya sho ain't dredgin' within 300' of an active stream. )
What happens after the water is contained in the tank, should be a different issue, right?
Wanna buy a water truck? LOL
I got one for sale!
4700 gals., that ought ta keep ya busy. LOL