RECREATIONAL GOLD PANNING
ON THE MONONGAHELA NATIONAL FOREST
Although the Forest has neither geologic setting nor history for gold, recreational or non-commercial panning for gold is allowed on the Monongahela National Forest.
You need to be sure that you are on National Forest System land when recreational panning for gold*. Maps showing National Forest land are available for review and sale at
Monongahela National Forest offices during weekday business hours, generally 8 am-4:30 pm.
For gold panning, adhere to the following guidelines, as well as, other state and federal laws:
1) Avoid the use of shovels/panning equipment in spawning areas of streams with native reproducing trout during the period October 1 to June 1. If you have a question as to whether a particular stream should be avoided during this time period, you should contact the Forest's aquatic staff, Mike Owen at (304)-636-1800, extension 203.
2) Collection of gold or other minerals is for personal enjoyment and cannot be sold for profit or commercial activities.
3) Avoid excavation of the stream banks and preserve the stream's existing flow pattern.
4) Sluice boxes and dredging or motorized equipment and metal detectors are prohibited. Shovels, pans, buckets, spoons, tweezers or similar small equipment is acceptable.
5) Remember that any metal, glass, or similar objects encountered may be historical artifacts protected by law and certain stone items may be prehistoric artifacts or invertebrate fossils protected by law. Avoid these areas containing such items and contact your nearest Forest Service Office to provide the description and location.
6) Do not drive behind closed gates or drive off road.
7) Pick up any litter that you have left behind and properly dispose of it.
8) Always be cautious with fire especially during the dry times of the year (Spring and Fall).
9) Keep this paper with you while recreational panning.
*10) Respect private property and get the landowner’s written permission, likewise, get owner permission in writing for reserved and outstanding minerals on National Forest System Lands also.
Enjoy a safe and fulfilling recreational experience on the Monongahela National Forest!
For questions or assistance, please call Monongahela National Forest, Supervisor’s Office at (304)-636-1800, 275, Will Wilson, Forest Geologist.
For gold panning, adhere to the following guidelines, as well as, other state and federal laws:
1) Avoid the use of shovels/panning equipment in spawning areas of streams with native reproducing trout during the period October 1 to June 1. If you have a question as to whether a particular stream should be avoided during this time period, you should contact the Forest's aquatic staff, Mike Owen at (304)-636-1800, extension 203.
2) Collection of gold or other minerals is for personal enjoyment and cannot be sold for profit or commercial activities.
3) Avoid excavation of the stream banks and preserve the stream's existing flow pattern.
4) Sluice boxes and dredging or motorized equipment and metal detectors are prohibited. Shovels, pans, buckets, spoons, tweezers or similar small equipment is acceptable.
5) Remember that any metal, glass, or similar objects encountered may be historical artifacts protected by law and certain stone items may be prehistoric artifacts or invertebrate fossils protected by law. Avoid these areas containing such items and contact your nearest Forest Service Office to provide the description and location.
6) Do not drive behind closed gates or drive off road.
7) Pick up any litter that you have left behind and properly dispose of it.
8) Always be cautious with fire especially during the dry times of the year (Spring and Fall).
9) Keep this paper with you while recreational panning.
*10) Respect private property and get the landowner’s written permission, likewise, get owner permission in writing for reserved and outstanding minerals on National Forest System Lands also.
Enjoy a safe and fulfilling recreational experience on the Monongahela National Forest!
For questions or assistance, please call Monongahela National Forest, Supervisor’s Office at (304)-636-1800, 275, Will Wilson, Forest Geologist.
Replies
you are welcome joe thanks for makeing this happen