June Quill 2011

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june

quill THE

PROSPECTOR’S

official publication of The Gold Prospectors of Colorado volume 38 no.6 PO Box 1593, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80901

insidePresident’s Letter continued! 2Contacts! 2June Calendar! 3Significant Disturbance! 4Plan of Operations! 4What Can’t be Collected! 5Rockhounding Royal Gorge! 6Grand Junction BLM Rules! 7Metal Detecting on USDAFS! 8Prospecting CO Parks ! 9Prospecting the Internet! 10Accessing Private Lands! 10State Lands! 11Prospecting Card! 12Interfering With a Ranger! 12Protect Your Privacy! 12Elephant Rock! 13Membership Meeting! 13

www.gpoc.com

Fellow Prospectors; 

         May has most certainly been an interesting month to say  the least. We started out with freezing  cold rain, record snow falls in the mountains, and its still acting wintry out there, enough to  where we will skip  spring all together.        The snow in the mountains will make for high volume water on our creeks and rivers. The nights will be cold and the roads tricky. Mother Nature will turn lots of gold over for us in the next few weeks.     On Motherʼs Day weekend we held our “Letʼs Go Gold Panning” days at Woody's claims. We had a wonderful turn out with about 80 people on

Saturday and maybe 50 on Sunday. We did discover that as Mr. Woody has tried to explain to us for years, that the gold is better up top where the river ran for millions of years verses where it is now. The Railroad and old stage coach road as well as the Arkansas now share the narrow part of the canyon.     On May 14th and 15th we went out to Paul Harloffs who so graciously volunteered his workshop. Members worked on building new troughs and saw horses in the warmth of a pot belly stove which helped to dry the new paint and keep us all warm.

continued on page 2

34th

“Let’s Go Gold Panning Days”

2011

GPOC The Prospector’s Quill Vol. 38 No.6 WE ARE ELECTRONIC at www.gpoc.com 2

PresidentBen Higley [email protected]

Vice PresidentWayne Wittkopp [email protected]

SecretaryElise Pearce [email protected]

TreasurerBill Smith [email protected]

WebmasterStacey Smith [email protected]

EditorLin [email protected]

Contact Info for all club activitiesBob Hale (719)213-3383

[email protected]

ClaimsMarty [email protected]

Trustees

One YearGary Beaderstadt

Two YearDiane Anderson

Three YearJim Blakenship

GPOC contacts

Gold Prospectors of ColoradoP.O. Box 1593

Colorado Springs, Colorado 80901

The Prospector’s Quill is the official newsletter of the Gold Prospectors of Colorado. The opinions are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the club or its members. The editor, club, officers, and contributors do not assume any liability for damages resulting from use of information in the Prospector’s Quill. Articles of interest are welcomed. All articles submitted for publication are subject to editing.

Submission of articles must be received before the 20th of the month. Unless noted, non-profits may reprint or quote from articles, provided credit is given to the author’s and publication and a copy of the newsletter the article appears in is sent to the editor of The Prospectorʼs Quill at PO Box 1593, CS CO 80913. All pictures are the property of the photographer and are not to be copied or reproduced.

The information provided in the Quill is as accurate as possible. I want to thank you in advance for pointing out my mistakes! However, it is YOUR

responsibility to research resources and make sure that you are in compliance with all laws and

regulations, as well as following the GPOC CODE of ETHICS.

The GPOC is a 501(c) charitable organization

www.gpoc.com

President’s Letter    Our last general membership meeting was a speech by Larry Weilnau on metal detecting in which he helped us to understand the finer aspects of detecting and how to get started. Larry will  schedule an outing at the mining museum to do an obstacle course to help us learn to identify targets.         On June 11th and 12th we will be having an outing out on Prospector 1 and Prospector 2

where we will provide Long Toms with demonstrations and hands on experience for our members to utilize.        These claims have never been mined or worked and again like Woody's the gold is bigger and more abundant up above the road. We will be doing some exploratory work as well. The easiest way to those claims is over the Howard bridge on CR4 across from the Fire Station..........Yes, cars will make it.        Shows this month are going to be June 18th and 19th in Breckenridge, Colorado for Kingdom Days, where we will have our gold panning demonstrations setup in the Blue River Plaza. For our volunteers we have sleeping accommodations for members that are working the show for two days. The condos provided by the township are a set amount of beds and we need people to make reservations with Elise Pearce at  secretary@gpoc,com  so we know how many to expect.         June 24th, 25th,and 26th is the Rocky Mountain Gem and Mineral Show at the Western Museum of Mining and Industry on the North end of Colorado Springs, Colorado. @ 225 North Gate Blvd and I-25.        July 2nd, 3rd, and 4th we will need volunteers for the  Frisco's Founders Day celebration held in the Historical Park. We will be doing gold panning demonstrations and again you need to contact [email protected] for room reservations.     July 13th, 14th, 15th and 16th is the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo at the Norris Penrose rodeo grounds on Lower Gold Camp Road west of 8th Street, in Colorado Springs, Colorado.        July 30th and 31st is our Burro Days show in Fairplay, Colorado. We shall also have a simultaneous outing on Beaver Creek on that same weekend. For the people that volunteer for that show I will show them where the gold is hiding and how the glaciations deposited the placers over 5 million years ago in the Beaver Creek area.     Folks, this year is already very exciting and we as a Board invite all to participate in our events. We offer a warm welcome to our new members into our family. The interaction in this organization is one  that you will remember as you and hundreds of your new friends share a common interest and fellowship venturing into the mountains  camping and prospecting along the rivers and streams.        May the good Lord bless your path with yellow stones...... Heavy ones.     Your President and public servant,   Big Ben

Prospector’s Quill

EditorLin Smith

[email protected]

GPOC The Prospector’s Quill Vol. 38 No.6 WE ARE ELECTRONIC at www.gpoc.com 3

Junecalendar

For further information contact:Bob Hale (719) 213-3383www.gpoc.com

Please refer to the information below for further events

Claims Committee MeetingThere will be no formal claim meeting during the summer.

Beaver Creek claims will not be open until June 16th dependent upon the weather and road conditions. The Forest Service will not be opening the gate until then.

meetings events events eventsJunecalendar

For further information contact:Bob Hale (719) 213-3383www.gpoc.com

Please refer to the information below for further events

Claims Committee MeetingThere will be no formal claim meeting during the summer.

Beaver Creek claims will not be open until June 16th dependent upon the weather and road conditions. The Forest Service will not be opening the gate until then.

2nd

Board MeetingGold Hill Police Station

7:00 PM

955 Moreno Avenue, CS, [email protected]

11th

National Get Outdoors DayFriends of Dinosaur Ridge10 AM-2:30 PMMorrison Dinosaur Ridge16831 West Alameda Parkway Morrison,COhttp://www.getoutdoorscolorado.org/

24th-25th-26thRocky Mountain Federation of Mineralogical SocietiesBest Western Academy Hotel8110 N. Academy Blvd., CS, CO

3rd Annual Rock Fair & 48th Annual Pikes Peak Gem & Mineral Show

Western Museum of Mining & Industry 225 N. Gate Blvd.CS, CO$5 adults $2 children

Volunteers needed to help with GPOC gold demonstrations at the WMMI

Junecalendar

For further information contact:Bob Hale (719) 213-3383www.gpoc.com

Please refer to the information below for further events

Claims Committee MeetingThere will be no formal claim meeting during the summer.

Beaver Creek claims will not be open until June 16th dependent upon the weather and road conditions. The Forest Service will not be opening the gate until then.

8thGeneral Membership Meeting“Treasures of The Cripple Creek Mining District”

GPOCʼs Prospectorʼs Store will be available

7:00 PM3400 N.Nevada CS, CO

11th-12th

GPOC Long Tom Outing

Prospector 1 & 2 GPOC ClaimsHoward bridge on CR4Demonstrations and Learning about Long Tomʼs

24th-25th-26thRocky Mountain Federation of Mineralogical SocietiesBest Western Academy Hotel8110 N. Academy Blvd., CS, CO

3rd Annual Rock Fair & 48th Annual Pikes Peak Gem & Mineral Show

Western Museum of Mining & Industry 225 N. Gate Blvd.CS, CO$5 adults $2 children

Volunteers needed to help with GPOC gold demonstrations at the WMMI

GPOC Summer Events

July 2nd, 3rd, 4th # Founderʼs Day, Frisco, ColoradoJuly 13th,14th,15th # Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo, CS, COJuly 30th, 31st # Burro Days, Fairplay, ColoradoAugust 5th,6th,7th,# Gold Panning Championships, CS, COSept. 16th, 17th, 18th Denver Gem & Mineral Show, Denver, CO

 28th Annual Howard Chili Cook-Off June 4th & 5th

 Howard Volunteer Fire Department hosts the Howard Chili Cook-off. http://www.howardvfd.org/Chili%20Cookoff.html

June 16th Beaver Creek Claims Road Opens Weather Permitting

June 21stThe Bureau of Land Management (BLM), in conjunction with other agencies within the Department of the Interior, will waive recreation-related fees for visitors to the National System of Public Lands on the first day of summer, June 21. Also applies to areas managed within the BLMʼs National Landscape Conservation System.

Washington Gold and Silver Mine Tour Breckenridge, COExperience the underground mining era in Summit County. Where: From Main Street, turn left on Boreas Pass Road Turn right on Illinois Gulch Road (CR 518). The mine is on the left. http://www.gobreck.com/events/town-events/kingdom-days

Lomax Placer Mine Breckenridge, COExperience Breckenridgeʼs early hydraulic mining days.

Where: From Main Street, turn west on Ski Hill Road, .3 miles to Lomax Mine on left 1:00 p.m. & 3:00 p.m. 970.453.9767 http://www.gobreck.com/events/town-events/kingdom-days

Summer Rock Shows in ColoradoJune 23rd, 24th, 25th Rocky Mountain Federation of Mineralogical SocietiesIndoor show including dealers, exhibits, demonstrations and competitive cases. Best Western Academy Hotel 8110 N. Academy Blvd. CS, COJune 23rd, 24th, 25th Rock Fair Western Museum of Mining & IndustryVendor displays, demonstrations, rock-talks, etc. This is the only time of year we run the Yellow Jacket Stamp Mill - a site to see in itself! Don't miss this family friendly event with activities for all ages. Sponsored by Colorado Springs Mineralogical Society.

July 9-11 Durango, COFour Corners Gem & Mineral Club, La Plata County Fair Grounds, Friday/Sat 10-6, Sun 10-5; www.durangorocks.org.

GPOC State Gold Panning ChampionshipsAugust 5th, 6th,7th WMMI, CS, CO.

August 12-15 Buena Vista, CO“The Rock Show at Buena Vista: A CONTINental Divide TAILgate”

August 20-22 Lake George, COLake George Gem & Mineral Club, U.S. Hwy 24, 8am-5pm, free admission

18th-19thKingdom DaysBreckenridge, COBlue River Plaza on Main Street11:00 AM – 5:00 PMVolunteers needed for DemonstrationsSign-up for lodging required at: [email protected] Presidentʼs Letter for more information

16th-19th

New Belgium FIBArk Whitewater Festival

America's Oldest & Boldest Whitewater FestivalBegins: 5:00 AM Location: Riverside Park & Salida Boat Ramp Salida, COhttp://www.fibark.net/

A sign in Fairplay

GPOC The Prospector’s Quill Vol. 38 No.6 WE ARE ELECTRONIC at www.gpoc.com 4

Significant Disturbance

The term “significant disturbance” by the Federal Government is difficult to define even according to the government due to the large number of lands under their supervision and their diverse topography. Thus “significant” c o u l d b e w i d e - o p e n t o interpretation. “The term 'significantʼ as used in 36 CFR 228A is NOT used in the same way as under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The Preamble a lso e x p l a i n s t h e s t a n d a r d f o r determining significance under 36 CFR 228A. Any District Rangerʼs decision that a proposal “…will likely cause significant disturbance of surface resources…” must be(1.) demonstrably based on past experience, direct evidence, or sound scientific projection; that would (2.) lead the District Ranger to reasonably expect the proposed operation to result in impacts to National Forest System lands that would need to be avoided or mitigated by reclamation, bonding, t iming rest r ic t ions, or o ther measures to minimize adverse effects.”

§ 228.4     Plan of operations—notice of intent—requirements.(a) Except as provided in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, a notice of intent to operate is required from any person proposing to conduct operations which might cause significant disturbance of surface resources. Such notice of intent to operate shall be submitted to the District Ranger having jurisdiction over the area in which the operations will be conducted. Each notice of intent to operate shall provide information sufficient to identify the area involved, the nature of the proposed operations, the route of access to the area of operations, and the method of transport.(1) A notice of intent to operate is not required for:(i) Operations which will be limited to the use of vehicles on existing public roads or roads used and maintained for National Forest System purposes;(ii) Prospecting and sampling which will

not cause significant surface resource disturbance and will not involve removal of more than a reasonable amount of mineral deposit for analysis and study which generally might include searching for and occasionally removing small mineral samples or specimens, gold panning, metal detect ing, non-motor ized hand sluicing, using battery operated dry washers, and collecting of mineral specimens using hand tools;

E l e c t r o n i c C o d e o f F e d e r a l Regulations

Title 36: Parks, Forests, and Public Property

Definitions

Permit. A signed legal document between the Forest Service and one who is authorized to remove mineral materials free of charge, which specifies (among other things) the conditions of removal by the permittee.

P r o s p e c t i n g p e r m i t . A w r i t t e n instrument issued by the Forest Service which authorizes prospecting for a mineral material deposit on acquired National Forest lands within specific areas, under stipulated conditions, and for a specified period of time.

FSM 2800 - MINERALS AND GEOLOGYCHAPTER 2810 - MINING CLAIMSAmendment No.:  2800-2007-2Effective Date:  April 4, 2007Duration:  This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.

Congress passed the General Mining Law wh ich s ta ted tha t a l l un -appropriated lands were open to entry and purchase. In the ensuing  years it has been amended by acts of Congress and interpreted by countless court d e c i s i o n s b u t i s s t i l l l a r g e l y intact.  Currently, ores of metallic elements and uncommon varieties of non metallic deposits are covered under 43 CFR 3809. Mining claims are c lass ified and regu la ted under "locatable" minerals 43 CFR 3830, occupancy falls under 43 CFR 3715.

Arrastra Death Valley, California

For emergency assistance on Woody 1 & 2 claims as well as

Prospector 1 & 2 and Point Bar contact Arkansas Headwaters

Recreation Area Jon Jenkins AHRA Ranger, #5012 (719) 539-7289.

Ryolite, Nevada

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What Canʼt Be Collected On Public Lands

RockhoundingCol lec t ing sma l l , noncommerc ia l quantities of rock by rockhounds is allowed free of charge on lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Commercial collecting for the purpose of sale or barter is not allowed without special authorization. Rockhounds may use hand tools such as shovels and picks, but must not use explosives or power equipment for excavation.Rockhounds are welcome to collect limited amounts of rocks, minerals, and gemstones from most federal lands, but there are some exceptions. Some lands are withdrawn or reserved for certain purposes such as outstanding natural areas, research natural areas, recreation sites, national historic sites, etc. Other lands are not open to collecting due to the presence of mining claims. The local BLM offices can provide you with information about available collecting areas and those areas that are closed to rockhounding including any fire or vehicle use restrictions.

Historic Artifacts and FossilsThe Antiquities Act of 1906, the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1 9 7 6 , a n d t h e A r c h a e o l o g i c a l Resources Protection Act of 1979 prohibit the excavation, collection or destruct ion of any archaeological materials (including fossils) located on lands under federal jurisdiction. Leaf and invertebrate fossils may be collected on publ ic lands. Petroglyphs, human remains, dwellings, and artifacts of Native American cultures are protected by law.

Vertebrate FossilsVertebrate fossils are t h o s e w i t h b a c k b o n e s . Vertebrate fossils, such as dinosaurs, turtles, mammals and fish, cannot b e c o l l e c t e d f r o m p u b l i c lands except by permit only! These permits

are issued by the Secre ta ry o f the In te r io r

specifically to properly accredited museums, univers i t ies and other institutions or their representatives.

Indian Artifacts and RuinsAll historic and prehistoric remains found on public lands are protected by law. Report new or unusual finds (including human skeletal remains) to the nearest BLM office.Under no circumstances will artifacts of any kind, including arrowheads, points, feathers, whole or broken pots, stone tools, basketry, or even old bottles be distributed or removed from their location on public lands. Human remains, and all materials associated with human remains, may not be disturbed or removed from public lands. The commercial use, sale, or barter of human remains or artifacts of any kind taken from public lands is illegal and punishable by law.The Preservation of American Antiquities Act of 1906 provides for the protection of Indian ruins, stating that a person may not, without permission, "appropriate, excavate, injure, or destroy any historic or prehistoric ruin or monument, or any object on antiquity" on lands under Federal government control. Regulations implemented under the authority of The Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA) also prohibit disturbance of these resources (43 Code of Federal Regulations Part 8365.1-4(a)). Historic and archeological resources 50 years old or older are covered by these two laws.A more recent Federa l law, the Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 (ARPA), provides civil and cr iminal penalt ies for excavation, destruction, vandalism, or removal of archeological resources (historic and prehistoric) from public lands. Anything 10 years or older is covered by this law. Criminal penalties of up to $100,000 in fines and/or five years in prison are possible upon conviction. Civil and criminal damages may also be assessed, based on the value of the destroyed or stolen remains. ARPA provides for civil confiscation of vehicles and other personal property used to carry out the violation, and provides for payment of rewards for information leading to convictions.

MeteoritesIn the United States, meteorites are the property of the person upon whose land they are found. If a meteorite is found on federal lands, then government officials consider it to belong to the government and, under an interpretation of the 1906 "Antiquities Act," meteorites found on federal lands belong to the Smithsonian Institution.

Mining ClaimsRockhounding on mining claims is not advised without the mining claimant's consent because the claimant has a legal right to the minerals on the claim, including gemstones. Most mining claims can usually be identified in the field by claim posts or markers, but you should contact a local BLM office to find out which areas have mining claims. Also, it is illegal for a mining claimant to charge fees to the public for recreational use of a mining claim, such as rock collecting.Material such as agate, chert, jasper, petrified wood, obsidian, cinders and other volcanic products are generally not considered locatable under the 1872 Mining Law. Most commonly collected rocks and minerals are not subject to mining claim location even though people occasionally stake claims for these minerals anyway. The mere fact that some stones may be cut and polished does not give them a distinct or special value to make them locatable.

BLM Lands: Exploration and mining activities on mining claims on BLM administered land are subject to the regulations of the Secretary of the Interior in 43 CFR 3809 and for Wilderness Study Areas, 43 CFR 3802. These regulations r e q u i r e a n o p e r a t o r t o p r e v e n t unnecessary or undue degradation of the land. For activities other than casual use, they require the operator to submit either a notice or a plan of operations and a reclamation plan.Forest Service Lands: Exploration and mining activities on lands administered by the Forest Service are subject to the regulations of the Secretary of Agriculture in 36 CFR 228(A). These regulations require that anyone whose proposed operation could likely cause significant disturbance of surface resources must submit a plan of operations. Miners wishing to prospect or locate claims or sites in National Forests should contact the local Forest Service District Ranger concerning questions about operating plans.

GPOC The Prospector’s Quill Vol. 38 No.6 WE ARE ELECTRONIC at www.gpoc.com 6

Rock Hounding Royal Gorge BLM

Rock and fossil collection is allowed on public lands within the Royal Gorge Field Office (RGFO) with the exception of developed recreation sites, the Garden Park Fossil Area or where otherwise prohibited and posted.

Rocks, mineral specimens and semi-precious gemstones, petrified wood, and common invertebrate a n d p l a n t fossils may be collected o n p u b l i c lands without c h a r g e o r p e r m i t i n reasonable amounts as long as the specimens are for personal use and are not collected for sale or barter to commercial dealers. Collectors should note that there are some restrictions and a BLM permit may be required, depending on the amount of material you collect, how you collect it, where or when you collect, and whether the material will be used commercially.   Vertebrate fossils including dinosaurs, mammals, sharks, and fish, or any fossilized animal with a skeletal structure, c a n n o t b e c o l l e c t e d w i t h o u t a paleontology permit. These types of permits can be obtained from the BLM paleontologist in Grand Junction and are issued only to qualified museums and educational institutions with trained staff and repositories. There are several quality paleontology organizations in the area.   

Collection and removal cannot be aided with motorized or mechanized equipment including but not limited to: tractors, bulldozers, plows, power-shovels, semi-trailers or other heavy equipment is not authorized. Undue or unnecessary degradation of the public lands is not allowed during the removal of rocks, minerals, gemstones, or fossils. Many of the rock and gem clubs have a code of ethics regarding the collection of rocks, minerals, and fossils which we endorse. 

Reasonable Amounts    Decorative Rock - A reasonable amount is defined as small quantities of mineral material that which would fit into a standard sized wheel barrow over a one year period. Collection that leads to the construction of rock walls, homes, fi rep laces , pa thways , and o the r landscaping or home construction projects would be considered in excess of what is defined as a reasonable amount and would require a permit. 

Note: The Royal Gorge Field Office currently has one rock collecting area set up for this collection of decorative rock, commonly called the area.  Mineral specimens - A reasonable amount is defined as small quantities of mineral material and semiprecious gemstones for personal use which would fit into a 5 gallon container.  Anything in excess of a 5 gallon container per year would require a permit.  Note: There are some specimen locations that are encumbered with un-patented mining claims and the mining claimants may exert rights under the mining law to exclude others from collecting on their claim. You can conduct on line research to determine location of un-patented mining claims. 

Petrified Wood B a s e d o n l e g i s l a t i o n s p e c i fi c t o p e t r i fi e d w o o d , t h e m a x i m u m

amount which one person can remove without

charge per day is 25 pounds in weight plus one piece, with a maximum amount of 250 pounds removed in one calendar year.  Pooling of quotas to obtain pieces larger than 250 pounds is not allowed.  http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2009-title43-vol2/xml/CFR-2009-title43-vol2-part3620.xml   

Common invertebrate and plant fossils (Hard or soft bodied animals without skeletal structures such as insects, crabs, clams, and snails) - A reasonable amount is defined as small quantities of mineral material that which would fit into a 5 gallon container. Anything in excess of a 5 gallon container per year would require a permit.   Note: Some invertebrate and fossil resources are considered uncommon and scientifically significant.  If there is a ques t ion on whether foss i l s a re considered uncommon or scientific contact the RGFO geologist. For commercial use (where trade or sales are involved), a mineral material permit is needed from the BLM.

2009 Rockhounding and Fossil Collecting brochure

Elephant Rock AreaTitle 43: Public Lands: InteriorPART 2300—LAND WITHDRAWALS Subpart 2320—Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Withdrawals § 2320.1   Lands considered withdrawn or classified for power purposes.

Picketwire by Lin

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Grand Junction, CO BLM Field OfficeRecreational Rockhounding, Gold Panning and DredgingThe following rules and regulations ONLY apply to the Grand Junction BLM Field Office.

Rockhounding/Fossil CollectingRockhounding is allowed on public lands within the Grand Junction Field Office (GJFO) management  area  with the exception of developed recreation sites a n d s p e c i a l m a n a g e m e n t areas  including; McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area, Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area; or where otherwise prohibited and/or posted.

• and semi-precious gemstones, p e t r i fi e d w o o d , c o m m o n invertebrate and plant fossils may be collected on public lands without charge or permit in reasonable amounts as long as the specimens are for personal use only and cannot legally be sold or bartered.

• No undue or unnecessary degradation of the public lands is allowed during the removal of rocks, minerals, gemstones, or fossils.

• Collection and removal must be done by hand tools only and cannot be aided with motorized or mechanized equipment.  Metal detectors are acceptable except on historical sites. 

Gold Panning, Dredging, and SluicingGold panning is unregulated and allowed anywhere on BLM-managed lands within the GJFO area, except where it is p r o h i b i t e d s u c h a s i n s p e c i a l management areas like the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area and the Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area. Recreational dredging and sluicing is regulated, and all dredgers/sluicers operating on BLM managed land within the GJFO must obtain a permit before work commences. To be considered recreational, equipment is limited to suction dredges with inlets of 4" or less,

and the dredger must be able to comply with the terms and conditions of their permit. The type of permit issued depends on the amount of material to be dredged and the location of the dredging.

NOTE: VERTEBRATE FOSSILS - Dinosaurs, mammals, sharks, and fish, or any animal with a skeletal structure, cannot be collected without a special collecting permit.

Rules listed above pertain to rock hounding, gold panning, and

dredging on public lands managed by the Grand Junction Field Office

only. For more information on recreational rockhounding, panning or dredging, please

contact the Grand Junction Field Office Geologist at (970) 244-3000

  ROCK (decorative) A reasonable amount is defined as follows: Small quantities of mineral material (that which would fit into a 5-gallon container) is considered recreational and can be gathered without a permit. Collecting mineral materials in excess of a 5-gallon container requires a permit and fee to do so.

MINERAL SPECIMEN AND SEMI-PRECIOUS GEMSTONESA reasonable amount is defined as follows: Small quantities of mineral m a t e r i a l a n d s e m i - p r e c i o u s gemstones (that which would fit into a 5-gallon container) is considered recreational and can be gathered without a permit. Anything in excess of a 5-gallon container requires a permit from the GJFO to do so. NOTE: Check for mining claims before visiting the site. Mining claimants may have the right to exclude others from collecting on their claim.

PETRIFIED WOOD A reasonable amount is defined as follows: The maximum amount which one person can remove without charge per day is 25 pounds in weight plus one piece, with a maximum amount of 250 pounds removed in one calendar year. Pooling of quotas to obtain pieces larger than 250 pounds is not allowed.

COMMON INVERTEBRATE AND PLANT FOSSILS (Hard or soft bodied animals without skeletal structures such as insects, crabs, clams, and snails)   A reasonable amount is defined as follows:  Small quantities of mineral material (that which would fit into a 5-gallon container) is considered recreational and can be gathered without a permit.

Do you need a permit?

Anyone gathering minerals materials in excess of what would be considered recreational rock gathering needs a permit.  Gathering large quantities of rock (more than what would fit into a 5-gallon container) is allowed within the GJFO management boundaries, so long as the area is not restricted to rock gathering and a permit to do so is obtained.  There are many areas within the GJFO area that are closed to rock gathering.  Use the restricted area map to determine which areas are opened to, or restricted from, rock gathering.  Permits are typically issued from late April (weather dependent)  through November 30th, with all permits expiring on November 30th of each year.  Permits are not issued during winter months because of inaccessibility to the areas, and for wildlife habitat purposes. http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/gjfo.html

Grand Junction Recreational Placer PermitSuction dredging and any other type of mechanized placer operation which pumps material and/or water from the river are not allowed during the period from April 1 through August 31, for the following river segments: Colorado River from Rifle to the Utah state line, and Gunnison River from its confluence with the Uncompahgre River (Delta) to its lower terminus at the Colorado River (Grand Junction). The permit is valid for one year.Recreational Placer Permit - PDF format 

Grand Junction BLM Field OfficeMetal detectors are acceptable except on historical sites. (as quoted from their web site)

GPOC The Prospector’s Quill Vol. 38 No.6 WE ARE ELECTRONIC at www.gpoc.com 8

METAL DETECTING ON THE NATIONAL FORESTS & Public LandsIt is Forest Service policy that the recreational use of metal detectors are al lowed on the National Forests. Generally, most of the National Forests are open to recreational mineral and rock collecting, gold panning and prospecting using a metal detector. This low impact, casual activity usually does not require any authorization.On some Forests gold panning does require a letter of authorization. It is always wise to check with the local District Ranger if you have questions. Some wilderness areas are closed to gold panning and metal detecting.Metal detecting is a legitimate means of locating gold or other mineral specimens and can be an effective prospecting tool for locating larger mineral deposits. This activity can also be conducted as a recreational activity locating lost coins, jewelry or other incidental metallic items of little historical value.# Prospect ing using a metal detector can be conducted under the General Mining Laws and is covered under the Forest Service 36 CFR 228A locatable mineral regulations for lands open to mineral entry. Metal detecting for treasure trove or lost items such as coins and jewelry is managed as a non minerals-related recreation activity.Metal detecting is a low surface impact activity that involves digging small holes rarely more than six inches deep. Normally, metal detecting does not require a notice of intent or written authorization since it only involves searching for and occasionally removing small rock samples or mineral specimens (36 CFR 228.4(a)).Metal detectors may be used on public land in areas that do not contain or would not reasonably be expected to contain archaeological or historical resources. Normally, developed campgrounds, swimming beaches, and other developed recreation sites are open to recreational metal detect ing unless there are archaeological or historical resources present. In such cases, forest supervisors are authorized to close the area to metal detecting and the closure would be posted at the site. Such closure notices are not always practical in undeveloped areas, and federal agencies have not identified every archaeological site on public lands. It is possible; therefore, that you may encounter such archaeological remains that have not yet been documented or an area that is not closed even though it does indeed contain such remains. Archaeological remains on

public land are protected under law. If you were to discover such remains, you should leave them undisturbed and notify a FS office.The purpose of the restrictions to metal detecting on public lands is to protect historical remains. The Code of Federal Regulations, (36 CFR 261.9) states, "The following are prohibited: (g) Digging in, excava t i ng , d i s t u rb i ng , i n j u r i ng , destroying, or in any way damaging any prehistoric, historic, or archaeological resources, structure, site, artifact, or property. (h) Removing any prehistoric, historic, or archaeological resources, structure, site, artifact, property." The Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA, 16 U.S.C. 470cc) also prohibits these activities, stating, "No person may excavate, remove, damage, or otherwise alter or deface or attempt to excavate, remove, damage or otherwise alter or deface any archaeological resources located on public lands or Indian lands unless such activity is pursuant to a permit...” ARPA exempts the collection of coins for personal use if the coins are not in an archaeological context. In some cases, historically significant coins and other metallic artifacts may be part of a historical-period archaeological site, in which case they would be considered archaeological resources and are protected under law. These laws apply to all National Forest System land and do not vary from state to state.Four forms of metal detector use are recognized.1.Searching for treasure trove : Treasure trove is defined as money, gems, or precious metals in the form of coin, plate, or bullion that has been deliberately hidden with the intention of recovering it later. This activity requires a Special Use Permit under The Act of June 4, 1897, (16 U.S.C. 551). # F o r e s t Service Manual 2724.4 states “allow persons to search for buried treasure on National Forest System lands, but protect the rights of the public regarding ownership of or claims on any recovered property.”2.Prospecting: Using a metal detector to locate gold or other mineral deposits is an allowed activity under the General Mining Laws and is subject to the 36 CFR 228A regulations. A Notice of Intent (36 CFR 228.4(a)) is normally not required for prospecting using a metal detector. A Notice of Intent (NOI) is required for any p r o s p e c t i n g w h i c h m i g h t c a u s e disturbance of surface resources. A plan of operat ion is requi red for any prospecting that wi l l l ikely cause significant disturbance of surface resources. Normal metal detecting does

not cause surface impacts that require either a NOI or a Plan of Operation. People who use metal detectors for prospecting should bear in mind that many of the mineralized lands within the National Forests and open to mineral entry have been “claimed” by others who have sole right to prospect and develop the mineral resources found on the mining claim. A search of County and Bureau of Land Management records should be made prior to prospecting to determine if an area has been claimed.Normally, any gold found can be removed and kept. If the removal of the gold, rocks, or minerals might cause disturbance of surface resources, beyond digging a small shallow hole, a NOI may be required.3.Searching for historic or prehistoric artifacts: Using a metal detector to locate archaeological or historical remains is subject to the Antiquities Act of 1906 and the Archeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 (ARPA) as amended and requires a special use permit. Such permits are granted for scientific research only, however, there are many ways to get involved with organized, scientific research. See below for ways to use metal detectors for this purpose under sanct ioned publ ic archaeology programs.4.Recreational pursuits: The most common form of metal detector use is searching for gold, lost coins, jewelry, and incidental metal items having no historical value. Such use is common in developed campgrounds, swimming areas, and picnic areas and requires no permit. However, one must assume personal responsibility to notice if the area may indeed contain archaeological or historical resources and if it does, cease metal detecting and notify a Forest Service office. Not doing so may result in prosecution under the Code of Federal Regulations or ARPA.Metal detecting on the National Forests is recognized as a legitimate prospecting method under the General Mining Laws and also as a recreational activity for the casual collection of rocks and minerals. This policy does not permit the use of metal detectors in or around known or undiscovered cultural or historic. This information was taken from a pdf document on the internet. I have not been able to find a specific link on any Forest Service site to this document.http://www.fs.fed.us/geology/For%20W...%20Forests.pdf

Questions concerning the use of metal detection equipment should be referred to the applicable District Ranger. It is your

responsibility to know before you go!

GPOC The Prospector’s Quill Vol. 38 No.6 WE ARE ELECTRONIC at www.gpoc.com 9

Colorado State Parks Metal detecting is allowed at the discretion of the park manager in Colorado State Parks. Check with each park manager before hunting to obtain permission and the rules for each individual park. Metal detecting is not specifically addressed by Colorado State Park Regulations. Colorado State Parks

Park managers do have the authority to restrict use in certain areas if there is a threat to the resource but these restrictions are rare and will be clearly posted at all entrances to the area.

The only limiting Park Regulation in Colorado is:

Reg.#100(b) (2 ) " I t sha l l be prohibited to remove, destroy, mutilate, modify or deface any structure, water control device, poster, notice, sign or marker, tree, shrub, or other plant or vegetation, including dead timber and forest l i t t e r , o r a n y o b j e c t o f a r c h a e o l o g i c a l , g e o l o g i c a l , historical, zoological or natural / environmental value or interest on Parks and Outdoor Recreation Lands. (This regulation does not include removal of firewood from designated firewood areas, noxious weeds as defined by statute, or recreational gold mining within the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, except where prohibited as indicated by posted signs."

An excellent site and resource for metal detecting in all states is: http://www.fmdac.org/parks/parks.htm. They provide you with links to all states rules and regulations as well as a general overview. The information is provided as a resource and should not be considered as the definitive answer. It is still your responsibility to obtain permission from each specific park manager and to abide by their rules.

If it is a BLM developed recreation site and special management area, historical park, National Park or Wilderness area, or where otherwise prohibited and/or posted in any sense of the word then consider it off limits.

Working your way thru all the different counties, parks and open space areas in Colorado is a daunting task. Many searches lead to a dead end. It is therefore advised that if you are going to be in a particular area you contact officials ahead of time for information on their rules and regulations governing metal detecting and prospecting. When retrieving an object the damage you may cause by disturbing the ground and any plant, animal, geological or archaeological feature may be of concern and in noncompliance of rules or regulations. Know before you go. Do not assume that there is a general rule which can be applied to all parks.

Boulder County Parks and Open Space.It is a violation of our rules and regulations to remove any object, natural or manmade, from open space property. Therefore, while metal detectors are not specifically prohibited, the use of such to find and keep objects could be ticketed as a violation if witnessed by a ranger.

Colorado Springs ParksIt is unlawful for any person to injure, deface, destroy, sever or remove any park property.Denver Public Parks17. Destruction of Property: It is unlawful for any person, other than authorized personnel, to mark, remove, break, or climb upon or in any way injure, damage or deface the trees, shrubs, plants, turf or any of the buildings, fences, bridges, monuments, fountains, backstops, dugouts, goal posts, or other structures or property within or upon any park, parkway, or other recreational facility.

Douglas CountyIt shall be unlawful, unless approved in writing by the Director of Douglas County Parks and Trails Division or the Director of Douglas County Open Space and Natural Resources for any person: (iv) to utilize and metal detector or similar device to search for any object in Parks or Open Space lands without the written permission of Douglas County.

El Paso County Park RulesSection 5: ENVIRONMENT5.1: DAMAGE TO TREES; GRASS: It shall be unlawful for any unauthorized person to dig or otherwise disturb grass or natural areas, or in any other way to injure or impair the natural beauty or usefulness of any area in any park. [See C.R.S. 18-4-501; C.R.S. 18-4-508; C.R.S. 18-4-509; C.R.S. 18-4- 510; C.R.S. 18-9-117]8.9 GEOCACHING: It shall be unlawful for any person to place a physical geocache on El Paso County Parks property, except as authorized by special use permit from the Director. Unauthorized geocaches will be removed from the park property and disposed of by Parks staff.Jefferson County Open SpaceC.7. Collection of Natural Resources: It shall be unlawful to take, collect, gather, or possess any animal, vegetation, rock, wood, or any other object on Open Space lands. Fine: $100.00

Summit CountySection 6.   Destruction of Public Propertya. It is unlawful to remove, destroy, collect, deface, or alter in any manner any natural or man-made condition of any Open Space, without the express, prior written consent of the Director.  Such objects include, but are not limited to, the following: wildlife, trees, down timber or branches, shrubbery, plants, flowers, rocks and minerals, fences, signs, kiosks, bulletin boards, restrooms, tables, benches, cultural resources and trash containers.

Picketwire by Lin

GPOC The Prospector’s Quill Vol. 38 No.6 WE ARE ELECTRONIC at www.gpoc.com 10

PROSPECTING THE INTERNET

Colorado State Parks

Federal RegisterClarification as to when a Notice of Intent To Operate and/or Plan of Operation Is Needed for Locatable Mineral Operations on National Forest System Lands

National Park ServiceMany of the National Parks share boundaries with the Forest Service. Here are a few of the parks that share boundaries with the Rocky Mountain Region: Rocky Mountain National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Monument, Yellowstone, Grand Teton National Park.

ORIConlineOutdoor Recreation Information Center - Colorado's one-stop recreation information source. You can visit the ORIC booth at the REI Flagship Store in Denver.Recreation.govOne-Stop shop for recreation on federal lands.

ReserveUSA.comNational Reservation System - reserve your favorite campground here. Also find cabins and lookouts available for rent.City Public Lands

• Denver City Parks & Recreation• Denver Mountain Parks• Lakewood City Parks & Trails

County Public Lands• Boulder County Open Space• Clear Creek County Open Space• Douglas County Open Space• Jefferson County Open Space• Summit County Open Space

National Public Lands• Bureau of Land Management• National Forests and Grasslands• National Parks and Monuments

State Public Lands• Colorado Division of Wildlife• Colorado State Parks

National Wildlife Refuge Rocky Mountain Arsenalhttp://www.fws.gov/rockymountainarsenal/index.htm

Tips and Tricks for Metal Detector Usershttp://www.tomstreasures.com/tips.html

BLMhttp://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/BLM_Programs/minerals.html

Ghost Towns of Central Coloradohttp://www.coloradoghosttowns.com/

Key Items in the Federal Register dated June 6, 2005, Regarding 36 CFR 228.4(a)http://www.goldgold.com/legal/mikesexplanation.htm

Access To Privately Owned Lands In ColoradoTwo-thirds of the land area of the state of Colorado is privately owned. It is unlawful to enter private lands in Colorado without permission of the landowner. Colorado law does not require private lands to be marked, fenced or posted in any manner. Depending on the circumstances, trespass in Colorado may be prosecuted as a misdemeanor or as a felony. Additionally, the Colorado Revised Statutes state that "it is unlawful for any person to enter upon privately owned land or lands under the control of the State Board of Land Commissioners to take any wildlife by hunting, trapping, or fishing without first obtaining permission from the owner or person in possession of such land." The responsibility of knowing whether you are on private or public land is YOURS.On non-navigable rivers and streams, the adjacent landowners' jurisdiction extends to the middle of the stream or river. Colorado law does allow floating access on a stream or river as long as no contact is made with the river bottom or shoreline while passing through (over) private lands.

How do I gain access to private lands?"ASK FIRST" to get access to private lands and please respect the property of others. Responsible visitors or users always respect the land, whether it is private or public, and take care to leave it the way they found it. The landowner has the right to deny access on or across private lands -and- may charge an access or user fee for the use of those private lands.

Recreation maps showing landownership, road systems and geographic features are available for purchase from BLM and USFS offices and many retail stores throughout Colorado. Travel maps that describe vehicular use and road restrictions on public lands are available from land management agencies. County road maps may be purchased from the State Highway Department or at county courthouses. The county maps show designated county roads, county road numbers and road surface conditions.

The U.S. Geological Survey publishes a series of topographic and other maps with coverage of natural and manmade features. These maps can be purchased from the U.S. Geological Survey, Denver Federal Center, Bldg. 810, P.O. Box 25286, Denver, CO 80225 and the Federal Bldg. Earth Science Information Center, Rm. 169, 1961 Stout St., downtown Denver or retail sporting goods stores.

Areas withdrawn from location of mining claims include National Parks, National Monuments, Indian reservations, most reclamation projects, military reservations, scientific testing areas, most wildlife protection areas (such as Federal wildlife refuges), and lands withdrawn from mineral entry for other reasons. Lands withdrawn for power development may be subject to mining location and entry only under certain conditions.

Collecting Guidelines

• Know whose property you are on.

• Get permission when collecting on private property and mining

claims. ( The Arkansas Headwaters in Salida has a form)

• Don't use explosives or mechanized earth moving equipment.

• Limit excavation depth to four feet and fill in holes before you

leave.• Collect only what you can reasonably use until your next trip.

• Leave all gates as you found them.

• Find out if any fire restrictions are in effect.

• Make sure your campfire is completely out before leaving the

area.• No vehicles or mechanized or equipment are allowed in

wilderness areas

• Take all trash with you and dispose of properly.

GPOC The Prospector’s Quill Vol. 38 No.6 WE ARE ELECTRONIC at www.gpoc.com 11

The following restrictions apply to all State Trust Lands leased by the Colorado Division of Wildlife.

1. PROPERTIES ARE:• Open only to hunting, fishing and wildlife viewing. Target practice, non-hunting shooting, outfitting and non-wildlife related use prohibited.• Closed 1/2 hour after sunset until 1/2 hour before sunrise, unless posted otherwise.• Closed to the public from March 1 - A u g . 3 1 , u n l e s s p o s t e d otherwise. All newly enrolled properties are closed to the public until Sept. 1 of the year of e n r o l l m e n t , u n l e s s p o s t e d otherwise.2. MOTOR VEHICLES are allowed only on designated roads.3. LITTERING PROHIBITED. All trash must be packed out by users.4. CAMPING, FIRES PROHIBITED, unless posted otherwise.5. ACCESS RESTRICTED to foot or horseback only, unless posted otherwise.6.YOUTH MENTOR HUNTING AND FISHING applies to youths under 18. Youth hunters under 16 must be accompanied by a mentor. Mentors must be 18 or older, comply with hunter e d u c a t i o n r e q u i r e m e n t s a n d accompany youths while hunting.7. IT IS ILLEGAL to have, store or use hay, straw or mulch that has not been certified as noxious-weed free, according to the Weed Free Forage Crop Certification Act, or any state or province participating in the Regional Certified Weed Free Forage Program. Certified materials must be clearly marked by the certifying state. People who transport such materials on federal, state or county roads that cross State Trust Lands leased by the DOW and hay produced on property where itʼs being used are exempt.

State Trust LandsState Trust Lands Regulation Brochure(pdf) | State Trust Lands Maps  

State Trust Lands in Colorado currently total nearly 3 million surface acres. The federal government endowed the lands to Colorado in 1876, the year the Centennial State officially joined the union.

The Public Access Program is a lease arrangement between the Division of Wildlife and the State Land Board which began in 1993.  The Public Access Program allows public access to specific State Trust Lands and has opened up to the public over half a million acres of lands which had no public access previously. Most recently, the State Land Board and the DOW entered a 7 year lease in 2006 to allow public use of approximately 550,000 acres of State Trust Lands with wildlife values for wildlife-related recreation.

Through this lease agreement, these lands are available to the public for a specified time during the year for hunting, fishing and other wildlife-related activities. The State Trust Lands leased for this program are not open year-round because they are also leased to other users during the year. The lands may have several lease activities occurring on them during the year which  includes farming, livestock grazing, mining and logging.

Several tracts provide or improve access to adjacent State Wildlife Areas as well as Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service lands.

The public is reminded to respect the rights of other users and lessees on State Trust Lands and to abide by state rules so the lands can remain open for future wildlife recreation. State Trust Lands not leased for this program are not open for public access.

Most of these leased State Trust Lands are not accessible by motor vehicle, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) or snowmobiles, and there are restrictions on camping, parking and off-road driving. Hunters should consult the State Trust Lands brochure for rules and property-specific information. Parcels are open only from September 1 through the end of February, unless otherwise stated in the brochure.

State Land Board website

Wildlife Habitat Properties Protected

An interactive Flash-based map displays the properties (with descriptions and photos) that have thus far been protected.

A prospector is someone who is seeking a valuable substance, historically precious metals or jewels, frequently spending more on maps, equipment and repairs than ever recovered.

Alma, Colorado by Lin

GPOC The Prospector’s Quill Vol. 38 No.6 WE ARE ELECTRONIC at www.gpoc.com 12

Prospecting Card

•Follow the law and create good will through mutual respect. Do not challenge a government agent or claim owner.

•Identify where and when mining is allowed or prohibited.•Obtain needed permits. Carry permits & any membership cards with you while

prospecting.•Do not cause significant surface disturbance. All tailings, dumpage, deleterious

materials, or substances and other waste produced by operations shall be deployed, arranged, disposed of or treated to minimize adverse impact upon the environment and forest surface resources.

•Check with the local USDA Forest Service, BLM or appropriate Federal, State, & local agencies, for guidance on which laws & regulations apply to the specific lands. Recognize that different laws apply to different lands.

•Review other rules & regulations that may cover, but are not limited to, the following: annual and seasonal stream & road closures, nozzle, and hose diameters, engine horsepower & noise levels, operation in spawning areas, hydraulicking & bank mining, stream flow disturbance, damming, volume of material, restoration, woody debris, spill, and sanitary waste, fire restrictions, & specific rules of Club claims.

•Comply with all applicable Federal and State fire laws and regulations.•For your own protection, do not attempt to apprehend perpetrators yourself, but

license numbers, times, dates, descriptions, photographs or video tape, if safely collectable from a reasonable distance, should be reported to the closest local Federal authorities and nearest BLM office

Gold Prospectors of ColoradoKeep in your wallet if you are challenged by a Government (local, state,

federal) agent when prospecting.

Gold Prospectors of ColoradoKeep in your wallet if you are challenged by a Government (local, state,

federal) agent when prospecting.

DateTimeLocation of incidentName of Ranger officer or authorityBadge NumberTitle or PositionAgency or DistrictAgency addressAgency phone numberWhat was cited

Besides carrying this card with you I recommend that you carry a copy of this newsletter with you that sites specific rules and regulations. If you have access to the internet you should also carry a copy of the specific laws that are listed. This is not to give you a legitimate reason for your metal detecting and prospecting activities but it will help in educating someone and maybe you might receive a warning rather than a ticket. Remember: just because it may be legal to prospect in one area you cannot apply that rule across the board. Know before you go! Do not argue with authorities as shown in 261.3 regulation. Lin

§261.3 Interfering with a Forest officer, volunteer, or human resource program enrollee or giving false report to a Forest officer. The following are prohibited:(a) Threatening, resisting, intimidating, or interfering with any forest officer engaged in or on account of the performance of his official duties in the protection, improvement, or administration of the National Forest System is prohibited.(b)Giving any false, fictitious or fraudulent report or other information to any Forest Officer engaged in or on account of the performance of his official duties knowing that such report of other information contains false, fictitious or fraudulent statement or entry.(c)Threatening, intimidating, or intentionally interfering with any Forest officer, volunteer, or human resource program enrollee while engaged in, or on account of, the performance of duties for the protection, improvement, or administration of the National Forest System or other duties assigned by the Forest Service.

Protecting You PrivacyHave you taken a picture of that “secret” prospecting find and posted it on the internet? If you have your secret could be world renowned. Google bot reads the GEOtag from your embedded GPS tags when posting your photo, and then "selects" it”, assigns a Google photo “indexing number", and then puts up a map with YOUR thumbnails directly on top of those embedded GPS coordinates you can't see, but THEY ARE there compromising your privacy.Itʼs called geotagging. Many GPS enabled smart phones and cameras embed the latitude and longitude information with the picture properties. If you donʼt have this feature turned off it will automatically be included with the picture. You will need to use your manual, look it up online or speak to a factory representative to turn off this feature. Remember, you may have re-enabled the feature if you use your GPS for another function.Here is a site that can show how to turn this feature off on different smart phones. Visit: http://icanstalku.com/Photos that are posted online to Facebook can be shared with ANYONE even if you mark them as private. This can be done via sharing the link to the photo or by downloading the photo. For more information access:http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/12/technology/personaltech/12basics.html

§ 228.4   Plan of operations—notice of intent—requirements.

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, a notice of intent to operate is required from any person proposing to conduct operations which might cause significant disturbance of surface resources. Such notice of intent to operate shall be submitted to the District Ranger having jurisdiction over the area in which the operations will be conducted. Each notice of intent to operate shall provide information sufficient to identify the area involved, the nature of the proposed operations, the route of access to the area of operations, and the method of transport.(1) A notice of intent to operate is not required for:(i) Operations which will be limited to the use of vehicles on existing public roads or roads used and maintained for National Forest System purposes;(ii) Prospecting and sampling which will not cause significant surface resource disturbance and will not involve removal of more than a reasonable amount of mineral deposit for analysis and study which generally might include searching for and occasionally removing small mineral samples or specimens, gold panning, metal detecting, non-motorized hand sluicing, using battery operated dry washers, and collecting of mineral specimens using hand tools;

✄ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

GPOC The Prospector’s Quill Vol. 38 No.6 WE ARE ELECTRONIC at www.gpoc.com 13

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Attention DetectoristsTrade in your current detector (working or not) and we'll

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THREE separate frequencies.  Offer good through June 24th or until promotional supply is gone.

Contact The Rock Doc17897 US Hwy. 285 | Nathrop, Colorado  (719) 539-2019

You can purchase your GPOC Membership and Dredging Permits at the Roc Doc

WHAT ʼS UP WITH ELEPHANT ROCK?

C o n t r a r y t o numerous rumors the Forest Service IS NOT WRITING TICKETS IN THIS AREA AT THIS TIME! WARNINGS ARE BEING GIVEN

I talked with Megan Kabele at the Forest Service office in Leadville and found her to be very informative and courteous. Currently, the USDA Forest Service in Leadville is in the process of placing signage prohibiting any prospecting in this area above Buena Vista. You may encounter a Ranger that will warn you that the area is off limits, but tickets will not be issued until the public is notified and when signs are placed. This has been an area listed as open in numerous web sites, but after talking with the Leadville office I would suggest that you do not do any prospecting in this area as the boundaries between BLM lands and Forest Service lands are confusing and difficult to locate. The popularity of prospecting due to the increase in gold prices has created a greater number of inquiries and frustrations by prospectors. Many rumors abound about prospecting sites. You need to go directly to the Federal, State, or local jurisdictions to get accurate information, maybe! I would like to note in researching this information I was not able

to get any information from numerous government offices. I personally went to 3 different offices where there was no information to be found as well as one office not being enthusiastic about my inquiry and quoting the Mining Laws inaccurately, even stating that you cannot prospect on any Forest

Service lands, but I have done my homework and did not argue. Obviously, there is frustration in some offices, with prospectors having approached them in a less than diplomatic manner. If you are upset about the rules and regulations DO NOT approach the government offices angry. The GPOCʼs Code of Ethics includes being courteous. If you have a concern present it to the GPOC and we will try to resolve it for you, or at least get accurate information for you. Lin

General Membership MeetingMay 2011

7:08# Meeting opened by President Ben Higley7:12# President Ben Higley introduced 8 new members7:18# Todayʼs price of gold was $1502.557:21# President Ben Higley introduced the GPOC Board7:25# President Ben introduced the claims committee chair to the

club who spoke to the members about the claims and what was going on with them.

7:34# President Ben Higley spoke about the permits needed for dredging at Beaver Creek and Arkansas claims

7:39# Vice-president, Wayne Wittkopp, gave Ben Higley the Frank Burns award

7:41# Dianna Anderson spoke about the field trip to her motherʼs claims on May 21st & the $10 fee/person

7:50# Break8:13# Gary Beaderstadt thanked Bob Butler and Wayne Wittkopp

for their donations to the club.# Gary Beaderstadt held the gold draw with 16 winners.8:33# President Ben Higley introduced the guest speaker Larry

Wilnau. Larry spoke about metal detecting9:10# Meeting was adjourned.

CASUAL USE in the Royal Gorge BLM AreaCasual use prospecting includes those activities which cause very little  or no disturbance. For example: collection of geochemical, rock, soil, or mineral specimens using hand tools; hand panning; or non-motorized sluicing. It also generally includes use of metal detectors, gold spears and other battery-operated devices for sensing the presence of minerals, and hand and battery-operated dry washers. Operators may use motorized vehicles for casual use activities only if the use is consistent with the regulations governing such use (part 43 CFR 8340), including following off-road vehicle use designations and temporary closures ordered by BLM. Casual use operations do not require notification of the BLM; except where specific land use or recreation area plans call for a recreational mining permit. You must reclaim any casual-use disturbance that you create. (Royal Gorge BLM)

GPOC The Prospector’s Quill Vol. 38 No.6 WE ARE ELECTRONIC at www.gpoc.com 14

The

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GOLD PROSPECTORS OF COLORADOPO BOX 1593COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO 80901

Gold Panning & Prospecting For Fun

GPOC Meets the 2nd Wednesday

of every Month at the Elk’s Club

3400 N. Nevada

Colorado Springs, Colorado

FREE Gold Panning Tips Informative!

Read our equipment reviews and Prospectors Blog.

Answers to your questions: Finding Gold, Metal Detecting,

Dredging.

Site changes weekly! Visit often!

www.hookedongold.com

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The Quill is available online only UNLESS you wish to receive it by mail. If you wish to receive The Prospector’s Quill in print your yearly subscription fee will be $15.00 for a mailed copy. Look at your mailing

label and it will have when you need to renew your membership. Take the number of months left on your membership and multiply it by $1.25. That will be your cost for the rest of your CURRENT membership.

THE PROSPECTOR’S QUILL Mailed

The Quill is available online only UNLESS you wish to receive it by mail. If you wish to receive The Prospector’s Quill in print your yearly subscription fee will be $15.00 for a mailed copy. Look at your mailing

label and it will have when you need to renew your membership. Take the number of months left on your membership and multiply it by $1.25. That will be your cost for the rest of your CURRENT membership.

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MONTHS LEFT IN MEMBERSHIP YEAR X $1.25 =

CHECK AMOUNT CHECK NUMBER

MAIL YOUR PAYMENT AND THIS FORM TO: MEMBERSHIP GPOC PO BOX 1593 COLORADO SPINGS, COLORADO 80901

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[email protected] for a 3/8” margin on all sides of your advertisement. Payment must be received before placement. Send advertisement with check to: GPOC

Quill Editor, PO Box 1593, CS, CO 80901Deadline for placement 20th of the month

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Prices Per IssueBusiness Card Size $ 6.00 4” x 5” (1/4 page) $12.00 5” x 8” (half page)

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GPOC VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES FOR JUNE 2011GPOC VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES FOR JUNE 2011

June 11th & 12th Long Tom Demonstrations at Prospector 1 & 2 GPOC claims

June 18th and 19thKingdom Days, Breckenridge, CO Help setting-up and breaking down, demonstrate gold panning or your equipment. Sign-up for lodging required at: [email protected] Lodging available for those who volunteer for both days, first come-first served, & pre-registration required or contact (719) 217-0923

June 24th, 25th, 26th3rd Annual Rock Fair & 48th Annual Pikes Peak Gem & Mineral Show in conjunction with Rocky Mountain Federation of Mineralogical Societies Friday & Saturday 9 to 5 Sunday 9 to 3 Western Museum of Mining & Industry 225 N. Gate Blvd. CS, CO Help setting-up and breaking down, demonstrate gold panning or your equipment.