roirat76 0 Report post Posted March 28, 2013 I would ask the Forest Service this question but I'm not sure if I would get a truthful answer. So, we were driving through a NF ( Lassen in CA ) and we had to stop so the dogs could take a pee break. We pulled in to a turnoff for a campground to get off the main road. The campground was still closed for the winter, had a locked gate. There was a nice little river running by the campground and not much snow on the ground making it easy to get to the river. My question is even though the campground is closed ( no camping ) can I step over the locked gate and walk over to the river to do some panning or sluicing? Just because the Camp is closed off is the river also closed? This question is also for anyone in OR. I was at the Sixes campground, same thing, camp closed but is it still legal to go in and prospect? Just trying to keep myself out of trouble. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Reno Chris 101 Report post Posted March 28, 2013 Honestly, I just dont know. One would think that if panning were allowed normally, you could - but I am not sure if its allowed normally. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Russ P 0 Report post Posted March 29, 2013 one way to find out, call them and ask if it is ok! that way youll know for sure. the FS sometimes give different answers when asking different fs people a question. its best to ask at their HQ. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Geowizard 122 Report post Posted April 7, 2013 It's a ways from California. But the Forest Service, here, has began fencing off the campgrounds. - Geowizard Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Geowizard 122 Report post Posted April 7, 2013 Can I prospect in or around a National Forest campground? - Geowizard Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Doug Q 0 Report post Posted April 8, 2013 Like what has already been said, it is ultimately up to the local ranger district. Now from my personal knowledge, the gates are closed to keep vehicles out of that area until its reopened for the summer or in some cases closed permanently. Whatever the case, unless it is an archeological site or protected plant area....which should be identified, it is open to prospecting in accordance to surface management and state regulations. Additionally if you're not familiar with it already, anytime you'll be on USFS land stop at a ranger district office and pick up a motor vehicle use map. The travel management plans have been implemented and not all roads are clearly identified. Hope this helps Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
roirat76 0 Report post Posted April 9, 2013 Thanks gang! I guess I'll just have to ask the local FS station or Ranger if I can find one quickly. I don't know about you guys/gals but my pans and sluice and detector are always in the back of the truck ready to go. When you got the gold fever and you are out and about any stream/river starts calling me and I just want to pull over right there and start to prospect for that yeller stuff. Gold Fever once you got it you got it forever! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Geowizard 122 Report post Posted April 10, 2013 I would encourage responsible prospecting. - Geowizard Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
roirat76 0 Report post Posted April 10, 2013 Agreed Geowizard! Let me make myself clear. I don't want to dig up or use the campground I just want to cross through it to get to the stream / river to do some panning or sluicing. I also have seen the trash and holes left by those who don't care about anyone else. And with the powers that be pushing UN Agenda 21, any excuse to close off our forest and rivers to us is jumped on pretty fast! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Geowizard 122 Report post Posted April 11, 2013 What does a locked campground gate signify? It signifies to passers-by that the campground is not open. - Geowizard Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GoldBellMining 1 Report post Posted April 12, 2013 Usually the campground is closed and gated off to prevent camping. Recreational activites that are prohibited in off seasons are usually posted i.e. Fishing.. but that really doenst say much does it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Geowizard 122 Report post Posted April 12, 2013 GoldBellMining, I think you are exactly right. - Geowizard Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GoldBellMining 1 Report post Posted April 12, 2013 I agree, Those areas are my winter targets So I have to research them more this summer and find that the laws are changing at the same times, so who knows what will be valid information by then. Might just end up Detecting in Nevada for the winter! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Geowizard 122 Report post Posted April 13, 2013 The biggest problem for miners today is wondering what the new rules will be tomorrow! - Geowizard Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GoldBellMining 1 Report post Posted April 13, 2013 I just can't wait to get out there man and start doing it, I can research all I want but it doesnt count for shit as much as real experience, I really appreciate all your knowledge man and I hope I can put it all to good use this summer and really find something! I am trying to make this my career as well. I dont know if its against the rules, so i wont post my website but id love for you to take a look at it! and id love to link to your guys page on my site as well. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
John Oates 9 Report post Posted April 14, 2013 Get all rules in writing as pisfers speak with forked tongue-John Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GoldBellMining 1 Report post Posted April 14, 2013 Pisfers hmm, not sure I am familiar with that termonology.. but if I had to guess.. I would say they had pissforbrains? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Geowizard 122 Report post Posted April 14, 2013 Here's a clue: - Geowizard Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GoldBellMining 1 Report post Posted April 14, 2013 xD Well, I guess it would just depend on the Ranger If im right or not! lol Share this post Link to post Share on other sites