Clarification on ASRA rules?

[Lotus Geologist]

All,

I recall a thread about someone from ASRA unilaterally trying to ban prospecting... I recall that the issue was settled due to public outcry and a letter went out indicating what is and isn't legal in the Auburn State Rec Area. Panning, tools, sluicing, highbanking, etc...

I can't find that thread...

Help?

Thanks, L.G.

 

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[ALewis]

I 2nd that LG....I love the ASRA & north (scenic wildlife area?) but have so much conflicting info about what is & is not allowed, where is & is not open to prospect....
No Disrespect meant to ANyone who has taken the time to provide some info & knowledge of that area. I typically figure I should listen to the id10t's w/ the white ford ranger's & the ability to ticket me, but I know they aren't even close to being correct all of the time.....

 

[goldenmojo]

I believe it was in the mea culpa thread that Marshall had about 3 weeks ago. I have s copy of it . I think it was frm Auburn Goldhounds org..

 

[Clay Diggins]

The "hands and pans" was thrown out four years ago.
State Parks cancels closure order for mining in Auburn Recreation Area, California - Miner's News - ICMJ's Prospecting and Mining Journal

The ASRA allows rockhounding, gold panning, the use of sluice boxes, power sluicing, the use of non-motorized small tools (for example shovels, pics, and hand trowels) and the use of metal detectors.

 

[Lotus Geologist]

I just called Pioneer Mining in Auburn and they told me that there is a highbanking season and no highbanking is allowed until the end of May.

First I've heard of that...

More rules than you can shake a stick at!

L.G.

 

[goldenmojo]

Ya that's the letter from Mike Lynch. According to his statement I don't think the rules will be changed anytime soon because none of the interactions that I have had with the ASRA guys have them reaching out to get my views on mineral collection. The Park Ranger did spy on me for about 15 minutes from the trail across the river at Yankee Jim's a couple of months ago but I took that as he had some sort of personal problem....... I will be keeping a copy of this letter with me anytime I am in the ASRA and I suggest everyone else does too......

 

[goldenmojo]

I just called Pioneer Mining in Auburn and they told me that there is a highbanking season and no highbanking is allowed until the end of May.

First I've heard of that...

More rules than you can shake a stick at!

L.G.

Did they happen to say what the regs were for highbanking? I work to the high water mark but I don't consider that highbanking. I consider that stream deposited gravel that gets deposited whenever it gets there. I witnessed pink streamers where hung at the YJ bridge at what appeared to be the high water mark in Dec. which I thought was a little strange. I guess I will give ASRA a call and find out about highbanking...

GM

 

[Goldwasher]

Wetted perimeter, and gravel bars that get flooded is what I remember reading a while back. also aren't you forbidden from removing anything you may profit from? I know they have a weight limit for rockhounds

 

[goldenmojo]

Wetted perimeter, and gravel bars that get flooded is what I remember reading a while back. also aren't you forbidden from removing anything you may profit from? I know they have a weight limit for rockhounds

The weight limit for rockhounds is not going to be an issue. I have been watching what I eat and they can check the scale if they want.....As for wetted perimeter I am all over that..

GM

 

[Goldwasher]

 

[Aufisher]

Yeah, I can pick him up with one hand!

 

[goldenmojo]

I Concur

 

[PaulieNoNuggets]

Wetted perimeter, and gravel bars that get flooded is what I remember reading a while back. also aren't you forbidden from removing anything you may profit from? I know they have a weight limit for rockhounds

It says that prospecting for profit is prohibited, so make sure you only take as much gold as is needed to cover the cost of gas, equipment, supplies etc if you intend to sell your gold. Of course, if you're only there because you really, really like to collect shiny stuff, take as much as you want

 

[Aufisher]

I throw back all my gold after $10. I put that gold in their parking meter.

 

[KevinInColorado]

So if I drive out from Colorado, I can take a lot of gold to pay my gas bill right? LOL!

 

[ALewis]

Good thing I practice a catch and release policy...doing my part to increase the sustainability

 

[AlienAmerican]

So......Can we use sluices and shovels? Still confused, this thing: http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/502/files/ASRANews111503.pdf
Still reads that only pans can be used?

 

[Aufisher]

Bottom line is the rules stated don't match the email.

 

[ALewis]

I figure while no guarantee, I have asked the ASRA / Parks people at both Yankee Jim's & Iowa, was told at both sluicn was ok. I have also been told they don't know what they are talking about

Kind of "assume" they would be the one's enforcing ? They seem to enjoy writting me parking tickets any chance they get...

 

[EagleDown]

I figure while no guarantee, I have asked the ASRA / Parks people at both Yankee Jim's & Iowa, was told at both sluicn was ok. I have also been told they don't know what they are talking about

Kind of "assume" they would be the one's enforcing ? They seem to enjoy writting me parking tickets any chance they get...

Since they enjoy writing so much, get them to write a short 'signed' letter stating that it's alright for you to sluice and otherwise recover gold in the particular area you're interested in.

Of course, getting any gov. employee to sign his name to something that might be held against him later is kind of "touch and go". (lol) But, from my viewpoint, it's worth a try.

Good luck!!