LAW

[homestead-hunter]

Im in New Mexico, when prospecting, is it legal to use a "Gold Cube" without a permit on BLM land? From what I understand you only need a permit for heavy equipment.
Thanks!

 

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[homestead-hunter]

88 views and no one has the slightest idea? Thats pretty scary.

 

[jmoller99]

I don't know much about prospecting in New Mexico, but in Colorado, you usually need permits for gasoline (or diesel) powered water pumps, but not for electric powered bilge pumps (altho there are some places that don't allow any motorized gear, such as Cache Creek near Leadville). Gold Cubes don't work well with too much water flow - the electric bilge pumps are what you will be using with one anyway. I would suspect that the bilge pump is not going to be an issue. So, as long as the site allows a sluice, it should allow a Gold Cube.

You need to look at your state recreational mining regulations to see what restrictions you have. You might consider attending a few meetings at a gold prospecting club (if you have one near you) - odds are good that someone in the club knows what the restrictions/limitations are for where you want to go.

There is a GPAA club in Roswell NM - look them up (It's free to attend GPAA meetings and you don't have to join the GPAA to go to them).

I bought my Gold Cube over a year ago, and I don't use my old sluicing gear anymore.

 

[Goodyguy]

To know for sure...............

Contact the BLM Field Office or Forest Service Ranger District Office before conducting any surface disturbing activities on Federal land.

[h=2]Contact[/h]Roswell Field Office
Bureau of Land Management
2909 W. Second Street
Roswell, NM 88201-2019

(575) 627-0272
(575) 627-0276 FAX

 

[homestead-hunter]

To know for sure...............

Contact the BLM Field Office or Forest Service Ranger District Office before conducting any surface disturbing activities on Federal land.

[h=2]Contact[/h]Roswell Field Office
Bureau of Land Management
2909 W. Second Street
Roswell, NM 88201-2019

(575) 627-0272
(575) 627-0276 FAX

I appreciate it, The BLM is about 2 blocks away so I will go there.

 

[homestead-hunter]

I don't know much about prospecting in New Mexico, but in Colorado, you usually need permits for gasoline (or diesel) powered water pumps, but not for electric powered bilge pumps (altho there are some places that don't allow any motorized gear, such as Cache Creek near Leadville). Gold Cubes don't work well with too much water flow - the electric bilge pumps are what you will be using with one anyway. I would suspect that the bilge pump is not going to be an issue. So, as long as the site allows a sluice, it should allow a Gold Cube.

You need to look at your state recreational mining regulations to see what restrictions you have. You might consider attending a few meetings at a gold prospecting club (if you have one near you) - odds are good that someone in the club knows what the restrictions/limitations are for where you want to go.

There is a GPAA club in Roswell NM - look them up (It's free to attend GPAA meetings and you don't have to join the GPAA to go to them).

I bought my Gold Cube over a year ago, and I don't use my old sluicing gear anymore.

Thanks!

 

[Jim in Idaho]

Im in New Mexico, when prospecting, is it legal to use a "Gold Cube" without a permit on BLM land? From what I understand you only need a permit for heavy equipment.
Thanks!

My approach is to just "go do it". It's easier to get forgiveness than permission, in many cases. So, in almost 40 years of prospecting, I've never had a hassle.
Jim

 

[homestead-hunter]

Yeah, thats what I was thinkin. But $1800 of detecting gear, $480 gold cube and other gear would hurt if it were confiscated, but so many stupid rules! If its more than 2 cubit yards there are rules, if your are sluicing material into an active stream its a $50 permit, for what They always want $$$

 

[TheNewCatfish]

Another thing i'm curious about. While you're asking questions at the meeting. Is there ANY difference between state regulations enforced on public lands and private land ? Suppose some landowner tells me it's o.k. to prospect on his land for a minimal fee. So much a day, or 20% of my daily take. Do the same regulations apply ? Does it make a difference if the mineral rights are retained by the State ? I imagine it does. The landowner whould have to own the mineral rights or you'd be in trouble, wouldn't you ? I've heard land owners in NM can't even construct a cistern to catch rain water on their own property without being fined by the state. That's right. The State of New Mexico owns the rain, even before it hits the ground. Must be nice to be GOD.

 

[TheNewCatfish]

By the way. What is undeveloped mountainside property with no road access and no water going for in New Mexico's gold country ? I know that's a big strip of territory running diagonally from NE to SW across the entire state. I'm looking at where's the "cheapest" i can get into an eighth of an acre or so. I'm not lookin for a precise figure on any particular lot somewhere, just a ball park figure, (an idea).

 

[homestead-hunter]

Another thing i'm curious about. While you're asking questions at the meeting. Is there ANY difference between state regulations enforced on public lands and private land ? Suppose some landowner tells me it's o.k. to prospect on his land for a minimal fee. So much a day, or 20% of my daily take. Do the same regulations apply ? Does it make a difference if the mineral rights are retained by the State ? I imagine it does. The landowner whould have to own the mineral rights or you'd be in trouble, wouldn't you ? I've heard land owners in NM can't even construct a cistern to catch rain water on their own property without being fined by the state. That's right. The State of New Mexico owns the rain, even before it hits the ground. Must be nice to be GOD.

New Mexico is pretty laid back, heck I can drive around with a loaded concealed weapon in my car legally, here your car is considered an extension of your home, as far as catching rainwater, everyone does it here, I have never hear of a a law regarding that here, but I know in I think Utah there were people getting fines. And we are still open carry and it is common practice. But they dont mess around when it comes to archaeology. I will try to find some answers at the BLM for you.

 

[homestead-hunter]

By the way. What is undeveloped mountainside property with no road access and no water going for in New Mexico's gold country ? I know that's a big strip of territory running diagonally from NE to SW across the entire state. I'm looking at where's the "cheapest" i can get into an eighth of an acre or so. I'm not lookin for a precise figure on any particular lot somewhere, just a ball park figure, (an idea).

Im not sure, I do know land is cheap. Im close to White Oaks and Lincoln County (billy the kid) and I bet you can get it for about 1K an acre. Here are some places in White Oaks, there are some placer sites in Jicarilla. White Oaks Land for Sale - White Oaks, NM Land Real Estate - REALTOR.com®

 

[kuger]

Another thing i'm curious about. While you're asking questions at the meeting. Is there ANY difference between state regulations enforced on public lands and private land ? Suppose some landowner tells me it's o.k. to prospect on his land for a minimal fee. So much a day, or 20% of my daily take. Do the same regulations apply ? Does it make a difference if the mineral rights are retained by the State ? I imagine it does. The landowner whould have to own the mineral rights or you'd be in trouble, wouldn't you ? I've heard land owners in NM can't even construct a cistern to catch rain water on their own property without being fined by the state. That's right. The State of New Mexico owns the rain, even before it hits the ground. Must be nice to be GOD.

That was in Oregon.....all waters belong to the U.S.Expect even more ludicrous laws/regs coming!!!!

 

[TheNewCatfish]

Does anyone know of any locations near Albaquerque or Sante Fe that might warrant a visit ? I'll be laying over in the area for about 3 weeks before heading on to Arizona this season. Talked to several of the locals last year who live there, but travel elsewhere to prospect. Walked into the Forestry Office in Albaquerque and i might as well have been askin'em where to find gold on Mars. Near as i can tell, no one's much interested in prospecting around either of these cities. Both cities border the mineral belt running through NM, so there should be something just east of one or the other.

 

[homestead-hunter]

Does anyone know of any locations near Albaquerque or Sante Fe that might warrant a visit ? I'll be laying over in the area for about 3 weeks before heading on to Arizona this season. Talked to several of the locals last year who live there, but travel elsewhere to prospect. Walked into the Forestry Office in Albaquerque and i might as well have been askin'em where to find gold on Mars. Near as i can tell, no one's much interested in prospecting around either of these cities. Both cities border the mineral belt running through NM, so there should be something just east of one or the other.

The most productive Gold mine in NM is in Santa Fe, The area has been mined by indians and Spanish since the 1600s. Taos supposed to be rich in Placer.

Santa Fe - Jemez Ranger District

 

[TheNewCatfish]

That's probably the problem. I mostly only talked to people in Albaquerque. That's also where i visited the Forestry Office. Only passed through Santa Fe briefly and didn't talk to anyone. I did hear about Taos though. Might be worth a detour up that way. Thanks.

 

[rodoconnor]

I think it depends on how jealously they gaurd their water rights. In Id ,if you pump water, they want a permit.

 

[homestead-hunter]

That's probably the problem. I mostly only talked to people in Albaquerque. That's also where i visited the Forestry Office. Only passed through Santa Fe briefly and didn't talk to anyone. I did hear about Taos though. Might be worth a detour up that way. Thanks.

It will be worth the trip, just to see the Toas Pueblo!

 

[TheNewCatfish]

Unfortunately it looks like Taos isn't going to happen in April. The average low temperature is still below freezing. Doesn't rise into the upper thirties at night until the middle or end of May. I've got somewhere else to be by then. I will try to catch the shuttle at the RailRunner Station in Santa Fe and make a daytrip up there just to check the area out. Sounds pretty neat, (all the artists and pueblos). Probably get some fantastic photos.

 

[KevinInColorado]

The pueblo is really cool, I'm sure you'll enjoy the visit!