SoCal student researching the droughts effect on placer mining. Locations?

[CsunStudent]

SoCal student researching the drought's effect on placer mining. Locations?

California State University, Northridge student looking for placer mining locations that have benefited- increased yields or convenience - from the drought. Specifically places with reduced water levels. Know of the San Gabriel River's east fork, but that is it. What days would prospecting be the heaviest and warrant a visit?

 

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[Fullpan]

Would really like to hear more details of your research. What are you trying to prove out ? Nothing personal, but every time we get studied, it seems something bad happens. Short answer is when water goes down , previous inaccessible spots are now reachable.

 

[CsunStudent]

Am a journalism undergraduate. Doing a story on the consequences of the current drought. Interested in seeing whether more people are turning out, nature of the turnout, and explore the general culture of recreational prospecting(why, how, who, etc)

 

[DizzyDigger]

Am a journalism undergraduate. Doing a story on the consequences of
the current drought. Interested in seeing whether more people are turning out, nature of the turnout, and
explore the general culture of recreational prospecting(why, how, who, etc)

I'm not from So. Cal., but can give you some info that will help you
get the data you're after. There are a few things you do need to understand,
first, however:

1) There is no such thing as a "recreational" prospector. No one
is going to take shovels, pans and a host of other gear and go
hiking up a rocky river drainage just to dig holes for "recreation".
While we all enjoy getting out and enjoying the wilds of our
country, ALL prospecting and mining (gold, gemstones, minerals,
etc) is "For Profit". "Recreational" Prospecting" is a term that has
been used in recent years, but is completely erroneous by definition.

Gold, gemstones and minerals have a marketable value, and can
be sold, traded or kept for barter or sale at a later date. We have
these rights because of the 1872 Mining Act, which gives Americans
the right to prospect, claim and dig for these values.

2) Gold is very heavy, and as a result seeks out the lowest spot
it can reach before being stopped by bedrock or some other
obstruction. Naturally, when creeks and rivers are at their lowest
there is more access to areas which may contain gold, and those
familiar with how to find and mine this gold will certainly take
advantage of the low water.

There are only so many people who are willing to put in the
hours of hard work, sweat and effort it takes to dig this gold,
and no doubt they are more actively prospecting than when
it's raining and the rivers are running high.

Most of the prospectors you'll find are easy going, good
natured people, just like you'll find anywhere else in
society.

Hope that gives you a bit of insight to your question. Folks on
this forum will understand that you have no experience, so feel
free to ask more questions if you wish, but, we're honest,
straightforward folks here, so you might be surprised at some of
the responses.

We average 70"-80" of rain up here in my little valley, and the last
time I was in So. Cal. was a 2-week mining trip in Nov. of last year.
I could see the effects of the drought while driving the entire length
of Calif.."Dry and dusty" is just not something we experience up here.

worth from an aging prospector from the cold, wet NW.

 

[Oakview2]

If you are in So Cal, why not get in the car, drive up and see for yourself, if you are a journalism major, what better source than personal experience.

 

[mxer47]

"Am a journalism undergraduate. Doing a story on the consequences of the current drought. Interested in seeing whether more people are turning out, nature of the turnout, and explore the general culture of recreational prospecting(why, how, who, etc)"

The word consequences raises a red flag for me. There is something you should know we are typically a friendly bunch but we see our freedoms being jeopardized constantly. I think when most have a point to prove, they will do it regardless of the truth. To some the drought is a blessing, and on the other hand a curse. But you posted the idea that if the low water invites people to go out into THEIR public lands to enrich there lives as well as the nation it is a consequence instead of an opportunity. Nothing personal but the angle doesn't seem right to me. You might try putting down the pen and picking up a gold pan. The only way to truly know a culture is to be a part of it, besides we could use a some good press. Good luck.

 

[rodoconnor]

CsunStudent, just out of curiosity,as a journalism student are you interested in presenting the facts in an unbiased ,honest manner, or do you "want to make a difference ?"

 

[delnorter]

I sure would be interested in reading some other stories you've written. Perhaps we could get an idea of your perspective on things. There have been a lot of "stories" written about mining.

Thanks,
Mike

 

[Fullpan]

Two thoughts on this subject: First, if you engage the people on this forum in a straightforward, honest manner, you will eventually end up with a draft paper
for a master's thesis. We have a lot of time on our hands until truly warm weather allows us into the field again. Sure, there will be some who resort to name-calling because our passion runs very deep. But if you perservere, you will become educated in a whole range of aspects to prospecting/small-scale mining.

Second, if you go into the field a.k.a. San Gabriel river, please,please commit to taking video/pics of before AND after activity. That is, what SEEMS to be destructive digging of holes along the riverbank, is really NON-destructive, as after the first "gully-washer" all activity is obliterated by nature.

 

[roadrunner]

As already stated, I would not use this term when walking up to prospectors either. recreational prospecting.
They might just get a defensive attitude right off the bat.And not talk to you.And would you not use it in your literature or papers either.All your going to do is put the nails in our coffins.

 

[SteveDigsGems]

If you are interested in mining on the East Fork river, you need to talk to "John Doe" in "Nugget alley", just down river from Cattle canyon. Look for three campers to be parked together. Then you need to hike out just past Allison gulch, and talk to the guys at camp Savage. They are there all of the time, ask for Daniel (Savage) or Jeremy. These guys are all cool by the way, I have seen them work with, then give gold to first time prospectors, just to keep them motivated.

 

[CsunStudent]

Just got back from the East Fork. Went about 2 miles in from the parking lot. Not sure what direction it was, but walked against the current. Plan to try to make it to the Bridge To Nowhere either Sunday or Tuesday. Without the benefit of re-listening and transcribing my interviews, have made a few initial observations.

Let me know if they trek with what you've done and observed.

Initial Observations:

Water level seemed uniform throughout the portion of river observed.
Recent storm has increased water levels, but not by much.
Drought has not increased yields.
Universal hatred for CA ban on dredging.
Average commute is over an hour.
Average arrival time is 6 a.m.
Most not venturing out further because of the drought.
Initial news-peg/theme seems inaccurate. Drought has not brought out a "glutch" of new prospectors. 2008 Financial Collapse was the last great boom. Lasted a few months.
Unlike gold, pyrite glistens in the light.
Rocks used to create sluice feeding diversions.
Rocks covered in hard clay may signal the presence of other heavy minerals.
Very few solitary miners/prospectors.
Prospecting = the initial survey.
Dredging yields are far greater than that of panning and sluicing.
Recent Storm filled in many of the previously dug holes.
Extremely laborious.
Sluices often pick up lead. Possibly from shattered bullets.
Gold is still abundant, but mostly as flakes.
Gold Fever - "Getting up at 5 a.m., driving an hour and a half, digging holes in waist deep water, and working your ass off for a few sprinkles of gold."
Current is not over powering.




Ways to improve future trips:

Invest in proper attire- especially boots. Walking across(and sometimes falling in) the river has a tendency to foul clothes beyond repair.
Walk along trails and hike down to river banks. Trudging along the river can get tricky.
Ensure interview subjects know that you are not part of an environmental study.
Coffee is not a substitute for hydration and proper meal planning.

For Further Study
Organizations
Gold Prospecting Association of America
Public Lands for the People

Within the Angeles National Forrest
Eldoradoville
Nugget Valley

Legislation
Watershed Act of 1928

 

[goldenmojo]

Just got back from the East Fork. Went about 2 miles in from the parking lot. Not sure what direction it was, but walked against the current. Plan to try to make it to the Bridge To Nowhere either Sunday or Tuesday. Without the benefit of re-listening and transcribing my interviews, have made a few initial observations.

Let me know if they trek with what you've done and observed.

Initial Observations:

Water level seemed uniform throughout the portion of river observed.
Recent storm has increased water levels, but not by much.
Drought has not increased yields.
Universal hatred for CA ban on dredging.
Average commute is over an hour.
Average arrival time is 6 a.m.
Most not venturing out further because of the drought.
Initial news-peg/theme seems inaccurate. Drought has not brought out a "glutch" of new prospectors. 2008 Financial Collapse was the last great boom. Lasted a few months.
Unlike gold, pyrite glistens in the light.
Rocks used to create sluice feeding diversions.
Rocks covered in hard clay may signal the presence of other heavy minerals.
Very few solitary miners/prospectors.
Prospecting = the initial survey.
Dredging yields are far greater than that of panning and sluicing.
Recent Storm filled in many of the previously dug holes.
Extremely laborious.
Sluices often pick up lead. Possibly from shattered bullets.
Gold is still abundant, but mostly as flakes.
Gold Fever - "Getting up at 5 a.m., driving an hour and a half, digging holes in waist deep water, and working your ass off for a few sprinkles of gold."
Current is not over powering.




Ways to improve future trips:

Invest in proper attire- especially boots. Walking across(and sometimes falling in) the river has a tendency to foul clothes beyond repair.
Walk along trails and hike down to river banks. Trudging along the river can get tricky.
Ensure interview subjects know that you are not part of an environmental study.
Coffee is not a substitute for hydration and proper meal planning.

For Further Study
Organizations
Gold Prospecting Association of America
Public Lands for the People

Within the Angeles National Forrest
Eldoradoville
Nugget Valley

Legislation
Watershed Act of 1928

CsunStudent.

My suggestion for you would be to list The Mining act of 1872 under your legislation heading. You might also want to read it. You will find that miners want to express their rights as equally as you want to express yours through wordsmithing.

 

[Fullpan]

Wow - so far you're doin okay !! For a non-miner you seem to want to be fair and factual - pretty rare.

 

[SteveDigsGems]

Again, talk to Daniel at camp savage. It's just past Allison gulch. You will see gold nuggets.

 

[rodoconnor]

Csun An interesting observation for you would be to go up to the EF on a weekend prior to a holiday --say Easter and look at the general condition and apperance of the place. Then go back up the day after. The trash left by "visitors" will astound you. You can then watch the regulars , the miners ,try to clean up the place , once again. BTW ,get yourself a pan and give it a try G/L

 

[delnorter]

Yes, I agree with rodoconnor. Take a pan with you next time. I think you will be pleasantly surprised and I think would add greatly to the interest of your story.

Mike

 

[CsunStudent]

Planning on heading to the San Bernardino National Forest after class. Any specific locations? Do prospectors turnout on weekdays?

 

[mxer47]

Although I am not from your specified area, I will tell you I seldom go out on weekends.

 

[SteveDigsGems]

Yes, there are people there all of the time.