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Jan 18 |
Important WA Prospecting ReminderWritten by Don "Deuce" Gill (email)posted under 'club announcements', 'gold and the law'Reader Comments >>> |
Last week, Prospectors Plus received a letter from the Forest Service stating that one of our members was observed dredging in Lion Creek prior to the opening of dredge season. When the Forest Service employee asked to see the member’s copy of the Gold and Fish booklet, the member stated that they didn’t know anything about the booklet and that Prospectors Plus had “given them permission” to prospect the area. As the member was prospecting on BLM land to which the Forest Service has no jurisdiction, the member was not cited. However, this member was absolutely wrong on two counts.
Don't get one of these!
First and foremost, Prospectors Plus requires all members to read and understand the rules and regulations outlined in the Washington State Gold and Fish Pamphlet. As described in our Legal Gold Panning in Washington State article, the Gold and Fish is your ‘permit’ to engage in recreational mineral prospecting. You must have a copy of this pamphlet with you whenever you prospect, including Prospectors Plus claims. There are no exceptions.
Second, and as important as the first, Prospectors Plus will not, cannot nor will we ever give you permission to operate outside the law. We are in fact very passionate about educating, informing and self-policing our members to ensure that everyone can have a fun profitable and hassle-free hobby. While we afford you access to the claims, you are still responsible for ensuring that you are following the rules and regulations outlined in the gold and fish pamphlet. Again, there are no exceptions to this.
The bottom line is that if you have a question or concern on when, where or what type of prospecting you can legally engage in on any of our great claims – ask. Call us. Email us. Send smoke signals if you have to. It’s unfortunate that this situation occurred but is a great reminder to all of us as to the importance of know and following state law.
Stay safe. Stay legal.
M. Brawn
Posted on Jan 20, 2011 12:57 PMWe give everyone the Gold & Fish book, with their folders (not the entire thing, but the guts of it so it is YOUR PERMIT).
Please be legal. If you have questions don't prospect without the proper information. Regardless if the Forest Service did not cite this person, or if the FS are falsifying info, (which this particular ranger is known to do every year), do not be anywhere without your Gold and Fish Book. We do not condone illegal behavior, and will revoke any membership if we find anyone breaking the law. Please have fun, but do it without hassle. We want everyone to be safe, legal and have fun....that's what it's about!