quill THE

PROSPECTOR’S

34th
“Let’s Go Gold Panning Days”
2011

www.gpoc.com

official publication of The Gold Prospectors of Colorado volume 38 no.6

PO Box 1593, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80901
Fellow Prospectors;  inside
President’s Letter continued! 2
          May has  most certainly been an Saturday and maybe 50 on Sunday. Contacts! 2
interesting month to say  the least. We We did discover that as Mr. Woody has June Calendar! 3
started out with freezing  cold rain, tried to explain to us for years, that the Significant Disturbance! 4
record snow falls in the mountains, and gold is better up top where the river ran Plan of Operations! 4
its still acting wintry out there, enough for millions of years verses where it is What Can’t be Collected! 5
to  where we will skip  spring all now. The Railroad and old stage coach Rockhounding Royal Gorge! 6
together. road as well as the Arkansas now Grand Junction BLM Rules! 7
        The snow in the mountains will share the narrow part of the canyon. Metal Detecting on USDAFS! 8
make for high volume water on our      On May 14th and 15th we went out Prospecting CO Parks! 9
creeks and rivers. The nights will be to Paul Harloffs who so graciously Prospecting the Internet! 10
cold and the roads tricky. Mother volunteered his workshop. Members Accessing Private Lands! 10
Nature will turn lots of gold over for us worked on building new troughs and State Lands! 11
in the next few weeks. saw horses in the warmth of a pot belly Prospecting Card! 12
     On Motherʼs Day weekend we held stove which helped to dry the new Interfering With a Ranger! 12
our “Letʼs Go Gold Panning” days at paint and keep us all warm. Protect Your Privacy! 12
Woody's claims. We had a wonderful Elephant Rock! 13
turn out with about 80 people on Membership Meeting! 13
continued on page 2

june G LD NUGGETS is a blog for and by GPOC members. Gold Nuggets is an informational
hub for members to keep up-to-date with GPOC news and events. We encourage you to email

2011
your news items and information to the webmaster at www.gpoc.com.

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 President Treasurer Contact Info Trustees
Ben Higley Bill Smith for all club activities
president@gpoc.com treasure@gpoc.com Bob Hale One Year
(719)213-3383 Gary Beaderstadt
GPOC Vice President Webmaster Two Year
Wayne Wittkopp Stacey Smith Membership Diane Anderson
contacts vicepresident@gpoc. webmaster@gpoc.com membership@gpoc.com
Three Year
com
Jim Blakenship
Editor Claims
Secretary Lin Smith Marty Witcher
Elise Pearce quill@gpoc.com claims@gpoc.com
secretary@gpoc.com

President’s Letter
    Our last general membership meeting was a
speech by Larry Weilnau on metal detecting in
which he helped us to understand the finer Prospector’s Quill
aspects of detecting and how to get started.
Larry will  schedule an outing at the mining
museum to do an obstacle course to help us Editor
learn to identify targets. 
Lin Smith
        On June 11th and 12th we will be having an
outing out on Prospector 1 and Prospector 2 quill@gpoc.com
where we will provide Long Toms with demonstrations and hands on
Gold Prospectors of Colorado
experience for our members to utilize. P.O. Box 1593
        These claims have never been mined or worked and again like Colorado Springs, Colorado 80901
Woody's the gold is bigger and more abundant up above the road. We
will be doing some exploratory work as well. The easiest way to those The GPOC is a 501(c) charitable organization
claims is over the Howard bridge on CR4 across from the Fire
Station..........Yes, cars will make it. www.gpoc.com
        Shows this month are going to be June 18th and 19th in
Breckenridge, Colorado for Kingdom Days, where we will have our gold
panning demonstrations setup in the Blue River Plaza. For our volunteers The Prospector’s Quill is the official newsletter of
we have sleeping accommodations for members that are working the the Gold Prospectors of Colorado. The opinions
show for two days. The condos provided by the township are a set are those of the authors and do not necessarily
reflect those of the club or its members. The
amount of beds and we need people to make reservations with Elise
editor, club, officers, and contributors do not
Pearce at  secretary@gpoc,com  so we know how many to expect.  assume any liability for damages resulting from
        June 24th, 25th,and 26th is the Rocky Mountain Gem and Mineral use of information in the Prospector’s Quill.
Show at the Western Museum of Mining and Industry on the North end of Articles of interest are welcomed. All articles
Colorado Springs, Colorado. @ 225 North Gate Blvd and I-25. submitted for publication are subject to editing.
        July 2nd, 3rd, and 4th we will need volunteers for the  Frisco's
Founders Day celebration held in the Historical Park. We will be doing Submission of articles must be received before
gold panning demonstrations and again you need to contact the 20th of the month. Unless noted, non-profits
secretary@gpoc.com for room reservations. may reprint or quote from articles, provided credit
     July 13th, 14th, 15th and 16th is the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo at the is given to the author’s and publication and a
Norris Penrose rodeo grounds on Lower Gold Camp Road west of 8th copy of the newsletter the article appears in is
sent to the editor of The Prospectorʼs Quill at PO
Street, in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Box 1593, CS CO 80913. All pictures are the
     July 30th and 31st is our Burro Days show in Fairplay, Colorado. We property of the photographer and are not to be
shall also have a simultaneous outing on Beaver Creek on that same copied or reproduced.
weekend. For the people that volunteer for that show I will show them
where the gold is hiding and how the glaciations deposited the placers
over 5 million years ago in the Beaver Creek area.
     Folks, this year is already very exciting and we as a Board invite all to
The information provided in the Quill is as accurate
participate in our events. We offer a warm welcome to our new members
as possible. I want to thank you in advance for
into our family. The interaction in this organization is one  that you pointing out my mistakes! However, it is YOUR
will remember as you and hundreds of your new friends share a common responsibility to research resources and make sure
interest and fellowship venturing into the mountains  camping and that you are in compliance with all laws and
prospecting along the rivers and streams. regulations, as well as following the GPOC CODE of
ETHICS.
        May the good Lord bless your path with yellow stones......  Heavy
ones.
     Your President and public servant,   Big Ben

GPOC The Prospector’s Quill Vol. 38 No.6 WE ARE ELECTRONIC at www.gpoc.com 2

 June meetings events events events
calendar
2nd 11th 18th-19th 24th-25th-26th
For further information contact: Board Meeting Kingdom Days Rocky Mountain
National Get
Bob Hale Gold Hill Police Breckenridge, CO Federation of
Outdoors Day Blue River Plaza
(719) 213-3383 Mineralogical
Station Friends of Dinosaur
www.gpoc.com on Main Street Societies
Ridge 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM Best Western
7:00 PM 10 AM-2:30 PM Volunteers needed
Please refer to the information Morrison Dinosaur Academy Hotel
for Demonstrations
below for further events 8110 N. Academy
955 Moreno Avenue, Ridge Sign-up for lodging
CS, CO 16831 West Alameda Blvd., CS, CO
president@gpoc.com required at:
Claims Committee Meeting Parkway Morrison,CO
www.secretary@gpoc
There will be no formal claim http://
.com
meeting during the summer. www.getoutdoorsc See Presidentʼs Letter 3rd Annual Rock
olorado.org/ for more information
Fair & 48th
Annual Pikes
Beaver Creek claims will Peak Gem &
not be open until June 16th 16th-19th Mineral Show
dependent upon the
8th 11th-12th
General
weather and road Western Museum
Membership GPOC Long Tom New Belgium
conditions. The Forest of Mining &
Meeting Outing FIBArk Whitewater
Service will not be opening Festival Industry 225 N.
the gate until then. “Treasures of The
Cripple Creek Gate Blvd.
Prospector 1 & 2
Mining District” GPOC Claims America's Oldest & CS, CO
Howard bridge on Boldest Whitewater $5 adults $2 children
GPOCʼs Festival
CR4
Prospectorʼs Store Begins: 5:00 AM Volunteers needed to
Demonstrations
will be available and Learning about Location: Riverside help with GPOC gold
Long Tomʼs Park & Salida Boat demonstrations at the
Ramp Salida, CO
7:00 PM WMMI
http://www.fibark.net/
3400 N.Nevada
A sign in Fairplay CS, CO

GPOC Summer Events Where: From Main Street, turn west on Ski Hill Road, .3 miles to
Lomax Mine on left 1:00 p.m. & 3:00 p.m. 970.453.9767 http://
July 2nd, 3rd, 4th # Founderʼs Day, Frisco, Colorado www.gobreck.com/events/town-events/kingdom-days
July 13th,14th,15th # Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo, CS, CO
July 30th, 31st # Burro Days, Fairplay, Colorado Summer Rock Shows in Colorado
August 5th,6th,7th,# Gold Panning Championships, CS, CO
June 23rd, 24th, 25th Rocky Mountain Federation of
Sept. 16th, 17th, 18th Denver Gem & Mineral Show, Denver, CO
Mineralogical Societies
  Indoor show including dealers, exhibits, demonstrations and
28th Annual Howard Chili Cook-Off June 4th & 5th competitive cases. Best Western Academy Hotel 8110 N. Academy
 
Blvd. CS, CO
Howard Volunteer Fire Department hosts the Howard Chili
Cook-off. http://www.howardvfd.org/Chili%20Cookoff.html June 23rd, 24th, 25th Rock Fair Western Museum of Mining &
Industry
Vendor displays, demonstrations, rock-talks, etc. This is the only
June 16th Beaver Creek Claims Road Opens Weather Permitting
time of year we run the Yellow Jacket Stamp Mill - a site to see in
itself! Don't miss this family friendly event with activities for all ages.
June 21st Sponsored by Colorado Springs Mineralogical Society.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), in conjunction with other
agencies within the Department of the Interior, will waive recreation- July 9-11 Durango, CO
related fees for visitors to the National System of Public Lands on Four Corners Gem & Mineral Club, La Plata County Fair Grounds, Friday/
the first day of summer, June 21. Also applies to areas managed Sat 10-6, Sun 10-5; www.durangorocks.org.
within the BLMʼs National Landscape Conservation System.
GPOC State Gold Panning Championships
Washington Gold and Silver Mine Tour Breckenridge, CO August 5th, 6th,7th WMMI, CS, CO.
Experience the underground mining era in Summit County.
Where: From Main Street, turn left on Boreas Pass Road Turn right August 12-15 Buena Vista, CO
on Illinois Gulch Road (CR 518). The mine is on the left. “The Rock Show at Buena Vista: A CONTINental Divide TAILgate”
http://www.gobreck.com/events/town-events/kingdom-days
August 20-22 Lake George, CO
Lomax Placer Mine Breckenridge, CO Lake George Gem & Mineral Club, U.S. Hwy 24, 8am-5pm, free admission
Experience Breckenridgeʼs early hydraulic mining days.

GPOC The Prospector’s Quill Vol. 38 No.6 WE ARE ELECTRONIC at www.gpoc.com 3

 Arrastra Death Valley, California
Significant Disturbance

The term “significant disturbance”

by the Federal Government is
difficult to define even according to
the government due to the large
number of lands under their
supervision and their diverse
topography. Thus “significant”
could be wide-open to
interpretation. “The term 'significantʼ
as used in 36 CFR 228A is NOT
used in the same way as under the
National Environmental Policy Act
( N E PA ) . T h e P r e a m b l e a l s o
explains the standard for
determining significance under 36
CFR 228A. Any District Rangerʼs
decision that a proposal “…will
likely cause significant disturbance
of surface resources…” must be
(1.) demonstrably based on past
experience, direct evidence, or
sound scientific projection; that
would (2.) lead the District Ranger
to reasonably expect the proposed
operation to result in impacts to
National Forest System lands that
would need to be avoided or
mitigated by reclamation, bonding,
timing restrictions, or other
measures to minimize adverse
effects.”
Congress passed the General Mining
Law which stated that all un-
appropriated lands were open to entry
and purchase. In the ensuing  years it
has been amended by acts of Congress
and interpreted by countless court
decisions but is still largely
intact.  Currently, ores of metallic
elements and uncommon varieties of
non metallic deposits are covered under
43 CFR 3809. Mining claims are
c l a s s i fi e d a n d r e g u l a t e d u n d e r
"locatable" minerals 43 CFR 3830,
occupancy falls under 43 CFR 3715.
Ryolite, Nevada
§ 228.4   Plan of operations—notice of
intent—requirements.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (a)
(1) of this section, a notice of intent to
operate is required from any person
proposing to conduct operations which
might cause significant disturbance of
surface resources. Such notice of intent
to operate shall be submitted to the
District Ranger having jurisdiction over
the area in which the operations will be
conducted. Each notice of intent to
operate shall provide information
sufficient to identify the area involved, the
nature of the proposed operations, the
route of access to the area of operations,
and the method of transport.
(1) A notice of intent to operate is not
required for:
(i) Operations which will be limited to the
use of vehicles on existing public roads
or roads used and maintained for
National Forest System purposes;
(ii) Prospecting and sampling which will
not cause significant surface resource
disturbance and will not involve
removal of more than a reasonable
amount of mineral deposit for analysis
and study which generally might
include searching for and occasionally
removing small mineral samples or
specimens, gold panning, metal
detecting, non-motorized hand
sluicing, using battery operated dry
washers, and collecting of mineral
specimens using hand tools;
Electronic Code of Federal
Regulations
Title 36: Parks, Forests, and
Public Property
Definitions
Permit. A signed legal document
between the Forest Service and one who
is authorized to remove mineral materials
free of charge, which specifies (among
other things) the conditions of removal by
the permittee.
Prospecting permit. A written
instrument issued by the Forest Service
which authorizes prospecting for a
mineral material deposit on acquired
National Forest lands within specific
areas, under stipulated conditions, and
for a specified period of time.
FSM 2800 - MINERALS AND GEOLOGY
CHAPTER 2810 - MINING CLAIMS
Amendment No.:  2800-2007-2
Effective Date:  April 4, 2007
Duration:  This amendment is effective
until superseded or removed.
For emergency assistance on
Woody 1 & 2 claims as well as
Prospector 1 & 2 and Point Bar
contact Arkansas Headwaters
Recreation Area Jon Jenkins AHRA
Ranger, #5012 (719) 539-7289.

GPOC The Prospector’s Quill Vol. 38 No.6 WE ARE ELECTRONIC at www.gpoc.com 4

What Canʼt Be Collected On
Public Lands
Rockhounding
Collecting small, noncommercial
quantities of rock by rockhounds is
allowed free of charge on lands managed
by the Bureau of Land Management.
Commercial collecting for the purpose of
sale or barter is not allowed without
special authorization. Rockhounds may
use hand tools such as shovels and
picks, but must not use explosives or
power equipment for excavation.
Rockhounds are welcome to collect
limited amounts of rocks, minerals, and
gemstones from most federal lands, but
there are some exceptions. Some lands
are withdrawn or reserved for certain
purposes such as outstanding natural
areas, research natural areas, recreation
sites, national historic sites, etc. Other
lands are not open to collecting due to the
presence of mining claims. The local BLM
offices can provide you with information
about available collecting areas and those
areas that are closed to rockhounding
including any fire or vehicle use
restrictions.
Historic Artifacts and Fossils
The Antiquities Act of 1906, the Federal
Land Policy and Management Act of
1976, and the Archaeological
Resources Protection Act of 1979
prohibit the excavation, collection or
destruction of any archaeological
materials (including fossils) located on
lands under federal jurisdiction. Leaf and
invertebrate fossils may be collected on
public lands. Petroglyphs, human
remains, dwellings, and artifacts of Native
American cultures are protected by law.
Vertebrate Fossils
Vertebrate fossils are
those with
b a c k b o n e s .
Vertebrate fossils,
such as dinosaurs,
turtles, mammals
and fish, cannot
be collected
from public
lands except
by permit only!
These permits
are issued by the
Secretary of the Interior
specifically to properly accredited
museums, universities and other
institutions or their representatives.
GPOC The Prospector’s Quill Vol. 38 No.6
5
Indian Artifacts and Ruins
All historic and prehistoric remains found
on public lands are protected by law.
Report new or unusual finds (including
human skeletal remains) to the nearest
BLM office.
Under no circumstances will artifacts of
any kind, including arrowheads, points,
feathers, whole or broken pots, stone
tools, basketry, or even old bottles be
distributed or removed from their location
on public lands. Human remains, and all
materials associated with human remains,
may not be disturbed or removed from
public lands. The commercial use, sale, or
barter of human remains or artifacts of
any kind taken from public lands is illegal
and punishable by law.
The Preservation of American Antiquities
Act of 1906 provides for the protection of
Indian ruins, stating that a person may
not, without permission, "appropriate,
excavate, injure, or destroy any historic or
prehistoric ruin or monument, or any
object on antiquity" on lands under
Federal government control. Regulations
implemented under the authority of The
Federal Land Policy and Management
Act of 1976 (FLPMA) also prohibit
disturbance of these resources (43 Code
of Federal Regulations Part 8365.1-4
(a)). Historic and archeological resources
50 years old or older are covered by
these two laws.
A m o r e r e c e n t F e d e r a l l a w, t h e
Archaeological Resources Protection
Act of 1979 (ARPA), provides civil and
criminal penalties for excavation,
destruction, vandalism, or removal of
archeological resources (historic and
prehistoric) from public lands. Anything 10
years or older is covered by this law.
Criminal penalties of up to $100,000 in
fines and/or five years in prison are
possible upon conviction. Civil and
criminal damages may also be assessed,
based on the value of the destroyed or
stolen remains. ARPA provides for civil
confiscation of vehicles and other
personal property used to carry out the
violation, and provides for payment of
rewards for information leading to
convictions.
WE ARE ELECTRONIC at www.gpoc.com
Meteorites
In the United States, meteorites are the
property of the person upon whose land
they are found. If a meteorite is found on
federal lands, then government officials
consider it to belong to the government
and, under an interpretation of the 1906
"Antiquities Act," meteorites found on
federal lands belong to the Smithsonian
Institution.
Mining Claims
Rockhounding on mining claims is not
advised without the mining claimant's
consent because the claimant has a legal
right to the minerals on the claim,
including gemstones. Most mining claims
can usually be identified in the field by
claim posts or markers, but you should
contact a local BLM office to find out
which areas have mining claims. Also, it is
illegal for a mining claimant to charge
fees to the public for recreational use of a
mining claim, such as rock collecting.
Material such as agate, chert, jasper,
petrified wood, obsidian, cinders and
other volcanic products are generally not
considered locatable under the 1872
Mining Law. Most commonly collected
rocks and minerals are not subject to
mining claim location even though people
occasionally stake claims for these
minerals anyway. The mere fact that
some stones may be cut and polished
does not give them a distinct or special
value to make them locatable.
BLM Lands: Exploration and mining
activities on mining claims on BLM
administered land are subject to the
regulations of the Secretary of the Interior
in 43 CFR 3809 and for Wilderness Study
Areas, 43 CFR 3802. These regulations
require an operator to prevent
unnecessary or undue degradation of the
land. For activities other than casual use,
they require the operator to submit either
a notice or a plan of operations and a
reclamation plan.
Forest Service Lands: Exploration and
mining activities on lands administered by
the Forest Service are subject to the
regulations of the Secretary of Agriculture
in 36 CFR 228(A). These regulations
require that anyone whose proposed
operation could likely cause significant
disturbance of surface resources must
submit a plan of operations. Miners
wishing to prospect or locate claims or
sites in National Forests should contact
the local Forest Service District Ranger
concerning questions about operating
plans.

Rock Hounding Royal Gorge BLM
Rock and fossil collection is allowed on
public lands within the Royal Gorge Field
Office (RGFO) with the exception of
developed recreation sites, the Garden
Park Fossil Area or where otherwise
prohibited and posted.
Rocks, mineral specimens and semi-
precious gemstones, petrified wood,
and common
invertebrate
and plant
fossils may
be collected
on public
lands without
charge or
permit in
reasonable
amounts as long as the specimens are for
personal use and are not collected for
sale or barter to commercial dealers.
Collectors should note that there are
some restrictions and a BLM permit may
be required, depending on the amount of
material you collect, how you collect it,
where or when you collect, and whether
the material will be used commercially. 
Vertebrate fossils including dinosaurs,
mammals, sharks, and fish, or any
fossilized animal with a skeletal structure,
cannot be collected without a
paleontology permit. These types of
permits can be obtained from the BLM
paleontologist in Grand Junction and are
issued only to qualified museums and
educational institutions with trained staff
and repositories. There are several quality
paleontology organizations in the area.  or classified for power purposes.
GPOC The Prospector’s Quill Vol. 38 No.6
Picketwire by Lin
Collection and removal cannot be aided Petrified Wood
with motorized or mechanized equipment Based on
including but not limited to: tractors, legislation
bulldozers, plows, power-shovels, semi- s p e c i fi c t o
trailers or other heavy equipment is not p e t r i fi e d
authorized. Undue or unnecessary wood, the
degradation of the public lands is not maximum
allowed during the removal of rocks, amount which one
minerals, gemstones, or fossils.  person can remove without
Many of the rock and gem clubs have a charge per day is 25 pounds in weight
code of ethics regarding the collection of plus one piece, with a maximum amount
rocks, minerals, and fossils which we of 250 pounds removed in one calendar
endorse.  year.  Pooling of quotas to obtain pieces
larger than 250 pounds is not allowed.  
Reasonable Amounts     http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2009-
Decorative Rock - A reasonable amount title43-vol2/xml/CFR-2009-title43-vol2-
is defined as small quantities of mineral part3620.xml   
material that which would fit into a
standard sized wheel barrow over a one Common invertebrate and plant fossils
year period. Collection that leads to the (Hard or soft bodied animals without
construction of rock walls, homes, skeletal structures such as insects, crabs,
fi r e p l a c e s , p a t h w a y s , a n d o t h e r clams, and snails) - A reasonable amount
landscaping or home construction is defined as small quantities of mineral
projects would be considered in excess of material that which would fit into a 5
what is defined as a reasonable amount gallon container. Anything in excess of a 5
and would require a permit.  gallon container per year would require a
permit.  
Note: The Royal Gorge Field Office  
currently has one rock collecting area set Note: Some invertebrate and fossil
up for this collection of decorative rock, resources are considered uncommon and
commonly called the area.  scientifically significant.  If there is a
  question on whether fossils are
Mineral specimens - A reasonable considered uncommon or scientific
amount is defined as small quantities of contact the RGFO geologist.
mineral material and semiprecious  
gemstones for personal use which would For commercial use (where trade or sales
fit into a 5 gallon container.  Anything in are involved), a mineral material permit is
excess of a 5 gallon container per year needed from the BLM.
would require a permit.
   2009 Rockhounding and Fossil Collecting
Note: There are some specimen locations brochure
that are encumbered with un-patented
mining claims and the mining claimants Elephant Rock Area
may exert rights under the mining law to
Title 43: Public Lands: Interior
exclude others from collecting on their
PART 2300—LAND WITHDRAWALS
claim.  You can conduct on line research
Subpart 2320—Federal Energy
to determine location of un-patented
mining claims.  Regulatory Commission Withdrawals
§ 2320.1   Lands considered withdrawn
WE ARE ELECTRONIC at www.gpoc.com
6

Grand Junction, CO
BLM Field Office
Recreational
Rockhounding, Gold
Panning and Dredging
The following rules and regulations
ONLY apply to the Grand Junction
BLM Field Office.
Rockhounding/Fossil
Collecting
Rockhounding is allowed on public lands
within the Grand Junction Field Office
(GJFO) management  area  with the
exception of developed recreation sites
and special management
areas  including; McInnis Canyons
National Conservation Area, Dominguez-
Escalante National Conservation Area; or
where otherwise prohibited and/or
posted.
• and semi-precious gemstones,
p e t r i fi e d w o o d , c o m m o n
invertebrate and plant fossils
may be collected on public
lands without charge or permit
in reasonable amounts as long
as the specimens are for
personal use only and cannot
legally be sold or bartered.
• No undue or unnecessary
degradation of the public lands
is allowed during the removal of
rocks, minerals, gemstones, or
fossils.
• Collection and removal must be
done by hand tools only and
cannot be aided with motorized
or mechanized equipment.  recreational and can be gathered
Metal detectors are acceptable
except on historical sites.  of a 5-gallon container requires a
Gold Panning, Dredging, and
Sluicing
Gold panning is unregulated and allowed
anywhere on BLM-managed lands within
the GJFO area, except where it is
prohibited such as in special
management areas like the McInnis
Canyons National Conservation Area and
the Dominguez-Escalante National
Conservation Area.  charge per day is 25 pounds in weight
Recreational dredging and sluicing is
regulated, and all dredgers/sluicers
operating on BLM managed land within
the GJFO must obtain a permit before
work commences. To be considered
recreational, equipment is limited to
suction dredges with inlets of 4" or less,
GPOC The Prospector’s Quill Vol. 38 No.6
7
and the dredger must be able to comply
with the terms and conditions of their
permit. The type of permit issued depends
on the amount of material to be dredged
and the location of the dredging.
NOTE: VERTEBRATE FOSSILS -
Dinosaurs, mammals, sharks, and fish, or
any animal with a skeletal structure,
cannot be collected without a special
collecting permit.
Rules listed above pertain to rock
hounding, gold panning, and
dredging on public lands managed
by the Grand Junction Field Office
only. For more information on
recreational rockhounding,
panning or dredging, please
contact the
Grand Junction Field Office
Geologist at (970) 244-3000
  
ROCK (decorative)
A reasonable amount is defined as
follows: Small quantities of mineral
material (that which would fit into a 5-
gallon container) is considered
recreational and can be gathered
without a permit. Collecting mineral
materials in excess of a 5-gallon
container requires a permit and fee to
do so.
MINERAL SPECIMEN AND SEMI-
PRECIOUS GEMSTONES
A reasonable amount is defined as
follows: Small quantities of mineral
material and semi-precious
gemstones (that which would fit into a
5-gallon container) is considered
without a permit. Anything in excess
permit from the GJFO to do so.
NOTE: Check for mining claims
before visiting the site. Mining
claimants may have the right to
exclude others from collecting
on their claim.
PETRIFIED WOOD
A reasonable amount is defined as
follows: The maximum amount which
one person can remove without
plus one piece, with a maximum amount
of 250 pounds removed in one calendar
year. Pooling of quotas to obtain pieces
larger than 250 pounds is not allowed.
WE ARE ELECTRONIC at www.gpoc.com
COMMON INVERTEBRATE AND
PLANT FOSSILS (Hard or soft bodied
animals without skeletal structures such
as insects, crabs, clams, and snails)    A
reasonable amount is defined as follows: 
Small quantities of mineral material (that
which would fit into a 5-gallon container)
is considered recreational and can be
gathered without a permit.
Do you need a permit?
Anyone gathering minerals materials in
excess of what would be considered
recreational rock gathering needs a
permit.  Gathering large quantities of rock
(more than what would fit into a 5-gallon
container) is allowed within the GJFO
management boundaries, so long as the
area is not restricted to rock gathering
and a permit to do so is obtained. 
There are many areas within the GJFO
area that are closed to rock gathering. 
Use the restricted area map to determine
which areas are opened to, or restricted
from, rock gathering.  Permits are
typically issued from late April (weather
dependent)  through November 30th,
with all permits expiring on November
30th of each year.  Permits are not issued
during winter months because of
inaccessibility to the areas, and for wildlife
habitat purposes.
http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/gjfo.html
Grand Junction Recreational Placer
Permit
Suction dredging and any other type of
mechanized placer operation which
pumps material and/or water from the
river are not allowed during the period
from April 1 through August 31, for the
following river segments: Colorado River
from Rifle to the Utah state line, and
Gunnison River from its confluence with
the Uncompahgre River (Delta) to its
lower terminus at the Colorado River
(Grand Junction). The permit is valid for
one year.
Recreational Placer Permit - PDF format 
Grand
Junctio
BLM F n
ield Offi
Metal d ce
e
accepta tectors are
historic ble exc
al site ept on
from th s. (as quoted
eir web
site)
M E TA L D E T E C T I N G O N T H E
NATIONAL FORESTS & Public
Lands
It is Forest Service policy that the
recreational use of metal detectors are
allowed on the National Forests.
Generally, most of the National Forests
are open to recreational mineral and rock
collecting, gold panning and prospecting
using a metal detector. This low impact,
casual activity usually does not require
any authorization.
On some Forests gold panning does
require a letter of authorization. It is
always wise to check with the local
District Ranger if you have questions.
Some wilderness areas are closed to gold
panning and metal detecting.
Metal detecting is a legitimate means of
locating gold or other mineral specimens
and can be an effective prospecting tool
for locating larger mineral deposits. This
activity can also be conducted as a
recreational activity locating lost coins,
jewelry or other incidental metallic items
of little historical value.# Prospecting
using a metal detector can be conducted
under the General Mining Laws and is
covered under the Forest Service 36
CFR 228A locatable mineral regulations
for lands open to mineral entry. Metal
detecting for treasure trove or lost items
such as coins and jewelry is managed as
a non minerals-related recreation activity.
Metal detecting is a low surface impact
activity that involves digging small holes
rarely more than six inches deep.
Normally, metal detecting does not
require a notice of intent or written
authorization since it only involves
searching for and occasionally removing
small rock samples or mineral specimens
(36 CFR 228.4(a)).
Metal detectors may be used on public
land in areas that do not contain or would
not reasonably be expected to contain
archaeological or historical resources.
Normally, developed campgrounds,
swimming beaches, and other developed
recreation sites are open to recreational
metal detecting unless there are
archaeological or historical resources
present. In such cases, forest supervisors
are authorized to close the area to metal
detecting and the closure would be
posted at the site. Such closure notices
are not always practical in undeveloped
areas, and federal agencies have not
identified every archaeological site on
public lands. It is possible; therefore, that
you may encounter such archaeological
remains that have not yet been
documented or an area that is not closed
even though it does indeed contain such
remains. Archaeological remains on
GPOC The Prospector’s Quill Vol. 38 No.6
8
public land are protected under law. If you
were to discover such remains, you
should leave them undisturbed and notify
a FS office.
The purpose of the restrictions to metal
detecting on public lands is to protect
historical remains. The Code of Federal
Regulations, (36 CFR 261.9) states, "The
following are prohibited: (g) Digging in,
excavating, disturbing, injuring,
destroying, or in any way damaging any
prehistoric, historic, or archaeological
resources, structure, site, artifact, or
property. (h) Removing any prehistoric,
historic, or archaeological resources,
structure, site, artifact, property." The
Archaeological Resources Protection Act
(ARPA, 16 U.S.C. 470cc) also prohibits
these activities, stating, "No person may
excavate, remove, damage, or otherwise
alter or deface or attempt to excavate,
remove, damage or otherwise alter or
deface any archaeological resources
located on public lands or Indian lands
unless such activity is pursuant to a
permit...” ARPA exempts the collection of
coins for personal use if the coins are not
in an archaeological context. In some
cases, historically significant coins and
other metallic artifacts may be part of a
historical-period archaeological site, in
which case they would be considered
archaeological resources and are
protected under law. These laws apply to
all National Forest System land and do
not vary from state to state.
Four forms of metal detector use are
recognized.
1.Searching for treasure trove:
Treasure trove is defined as money,
gems, or precious metals in the form of
coin, plate, or bullion that has been
deliberately hidden with the intention of
recovering it later. This activity requires a
Special Use Permit under The Act of June
4, 1897, (16 U.S.C. 551). # F o r e s t
Service Manual 2724.4 states “allow
persons to search for buried treasure on
National Forest System lands, but protect
the rights of the public regarding
ownership of or claims on any recovered
property.”
2.Prospecting: Using a metal detector to
locate gold or other mineral deposits is an
allowed activity under the General Mining
Laws and is subject to the 36 CFR 228A
regulations. A Notice of Intent (36 CFR
228.4(a)) is normally not required for
prospecting using a metal detector. A
Notice of Intent (NOI) is required for any
prospecting which might cause
disturbance of surface resources. A plan
of operation is required for any
prospecting that will likely cause
significant disturbance of surface
resources. Normal metal detecting does
WE ARE ELECTRONIC at www.gpoc.com
not cause surface impacts that require
either a NOI or a Plan of Operation.
People who use metal detectors for
prospecting should bear in mind that
many of the mineralized lands within the
National Forests and open to mineral
entry have been “claimed” by others who
have sole right to prospect and develop
the mineral resources found on the
mining claim. A search of County and
Bureau of Land Management records
should be made prior to prospecting to
determine if an area has been claimed.
Normally, any gold found can be removed
and kept. If the removal of the gold, rocks,
or minerals might cause disturbance of
surface resources, beyond digging a
small shallow hole, a NOI may be
required.
3.Searching for historic or prehistoric
artifacts: Using a metal detector to locate
archaeological or historical remains is
subject to the Antiquities Act of 1906
and the Archeological Resources
Protection Act of 1979 (ARPA) as
amended and requires a special use
permit. Such permits are granted for
scientific research only, however, there
are many ways to get involved with
organized, scientific research. See below
for ways to use metal detectors for this
purpose under sanctioned public
archaeology programs.
4.Recreational pursuits: The most
common form of metal detector use is
searching for gold, lost coins, jewelry, and
incidental metal items having no historical
value. Such use is common in developed
campgrounds, swimming areas, and
picnic areas and requires no permit.
However, one must assume personal
responsibility to notice if the area may
indeed contain archaeological or historical
resources and if it does, cease metal
detecting and notify a Forest Service
office. Not doing so may result in
prosecution under the Code of Federal
Regulations or ARPA.
Metal detecting on the National Forests is
recognized as a legitimate prospecting
method under the General Mining Laws
and also as a recreational activity for the
casual collection of rocks and minerals.
This policy does not permit the use of
metal detectors in or around known or
undiscovered cultural or historic. This
information was taken from a pdf
document on the internet. I have not
been able to find a specific link on any
Forest Service site to this document.
http://www.fs.fed.us/geology/For%20W...
%20Forests.pdf
Questions concerning the use of metal
detection equipment should be referred to
the applicable District Ranger. It is your
responsibility to know before you go!

Colorado State Parks
Metal detecting is allowed at the
discretion of the park manager in
Colorado State Parks. Check with
each park manager before hunting
to obtain permission and the rules
for each individual park.
Metal detecting is not specifically
addressed by Colorado State Park
Regulations. Colorado State
Parks
Park managers do have the
authority to restrict use in certain
areas if there is a threat to the
resource but these restrictions are
rare and will be clearly posted at all
entrances to the area.
The only limiting Park Regulation
in Colorado is:
Reg.#100(b)(2) "It shall be
prohibited to remove, destroy,
mutilate, modify or deface any
structure, water control device,
poster, notice, sign or marker, tree,
shrub, or other plant or vegetation,
including dead timber and forest
litter, or any object of
archaeological, geological,
historical, zoological or natural /
environmental value or interest on
Parks and Outdoor Recreation
Lands. (This regulation does not
include removal of firewood from
designated firewood areas, noxious
weeds as defined by statute, or
recreational gold mining within the
Arkansas Headwaters Recreation
Area, except where prohibited as
indicated by posted signs."
An excellent site and resource for metal
detecting in all states is: http://
www.fmdac.org/parks/parks.htm. They
provide you with links to all states rules
and regulations as well as a general
overview. The information is provided
as a resource and should not be
considered as the definitive answer. It
is still your responsibility to obtain
permission from each specific park
manager and to abide by their rules.
GPOC The Prospector’s Quill Vol. 38 No.6
If it is a BLM developed recreation site and special management area,
historical park, National Park or Wilderness area, or where otherwise prohibited
and/or posted in any sense of the word then consider it off limits.
Picketwire by Lin
Working your way thru all the different counties, parks and open space areas in Colorado is
a daunting task. Many searches lead to a dead end. It is therefore advised that if you are
going to be in a particular area you contact officials ahead of time for information on their
rules and regulations governing metal detecting and prospecting. When retrieving an object
the damage you may cause by disturbing the ground and any plant, animal, geological or
archaeological feature may be of concern and in noncompliance of rules or regulations.
Know before you go. Do not assume that there is a general rule which can be
applied to all parks.
Boulder County Parks and Open Space.
It is a violation of our rules and regulations to remove any object, natural or manmade, from
open space property. Therefore, while metal detectors are not specifically prohibited, the
use of such to find and keep objects could be ticketed as a violation if witnessed by a
ranger.
Colorado Springs Parks
It is unlawful for any person to injure, deface, destroy, sever or remove any park property.
Denver Public Parks
17. Destruction of Property: It is unlawful for any person, other than authorized personnel,
to mark, remove, break, or climb upon or in any way injure, damage or deface the trees,
shrubs, plants, turf or any of the buildings, fences, bridges, monuments, fountains,
backstops, dugouts, goal posts, or other structures or property within or upon any park,
parkway, or other recreational facility.
Douglas County
It shall be unlawful, unless approved in writing by the Director of Douglas County Parks and
Trails Division or the Director of Douglas County Open Space and Natural Resources for
any person: (iv) to utilize and metal detector or similar device to search for any object in
Parks or Open Space lands without the written permission of Douglas County.
El Paso County Park Rules
Section 5: ENVIRONMENT
5.1: DAMAGE TO TREES; GRASS: It shall be unlawful for any unauthorized person to dig
or otherwise disturb grass or natural areas, or in any other way to injure or impair the
natural beauty or usefulness of any area in any park. [See C.R.S. 18-4-501; C.R.S.
18-4-508; C.R.S. 18-4-509; C.R.S. 18-4- 510; C.R.S. 18-9-117]
8.9 GEOCACHING: It shall be unlawful for any person to place a physical geocache on El
Paso County Parks property, except as authorized by special use permit from the Director.
Unauthorized geocaches will be removed from the park property and disposed of by Parks
staff.
Jefferson County Open Space
C.7. Collection of Natural Resources: It shall be unlawful to take, collect, gather, or possess any
animal, vegetation, rock, wood, or any other object on Open Space lands. Fine: $100.00
Summit County
Section 6.   Destruction of Public Property
a. It is unlawful to remove, destroy, collect, deface, or alter in any manner any natural or
man-made condition of any Open Space, without the express, prior written consent of the
Director.  Such objects include, but are not limited to, the following: wildlife, trees, down
timber or branches, shrubbery, plants, flowers, rocks and minerals, fences, signs, kiosks,
bulletin boards, restrooms, tables, benches, cultural resources and trash containers.
WE ARE ELECTRONIC at www.gpoc.com
9

PROSPECTING THE INTERNET
Colorado State Parks
Federal Register
Clarification as to when a Notice of
Intent To Operate and/or Plan of
Operation Is Needed for Locatable
Mineral Operations on National
Forest System Lands
National Park Service
Many of the National Parks share boundaries with the
Forest Service. Here are a few of the parks that share
boundaries with the Rocky Mountain Region: Rocky
Mountain National Park, Great Sand Dunes National
Monument, Yellowstone, Grand Teton National Park.
Access To Privately Owned Lands In Colorado
Two-thirds of the land area of the state of Colorado is privately
owned. It is unlawful to enter private lands in Colorado without
permission of the landowner. Colorado law does not require
private lands to be marked, fenced or posted in any manner.
Depending on the circumstances, trespass in Colorado may be
prosecuted as a misdemeanor or as a felony. Additionally, the
Colorado Revised Statutes state that "it is unlawful for any person
to enter upon privately owned land or lands under the control of the
State Board of Land Commissioners to take any wildlife by hunting,
trapping, or fishing without first obtaining permission from the owner
or person in possession of such land." The responsibility of
knowing whether you are on private or public land is YOURS.
On non-navigable rivers and streams, the adjacent landowners'
jurisdiction extends to the middle of the stream or river. Colorado
law does allow floating access on a stream or river as long as no
contact is made with the river bottom or shoreline while passing
through (over) private lands.

ORIConline How do I gain access to private lands?

Outdoor Recreation Information Center - Colorado's one- "ASK FIRST" to get access to private lands and please respect the
stop recreation information source. You can visit the ORIC property of others. Responsible visitors or users always respect the
booth at the REI Flagship Store in Denver. land, whether it is private or public, and take care to leave it the way
they found it. The landowner has the right to deny access on or
Recreation.gov
across private lands -and- may charge an access or user fee for the
One-Stop shop for recreation on federal lands.
use of those private lands.
ReserveUSA.com
Recreation maps showing landownership, road systems and
National Reservation System - reserve your favorite
geographic features are available for purchase from BLM and USFS
campground here. Also find cabins and lookouts available
offices and many retail stores throughout Colorado. Travel maps
for rent.
that describe vehicular use and road restrictions on public lands are
City Public Lands available from land management agencies. County road maps may
• Denver City Parks & Recreation be purchased from the State Highway Department or at county
• Denver Mountain Parks courthouses. The county maps show designated county roads,
• Lakewood City Parks & Trails county road numbers and road surface conditions.
County Public Lands
• Boulder County Open Space The U.S. Geological Survey publishes a series of topographic and
• Clear Creek County Open Space other maps with coverage of natural and manmade features. These
• Douglas County Open Space maps can be purchased from the U.S. Geological Survey, Denver
• Jefferson County Open Space Federal Center, Bldg. 810, P.O. Box 25286, Denver, CO 80225 and
• Summit County Open Space the Federal Bldg. Earth Science Information Center, Rm. 169, 1961
National Public Lands Stout St., downtown Denver or retail sporting goods stores.
• Bureau of Land Management
• National Forests and Grasslands Areas withdrawn from location of mining claims include National
• National Parks and Monuments Parks, National Monuments, Indian reservations, most reclamation
State Public Lands projects, military reservations, scientific testing areas, most wildlife
• Colorado Division of Wildlife protection areas (such as Federal wildlife refuges), and lands
• Colorado State Parks withdrawn from mineral entry for other reasons. Lands withdrawn for
power development may be subject to mining location and entry only
National Wildlife Refuge Rocky Mountain Arsenal under certain conditions.
http://www.fws.gov/rockymountainarsenal/index.htm
nes mining
g Guideli are on. erty and
Tips and Tricks for Metal Detector Users Collectin hose property you ting on private prop a form)
w
Know c s
en colle ha
http://www.tomstreasures.com/tips.html • ission wh in Salida ment.
Get perm a s H eadwaters arth moving equip
• T h e A rk a n s
n iz e d e s b e fo re you
BLM claims. ( s iv e s o r mecha a n d fi ll in hole
explo to four fe
et
http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/BLM_Programs/minerals.html • Don't use tion depth ip.
x c a v a ur next tr
• Limit e
n a b ly u s e until yo
leave. aso
Ghost Towns of Central Colorado you can re em.
o ll e c t o nly what u fo u n d th
http://www.coloradoghosttowns.com/ • C s as yo ect. e
ll g a te are in eff leaving th
• Leave a
n y fi re re strictio n s
p le te ly out before
Find out
if a co m
Key Items in the Federal Register dated June 6, 2005, • ampfire is owed in
Regarding 36 CFR 228.4(a) a k e s u re your c e n t are all
• M q u ip m
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http://www.goldgold.com/legal/mikesexplanation.htm area. anized o
h ic le s or mech
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• s areas of properl
wildernes h y o u a n d dispose
ash wit
• Take all tr

GPOC The Prospector’s Quill Vol. 38 No.6 WE ARE ELECTRONIC at www.gpoc.com 10

 A prospector is someone who is seeking a valuable substance, historically
precious metals or jewels, frequently spending more on maps, equipment
and repairs than ever recovered.
State Trust Lands
State Trust Lands Regulation Brochure
(pdf) | State Trust Lands Maps   Bureau of Land Management and U.S.
State Trust Lands in Colorado currently
total nearly 3 million surface acres. The
federal government endowed the lands to
Colorado in 1876, the year the Centennial
State officially joined the union.
The Public Access Program is a lease
arrangement between the Division of
Wildlife and the State Land Board which
began in 1993.  The Public Access
Program allows public access to specific
State Trust Lands and has opened up to
the public over half a million acres of
lands which had no public access
previously. Most recently, the State Land
Board and the DOW entered a 7 year
lease in 2006 to allow public use of
approximately 550,000 acres of State
Trust Lands with wildlife values for
wildlife-related recreation.
Through this lease agreement, these
lands are available to the public for a
specified time during the year for hunting,
fishing and other wildlife-related activities.
The State Trust Lands leased for this
program are not open year-round
because they are also leased to other
users during the year. The lands may
have several lease activities occurring on
them during the year which  includes
farming, livestock grazing, mining and
logging.
GPOC The Prospector’s Quill Vol. 38 No.6
11
Alma, Colorado by Lin
Several tracts provide or improve access
to adjacent State Wildlife Areas as well as
Forest Service lands.
The public is reminded to respect the
rights of other users and lessees on State
Trust Lands and to abide by state rules so
the lands can remain open for future
wildlife recreation. State Trust Lands not
leased for this program are not open for
public access.
Most of these leased State Trust Lands
are not accessible by motor vehicle, all-
terrain vehicles (ATVs) or snowmobiles,
and there are restrictions on camping,
parking and off-road driving. Hunters
should consult the State Trust Lands
brochure for rules and property-specific
information. Parcels are open only from
September 1 through the end of February,
unless otherwise stated in the brochure.
State Land Board website
Wildlife Habitat Properties Protected
An interactive Flash-based map
displays the properties (with descriptions
and photos) that have thus far been
protected.
WE ARE ELECTRONIC at www.gpoc.com
The following restrictions apply
to all State Trust Lands leased
by the Colorado Division of
Wildlife.
1. PROPERTIES ARE:
• Open only to hunting, fishing and
wildlife viewing. Target practice,
non-hunting shooting, outfitting and
non-wildlife related use prohibited.
• Closed 1/2 hour after sunset until
1/2 hour before sunrise, unless
posted otherwise.
• Closed to the public from March
1-Aug. 31, unless posted
otherwise. All newly enrolled
properties are closed to the public
until Sept. 1 of the year of
enrollment, unless posted
otherwise.
2. MOTOR VEHICLES are allowed
only on designated roads.
3. LITTERING PROHIBITED. All trash
must be packed out by users.
4. CAMPING, FIRES PROHIBITED,
unless posted otherwise.
5. ACCESS RESTRICTED to foot or
horseback only, unless posted
otherwise.
6.YOUTH MENTOR HUNTING AND
FISHING applies to youths under 18.
Youth hunters under 16 must be
accompanied by a mentor. Mentors
must be 18 or older, comply with hunter
education requirements and
accompany youths while hunting.
7. IT IS ILLEGAL to have, store or
use hay, straw or mulch that has
not been certified as noxious-weed
free, according to the Weed Free
Forage Crop Certification Act, or
any state or province participating
in the Regional Certified Weed
Free Forage Program. Certified
materials must be clearly marked
by the certifying state. People who
transport such materials on federal,
state or county roads that cross
State Trust Lands leased by the
DOW and hay produced on
property where itʼs being used are
exempt.
 § 228.4   Plan of operations—notice of intent—requirements.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, a notice of intent to operate is required from any person proposing to
conduct operations which might cause significant disturbance of surface resources. Such notice of intent to operate shall be
submitted to the District Ranger having jurisdiction over the area in which the operations will be conducted. Each notice of intent
to operate shall provide information sufficient to identify the area involved, the nature of the proposed operations, the route of
access to the area of operations, and the method of transport.
(1) A notice of intent to operate is not required for:
(i) Operations which will be limited to the use of vehicles on existing public roads or roads used and maintained for National
Forest System purposes;
(ii) Prospecting and sampling which will not cause significant surface resource disturbance and will not involve removal of more
than a reasonable amount of mineral deposit for analysis and study which generally might include searching for and occasionally
removing small mineral samples or specimens, gold panning, metal detecting, non-motorized hand sluicing, using battery
operated dry washers, and collecting of mineral specimens using hand tools;

Prospecting Card
Besides carrying this card with you I recommend that you carry a copy of
this newsletter with you that sites specific rules and regulations. If you have
access to the internet you should also carry a copy of the specific laws that
are listed. This is not to give you a legitimate reason for your metal
detecting and prospecting activities but it will help in educating someone and
maybe you might receive a warning rather than a ticket. Remember: just
because it may be legal to prospect in one area you cannot apply that rule
across the board. Know before you go! Do not argue with authorities as
shown in 261.3 regulation. Lin
✄------------------------------
Federal authorities and nearest BLM office
collectable from a reasonable distance, should be reported to the closest local
license numbers, times, dates, descriptions, photographs or video tape, if safely
For your own protection, do not attempt to apprehend perpetrators yourself, but
Comply with all applicable Federal and State fire laws and regulations.
specific rules of Club claims.
material, restoration, woody debris, spill, and sanitary waste, fire restrictions, &
hydraulicking & bank mining, stream flow disturbance, damming, volume of
diameters, engine horsepower & noise levels, operation in spawning areas,
following: annual and seasonal stream & road closures, nozzle, and hose
Review other rules & regulations that may cover, but are not limited to, the
lands. Recognize that different laws apply to different lands.
local agencies, for guidance on which laws & regulations apply to the specific
Check with the local USDA Forest Service, BLM or appropriate Federal, State, &
environment and forest surface resources.
deployed, arranged, disposed of or treated to minimize adverse impact upon the
materials, or substances and other waste produced by operations shall be
Do not cause significant surface disturbance. All tailings, dumpage, deleterious
prospecting.
Obtain needed permits. Carry permits & any membership cards with you while
Identify where and when mining is allowed or prohibited.
government agent or claim owner.
Follow the law and create good will through mutual respect. Do not challenge a
Gold Prospectors of Colorado
Keep in your wallet if you are challenged by a Government (local, state,
federal) agent when prospecting.
Date
Time
Location of
incident
Name of Ranger
officer or authority
Badge Number
Title or Position
Agency or District
Agency address
Agency phone
number
What was cited
§261.3 Interfering with a Forest officer, volunteer, or
human resource program enrollee or giving false
report to a Forest officer. The following are prohibited:
(a) Threatening, resisting, intimidating, or interfering with
any forest officer engaged in or on account of the
performance of his official duties in the protection,
improvement, or administration of the National Forest
System is prohibited.
(b)Giving any false, fictitious or fraudulent report or other
information to any Forest Officer engaged in or on
account of the performance of his official duties knowing
that such report of other information contains false,
fictitious or fraudulent statement or entry.
•
• (c)Threatening, intimidating, or intentionally interfering
with any Forest officer, volunteer, or human resource
program enrollee while engaged in, or on account of, the
performance of duties for the protection, improvement, or
administration of the National Forest System or other
duties assigned by the Forest Service.
•
•
Protecting You Privacy
Have you taken a picture of that “secret” prospecting find
• and posted it on the internet? If you have your secret
could be world renowned. Google bot reads the GEOtag
•
• from your embedded GPS tags when posting your photo,
and then "selects" it”, assigns a Google photo “indexing
•
number", and then puts up a map with YOUR thumbnails
directly on top of those embedded GPS coordinates you
can't see, but THEY ARE there compromising your
privacy.
Itʼs called geotagging. Many GPS enabled smart
phones and cameras embed the latitude and longitude
information with the picture properties. If you donʼt have
this feature turned off it will automatically be included
with the picture. You will need to use your manual, look it
up online or speak to a factory representative to turn off
this feature. Remember, you may have re-enabled the
feature if you use your GPS for another function.
Here is a site that can show how to turn this feature off
on different smart phones. Visit: http://icanstalku.com/
Photos that are posted online to Facebook can be
shared with ANYONE even if you mark them as private.
This can be done via sharing the link to the photo or by
downloading the photo. For more information access:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/12/technology/
personaltech/12basics.html

GPOC The Prospector’s Quill Vol. 38 No.6 WE ARE ELECTRONIC at www.gpoc.com 12

W H AT ʼ S U P W I T H
ELEPHANT ROCK?
Contrary to
numerous rumors
the Forest Service IS
NOT WRITING TICKETS
IN THIS AREA AT THIS TIME!
WARNINGS ARE BEING GIVEN
I talked with Megan Kabele at the Forest Service office in Leadville and
found her to be very informative and courteous. Currently, the USDA
Forest Service in Leadville is in the process of placing signage
prohibiting any prospecting in this area above Buena Vista. You may
encounter a Ranger that will warn you that the area is off limits, but
tickets will not be issued until the public is notified and when signs are
placed. This has been an area listed as open in numerous web sites,
but after talking with the Leadville office I would suggest that you do not
do any prospecting in this area as the boundaries between BLM lands
and Forest Service lands are confusing and difficult to locate.
The popularity of prospecting due to the increase in gold prices has
created a greater number of inquiries and frustrations by prospectors.
Many rumors abound about prospecting sites. You need to go directly
to the Federal, State, or local jurisdictions to get accurate information,
maybe! I would like to note in researching this information I was not able
to get any information from numerous
government offices. I personally went to 3
different offices where there was no
information to be found as well as one office
not being enthusiastic about my inquiry and
quoting the Mining Laws inaccurately, even
stating that you cannot prospect on any Forest
Service lands, but I have done my homework
and did not argue. Obviously, there is frustration in some offices, with
prospectors having approached them in a less than diplomatic manner.
If you are upset about the rules and regulations DO NOT approach the
government offices angry. The GPOCʼs Code of Ethics includes being
courteous. If you have a concern present it to the GPOC and we will try
to resolve it for you, or at least get accurate information for you. Lin
General Membership Meeting
May 2011
Attention Detectorists
Trade in your current detector (working or not) and we'll
provide you with a brand new Eureka Gold for only $899.00
THAT's a SAVINGS of OVER $350.00 
THREE separate frequencies.  Offer good through June
24th or until promotional supply is gone.
Contact The Rock Doc
17897 US Hwy. 285 | Nathrop, Colorado  (719) 539-2019
You can purchase your GPOC Membership and Dredging
Permits at the Roc Doc
CASUAL USE in the Royal Gorge BLM Area
Casual use prospecting includes those activities which
cause very little  or no disturbance. For example:
collection of geochemical, rock, soil, or mineral
specimens using hand tools; hand panning; or non-
motorized sluicing. It also generally includes use of
metal detectors, gold spears and other battery-operated
devices for sensing the presence of minerals, and hand
and battery-operated dry washers. Operators may use
motorized vehicles for casual use activities only if the
use is consistent with the regulations governing such use
(part 43 CFR 8340), including following off-road vehicle use
designations and temporary closures ordered by BLM. Casual
use operations do not require notification of the BLM; except
where specific land use or recreation area plans call for a
recreational mining permit. You must reclaim any casual-use
disturbance that you create. (Royal Gorge BLM)
Gold Recovery
Equipment
Designed and Built in Colorado

7:08# Meeting opened by President Ben Higley 3-4 Stage Design

7:12# President Ben Higley introduced 8 new members
7:18# Todayʼs price of gold was $1502.55
7:21# President Ben Higley introduced the GPOC Board
For Superior Recovery of Coloradoʼs Flour Gold
7:25# President Ben introduced the claims committee chair to the
club who spoke to the members about the claims and what
was going on with them.
7:34# President Ben Higley spoke about the permits needed for ✭ Sluices ★
dredging at Beaver Creek and Arkansas claims
7:39# Vice-president, Wayne Wittkopp, gave Ben Higley the Frank
Burns award
★ Highbankers ★
7:41# Dianna Anderson spoke about the field trip to her motherʼs
claims on May 21st & the $10 fee/person ★ High Volume/Pressure Pumps ★
7:50# Break
8:13# Gary Beaderstadt thanked Bob Butler and Wayne Wittkopp
for their donations to the club. Call for a free demonstration of the Unique
by Bob Butl
# Gary Beaderstadt held the gold draw with 16 winners.
Designs er
8:33# President Ben Higley introduced the guest speaker Larry Buena Vista
Wilnau. Larry spoke about metal detecting , Colorado
9:10# Meeting was adjourned. ★ 719-395
-2003 ★
GPOC The Prospector’s Quill Vol. 38 No.6 WE ARE ELECTRONIC at www.gpoc.com 13
 THE PROSPECTOR’S QUILL Mailed
The Quill is available online only UNLESS you wish to receive it by mail. If you wish to receive The
Prospector’s Quill in print your yearly subscription fee will be $15.00 for a mailed copy. Look at your mailing
label and it will have when you need to renew your membership. Take the number of months left on your
membership and multiply it by $1.25. That will be your cost for the rest of your CURRENT membership.

DATE
Gold Panning & Prospecting For Fun Quill Advertising Rates
NAME
FREE Gold CONTACT
PanningOVER Tips 1,000 GPOC MEMBERS
Informative!
STREET ADDRESS GPOC Meets the 2nd Wednesday Read our equipment reviewsquill@gpoc.com
and Prospectors Blog.
CITY, STATE, ZIP of every Month at the Elk’s Club Answers to Allow
yourfor a 3/8” marginFinding
questions: on all sidesGold,
of yourMetal
advertisement. Payment must
Detecting,
be received before placement. Send advertisement with check to: GPOC
EMAIL 3400 N. Nevada Dredging.
Quill Editor, PO Box 1593, CS, CO 80901
MEMBERSHIP EXPIRES
Colorado Springs, Colorado Site changes Deadline for placement
weekly! 20th of the month
Visit often!
AMOUNT BASED ON MEMBERSHIP MONTHS LEFT IN MEMBERSHIP YEAR X $1.25 = Sizes are approximate
www.hookedongold.com
Prices Per Issue
PAYMENT CHECK AMOUNT CHECK NUMBER
Business Card Size $ 6.00 4” x 5” (1/4 page) $12.00 5” x 8” (half page)
$24.00
MAIL YOUR PAYMENT AND THIS FORM TO: MEMBERSHIP GPOC PO BOX 1593 COLORADO SPINGS,
COLORADO 80901

GPOC VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES FOR JUNE 2011

June 11th & 12th Long Tom Demonstrations at Prospector 1 & 2 GPOC claims

Kingdom Days, Breckenridge, CO Help setting-up and breaking down, demonstrate gold
June 18th and 19th panning or your equipment. Sign-up for lodging required at: secretary@gpoc.com Lodging
available for those who volunteer for both days, first come-first served, & pre-registration
required or contact (719) 217-0923

3rd Annual Rock Fair & 48th Annual Pikes Peak Gem & Mineral Show in conjunction with
June 24th, 25th, 26th Rocky Mountain Federation of Mineralogical Societies Friday & Saturday 9 to 5 Sunday 9 to 3
Western Museum of Mining & Industry 225 N. Gate Blvd. CS, CO Help setting-up and
breaking down, demonstrate gold panning or your equipment.

GOLD PROSPECTORS OF COLORADO

PO BOX 1593
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO
80901
quill
The Prospector’s

GPOC The Prospector’s Quill Vol. 38 No.6 WE ARE ELECTRONIC at www.gpoc.com 14