California Gold Panning Laws
While a series of laws govern California gold panning, there’s no reason why you can’t find a few nuggets. Panning activities are allowed along the streams, rivers, and national parks in California. However, your luck will be high if you explore the areas that have never been discovered yet. Also, public lands provide opportunities for exploration.
If you’re up to the challenge, here are some California gold panning laws you should know. These are tips from Cooper DuBois Portland Gold hunter and explorer.
No trespassing on private land
Since the Bureau of Land Management manages most public lands, panning is open to the public. However, gold panning on private land can land you in trouble.
Before you think about private properties, you should explore the commercial mining sites throughout the state. Besides, serious prospectors won’t have an interest in commercial zones. Such places can make for a great day out with your family and are marketed toward novice panners.
Littering can attract heavy fines
Littering in California carries strict and heavy fines. If you’re a first-time offender, you pay a $100 fine and up to 8 hours of community service. However, the law is a bit strict for repeat offenders. You expect to pay a $750 fine and 24 hours of community service on average. Therefore, you should ensure you dispose of your waste properly when panning.
The campsites must always be left clean. All unusual material must be removed and damped to the designated areas. Also, it’s illegal to dump the holding tanks in National Forest Lands. This is one of the few California gold panning laws you can’t afford to ignore.
Clean Water Act Permit
In 2015, the state passed a bill that combated environmental damage due to dredging. However, panning is not regulated by this law.
Mining law of 1872
Since most public land is under the BLM, this mining law applies. It states that the holder has exclusive rights to valuable minerals which may be found. And because there are thousands of mining claims on public land, those who wish to stake a claim should contact the BLM office.
Although gold panning is not a mining activity, it can inversely affect the quality of fish, vegetation, and people. Not to mention, the process of separating gold from sand can wash the silt downstream. This means that fish and other aquatic life may have challenges surviving in heavily silted water due to low oxygen supply.
But to control illegal mining, there are a few rules that apply in public land like:
- You need a campfire permit if you’re in a specific spot for up to 14 days.
- Motorized equipment like chainsaws and earth-moving equipment is prohibited.
- If you have to use a dredge, the nozzle should be less than 3 inches.
- Water must not be pumped from the source.
- High banking ground sluicing is not permitted.
- The sluices or collecting surface must-have collecting surfaces no greater than 6 feet
- You should never deter the water from the source.
- No permit for metal detectors
If you’re panning for gold using metal detectors, the law doesn’t require you to get a special permit. However, if the panning work will disturb the land, you should file a Plan for Operations.
Some areas where California gold panning laws don’t apply
Gold panners who use the traditional shovel and pan can explore many areas without getting permission.
Gold panning in the Mother Lode
Since Mother Lode has a history of gold panning, there’s a high probability that you may get a nugget or two.
South Yuba River
This is another area where California gold panning laws don’t apply. The area above Edwards Crossing Bridge is a good spot.
Millerton Lake State Recreation Area
This area offers dozens of outdoor activities, gold panning being one of them. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) puts on a gold rush program for children.
Butte Creek, Clear Creek, and the Trinity River
The mining laws in California don’t apply to these areas. However, you should respect the rights of the existing mining claims. And you can only focus on low-impact gold panning.
Forks of Butte Recreation Area
This allows for low-impact panning activities and offers amazing camping grounds. While there, be sure to explore the steep pine and fir-covered canyons. Most of the trails follow the vertical canyon walls. If you like to reserve one of the camping sites, you should contact the BLM office.
It’s no surprise that gold continues to attract prospects across California — it has something for panners of all levels. Whether you’re serious about finding gold or you want to create a memorable activity, you should keep an eye on the above California gold panning laws.
