Revised Suction Dredge Regulations Proposal - Comments due March 5, 2012

February 17, 2012 the Department of Fish and Game (DFG) released proposed regulations for suction dredge mining in California. The public comment period closes at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, March 5, 2012. All comments must be postmarked or received by DFG on or before that date and time. The revised regulations, all related written comments received by DFG, including the names and addresses of commenters, and DFGs responses to written comments, will be included in the DFGs official public record.
Please mail or hand-deliver written comments to DFG at: Suction Dredge Program, Revisions to Proposed Amendments, Department of Fish and Game, Northern Region, 601 Locust Street, Redding, CA 96001.
Written comments may also be submitted to DFG via email at: dfgsuctiondredge@dfg.ca.gov. Please include the following in the subject line for all comments submitted via email: Comments re Revisions to Proposed Amendments.

Additional information and text of the proposal is available at http://www.dfg.ca.gov/suctiondredge/

LINK ICMJ Mining News

LINK to New 49ers

Mining Safety

Prospecting can be a fun and rewarding hobby, but safe practices must still be considered. We all want to forget there can be dangers involved, but the tragic deaths of three young men near Fresno reminded us that it can happen. Some things might seem like common sense, but we should never take shortcuts when possible danger is involved. Below are just a few "common sense" items to remember when prospecting.
- Always take a buddy along
- Tell someone at home EXACTLY where you
   are going and when you plan to return
- Stay out of old mines and caves
- Don't venture into remote areas without
  another vehicle along
- Practice good water safety
- Avoid disturbing wildlife and know
  what to do if bit
- Bring basic supplies: water, snacks, first aid
- Keep a tool kit in car and cell phone/charger
- Chains in winter, fire extinguisher in summer
- Safety check vehicle before trip, air up spare
- Check the weather before departing,
  and prepare accordingly
Basic safety involves planning ahead and not taking chances. With a little forethought you can enjoy your trip prospecting, and if you run into problems you will be prepared to deal with them safely and with less frustration. The following link is geared toward industrial mining but has a lot of great safety information. There is even a kid's area with safety and interesting history. Mining Safety at www.msha.gov

Support is still needed to avoid future problems for our freedom to use our public lands.

Office of the Governor

California Mineral and Mining Museum Website

Contact Senator Dave Cogdill

Contact Assemblyman Tom Berryhill

Remember while prospecting to please
clean up any litter, even if it isn't yours :)

Prospecting Reports

Club members are asked to take note of the new feature in the "Members Only" section of the Home Page entited, "Prospecting Reports." This is a great area for members to share some interesting spots where they have found gold or just good fun. Just sign into the "Members Only" section and click on the "Prospecting Reports" button. This will bring up a dialogue box that will ask you some pertinent information such as the date, location, and personal comments. This is a nice way of sharing information with other prospecting buddies who will do the same in return. It is a "win win" situation.

If you are interested in either a "Prospecting Buddy" or carpooling, then contact our president, Nancy Roberts, her number is in the Officers Directory located in the members section of the web site.
So, now you don't have a car excuse to stay home!