Gov Land Corp Of Engineers Is A No Go In Stanislas Co, I Guess?

[Shojo510]

Seems like Gov Land Corp of Engineers is a no go in Stanislas Co, I guess?

Tried to get out to some Gov land(Park in Stanislas Co) I had heard of some detecting and sniping/panning gold occurrence before in the vicinity, now that I can see land ownership info I thought "Let's Go!" Looked online at the "regs" didn't see anything...(red flag 1), got to the park, looked at posted regs, Detecting allowed in designated areas and beach areas only, (red flag 2).  So I thought oh beaches near the river and in the eroded areas in the fringe or something, because that is what I had heard before...nope. Just as I pay for parking and was about to hike out the ranger pulls up and tells me there is no detecting in the Corp of Engineers land and none of the corps land he knew of was detectable. HE said there was no designated place for prospecting. He also went so far as to say that there was no gold panning in the park either which blew me away because that is where I had heard of the location first from GPAA club back 10-15 years ago. 

I got the commander number see what he has to say...

thought I could find another spot but got rained out, of course!

...sounds like a country song! ahahaha

[Shojo510]

Should have done an online search instead of trying to go through their docs and online regs, much easier to find it that way... quick search it's perfectly clear as mud. Call first.

 

[Knomad]

Don't be afraid to question any such restrictions, just be nice about it, at least until you know for sure what you are being told is total BS, remember you are often dealing with ignorant people, and / or people that seem to think only THEY should be on that land.  This also applies to Government Employees who interpret rules and laws however THEY want, not the actual rules, so look them up, make sure you are right, then just tell then to prove you wrong.  

If we roll over every time some Bureaucrat, or some biased ignorant "Environmentalist" try's to stop our hobby we won't have a hobby..!! 

[GotAU?]

I used to go to Stanislaus River Parks a lot back in the early 90’s and there were lots of people panning at the beach with their kids around the big pool near the covered bridge. 

Knomad is right, You should check with the park manager (when they return to work), as the person you spoke with may not have fully known the rules about panning and detecting (it was allowed, but only with “pans, trowels and spoons” back then).

I do know that historic and archaeological stuff is protected, so I wouldn’t detect around the mill or other parts of the Corps lands there, but they may allow nugget hunting in other beach and disturbed areas - The general  Army Corps of Engineers Rules do allow detecting on beaches and disturbed areas at ACOE sites (see below), but it is up to the what the District Commanders approve,  so that person may be right, but ask the Park Manager to be sure.- also get a good aerial to study the area for possible locations to try (google earth, or even OnXHunt, which shows the Corps and other property boundaries along the river).

 

https://usace.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p16021coll9/id/1484
 

[Shojo510]

I am planning to call in to the commander and get the official answer. The ranger mentioned a lot of personnel changed over recently so maybe there just isn't a provision set yet. Or maybe they're worried that the current price of gold will bring a mad rush and better to limit than to allow...I will be treading lightly trying to gain some access...the only thing that the regs mention that might be a big hurdle for nugget shooting is not disturbing or removing mineral deposits( gold?). We'll see how goes...Thanks for the input

[GotAU?]

Hi @Shojo510 - just wondering if you have any answers or updates? Thanks!

[Shojo510]

@GotAU? Not yet I will try and call late this week or early next.  

[Shojo510]

Updated - Gov shutdown, Shows status open

[GotAU?]

1 hour ago, Shojo510 said:

Updated - Gov shutdown, Shows status open

Yeah, they’re back at work now but just for a month again.  Try the Park Manager first, they are in charge of the Rangers.  Mondays are usually not a good time to call as they’re probably closed then.