Claims

VALLEY PROSPECTORS

CLAIMS RULES AND REGULATIONS

  1. Camping is permitted on the claims, but it is primitive with no facilities or water available. Tent camping is okay but you must have a porti-potty. (Special Rules apply to the Northern California Yuba River Claims.)
  2. No campfires are allowed on any claim located within the U.S.F.S. boundaries unless the club is authorized the use of a self contained fire pit the forestry has approved. This will be allowed only on scheduled club outings. Anyone who starts a campfire on the Hungryman or Chunker Claims is subject to expulsion by the board.
  3. Members must accompany their guest at all times. Failure to do so may result in dismissal from the club. Anyone who is planning on meeting a guest on a club claim must give them a signed note introducing the guest and this note must be dated in the event that they get there before you do. The only exception to this is if you invite them to a scheduled outing which would count towards one of the three visits to a club claim.
  4. All members must have their membership cards with them while out on a club claim. It’s recommended that you also wear your name badge. If any member asks to see your membership card, you must show it.
  5. You’re required to keep all children and pets under control at all times on the claims: This is for their own protection.
  6. If you haul it in, you haul it out. This means all trash, including cigarette butts. You must use a soda or coffee can to put them in. You must take all cigarette butts home with you. The filters are not biodegradable. Do not leave trash – pick it up even if you didn’t leave it.
  7. If you dig it, fill it in. If you go into a hole that someone else started but didn’t fill in, you’re responsible for doing so. Reclamation is mandatory.
  8. All highbankers must have a settling pond so discharged water running back into the creek or river is clear. This can be made using a barrel which has been cut in half.
  9. No mechanical digging. We only allow hand tools, pick and shovel only. This does include jack hammers. No explosives are allowed at any time.
  10. Removal of only two (2) 5 gallon buckets of material from the claim site is allowed per person, per trip or per day. That’s two repeat two buckets whether you stay a day or two weeks.
  11. Gas engines must have approved spark arresters on all claims. Fire extinguishers are recommended at all times but are mandatory if you are using a gas engine. They must be ready to use at the digging site. You must also clear a ten (10) foot diameter circle around the engine.
  12. Just because you dig the hole, it does not mean you own it. If you wish to return to that hole on the next day, leave a bucket or shovel in it to show that it’s being actively worked. Remember, if you dig it on Saturday, then you can return to it on Sunday. BUT, it must be filled in before you leave the site for the stay. This is part of the ongoing reclamation work which is required on all of our claims.
  13. The area is known to be habitat for several endangered species including the desert tortoise and the Lane Mt vetch. DO NOT DISTURB !!!
  14. Don’t dig up or cut the bushes and trees – dig around them.
  15. No cutting of any tree roots is allowed. If you dig up an endangered species, the responsibility is yours, not the fault of the club. There is a $10,000 fine for disturbing any endangered species. This includes picking up a tortoise.
  16. No new roads!!!
  17. No brandishing of firearms is allowed. Don’t carry a firearm on your person if you have been drinking alcoholic beverages. No target shooting or plinking!!! None of the claims are in an authorized shooting area.
  18. Nothing which can be construed as hydraulic mining is allowed on any claim.
  19. Please use common sense and courtesy at all times. You can’t tell someone to leave if they aren’t a member. We don’t own the property (surface rights) only the minerals. If someone is prospecting, you may ask them to stop or invite them to join the club and continue as your guest for the day.
  20. Valley Prospectors sets no dredge size limitations, other then what is authorized by the Department of Fish and Game. (NOTE: Dredging is no longer permitted in California)
  21. The Forest Service has requested that only three rigs are allowed to camp free at campgrounds on the Mother Lode Claims .subject to the following limitations: Between June 1st and August 15th, there is a maximum consecutive stay of 14 days. After August 15th, the permit can be renewed for 7 additional days. A 30 day consecutive stay would be allowed after August 15th through June 1st. All persons wishing to use the free campsites must obtain permits at the Camptonville Forest Service office.
  22. Remember that this is a family organization and conduct yourself in a proper manner.
  23. Either an administrative pass or paid “Adventure Pass” is required.
  24. Stay away from the old shafts on the claims — they are dangerous!!
  25. Watch out for snakes – but don’t kill them.
  26. Dredgers must have a valid current California dredge permit, and obey all California DFG dredging regulations. (NOTE: CALIFORNIA NO LONGER ALLOW DREDGING OR ISSUES DREDGE PERMITS)