Thanks for the input Brad. I appreciate it.  And thanks for the link. I've been
looking for a converter online that actually works, and it has a google link to
take you to the coordinates.
 
I use google maps and earth to give me an idea of where I'm going... but par for
the course with google... once you get near to where you are going, what you see
online is not always what you see in person.
 
When the snow melts, I'll head back up to the claim near Georgetown and will
provide the GPAA with some updated directions.

--- On Wed, 4/20/11, gpaarivercityprospectors-owner@yahoogroups.com
<gpaarivercityprospectors-owner@yahoogroups.com> wrote:


From: gpaarivercityprospectors-owner@yahoogroups.com
<gpaarivercityprospectors-owner@yahoogroups.com>
Subject: [G P A A River City Prospectors] Finding claims safely
To: gpaarivercityprospectors@yahoogroups.com
Date: Wednesday, April 20, 2011, 2:34 PM


 



This is real easy folks.

First of all the Coordinates are posted in the claims guide on I believe every
claim listed.

If you go websites that can convert Degree, Minute, Second to Degree Decimal or
Minute, Decimal you can enter those results into Google Earth or just about any
map program and find to within a few feet where any given claim is.

This is the site I use.
http://www.rcn.montana.edu/resources/tools/coordinates.aspx?nav=11

Now given that most gold claims are located in remote locations you need to do
some research on any any endeavorer that involves taking yourself, family and
friends into remote locations.

Every year we hear of people following there dash mounted GPS device and finding
themselves in life threatening situations. Please lets all be smart about this
and do your research. Tell friends, family and authorities if appropriate your
intended destination and expected time of return.

Brad








[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Dear East Bay,

Your group has been asked once before not to recruit members using our group. I
am respectfully asking again. Do not use this group to recruit East Bay members.

Thank you,
Sherry

--- In gpaarivercityprospectors@yahoogroups.com, Don Shepherd <d.shepherd22@...>
wrote:
>
> you should join east bay prospectors its the best grup in n.calif. just google
them for info good luck maybe ill see ya at the next outing.
>
> --- On Mon, 2/7/11, dm099 <dm099@...> wrote:
>
>
> From: dm099 <dm099@...>
> Subject: [G P A A River City Prospectors] Guys, how and where are
meetings.....
> To: gpaarivercityprospectors@yahoogroups.com
> Date: Monday, February 7, 2011, 5:21 PM
>
>
>  
>
>
>
> Howdy folks,
>
> Was looking at joining GPAA (again), and thought I would like to attend your
next meeting to see how things work etc. I have attended before, but it's been
years now since I was there, so.....
>
> Where are your meetings held, and at what times? Are they open to non GPAA
folks who are looking to join?
>
> Is there a link (that I missed) for the calender for meetings and for the
calendar of events?
>
> Thanks for the help, am looking forward to meeting ya'll and hope I can offer
the group as much help as I plan on taking away from all the folks there.
>
> See yas soon,
>
> Dennis
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

I joined both on my own, no one recruited me. I don't know why your assuming
things. If you are going to treat other groups like that then I'll just leave
the Sac chapter.

Sent from Chris's iPhone

On Apr 21, 2011, at 9:05 PM, "Sherry" <thesherrya@...> wrote:

> Dear East Bay,
>
> Your group has been asked once before not to recruit members using our group.
I am respectfully asking again. Do not use this group to recruit East Bay
members.
>
> Thank you,
> Sherry
>
> --- In gpaarivercityprospectors@yahoogroups.com, Don Shepherd
<d.shepherd22@...> wrote:
> >
> > you should join east bay prospectors its the best grup in n.calif. just
google them for info good luck maybe ill see ya at the next outing.
> >
> > --- On Mon, 2/7/11, dm099 <dm099@...> wrote:
> >
> >
> > From: dm099 <dm099@...>
> > Subject: [G P A A River City Prospectors] Guys, how and where are
meetings.....
> > To: gpaarivercityprospectors@yahoogroups.com
> > Date: Monday, February 7, 2011, 5:21 PM
> >
> >
> > Â
> >
> >
> >
> > Howdy folks,
> >
> > Was looking at joining GPAA (again), and thought I would like to attend your
next meeting to see how things work etc. I have attended before, but it's been
years now since I was there, so.....
> >
> > Where are your meetings held, and at what times? Are they open to non GPAA
folks who are looking to join?
> >
> > Is there a link (that I missed) for the calender for meetings and for the
calendar of events?
> >
> > Thanks for the help, am looking forward to meeting ya'll and hope I can
offer the group as much help as I plan on taking away from all the folks there.
> >
> > See yas soon,
> >
> > Dennis
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Phil,


--- On Tue, 4/19/11, Phil Cocciante <philcocciante@...> wrote:

From: Phil Cocciante <philcocciante@...>
Subject: Re: [G P A A   River City Prospectors] GPAA Claim
To: gpaarivercityprospectors@yahoogroups.com
Date: Tuesday, April 19, 2011, 9:21 PM







 









       I guess part of the fun is finding the claim.  But if you have to be a
member to use the claim legally, then the guide book that is given to each
member should be more accurate.  We're not trying to keep out other members
from using the claims.  I would hope/expect another member would give me
accurate directions to a claim we all have access to.



Phil

--- On Tue, 4/19/11, Sherry <thesherrya@...> wrote:



From: Sherry <thesherrya@...>

Subject: Re: [G P A A River City Prospectors] GPAA Claim

To: gpaarivercityprospectors@yahoogroups.com

Date: Tuesday, April 19, 2011, 1:18 PM



 



Jason,



Let's get real here. What miner is ever going to tell someone EXACTLY how to get
to a good spot anyway?!?!?!?!



If I remember correctly the Guide does say that directions are written by others
and not the GPAA. It also says that if you find the directions are not quite
enough to help you find the claim, they would appreciate updates.



In my opinion, the Guide is invaluable for helping us get close to the spot.
Then it's up to the miner to use experience and knowledge to find the gold.



Sherry



--- In gpaarivercityprospectors@yahoogroups.com, Jason Fox <livenlife44@...>
wrote:

>

> All of the GPAA Claims have bad directions! It's part of the club, even the
top members are LOST, Dutchmen. I must cross reference many other maps and/or
use GPS to find any of the claims. I have attempted to look for about 30 GPAA
claims and have found most to be so inaccurate in direction and details That a
Forest Ranger threaded to give me a felony for dredging (not in CA) and the new
claim guide sent me there to dredge it. It is a wild river and had been for
years. Therefor with the claims being so far off that one must not relie upon
any of the GPAA as correct info. One could use the GPAA as a starting guide.
that's how it works for me.

>

> --- On Thu, 4/14/11, Bob Tienken <duqhunter2@...> wrote:

>

> From: Bob Tienken <duqhunter2@...>

> Subject: Re: [G P A A River City Prospectors] GPAA Claim

> To: gpaarivercityprospectors@yahoogroups.com

> Date: Thursday, April 14, 2011, 6:14 PM

>

> if you want, you could take notes and give better directions. And no, i was
more just out for a drive with wife and niece only found a couple specks

>

>

>

> --- On Tue, 4/12/11, Phil Cocciante <philcocciante@...> wrote:

>

>

>

> From: Phil Cocciante <philcocciante@...>

> Subject: Re: [G P A A River City Prospectors] GPAA Claim

> To: gpaarivercityprospectors@yahoogroups.com

> Date: Tuesday, April 12, 2011, 10:45 AM

>

>

>

> Thanks for the reply. Shall I send the GPAA better directions if/when I find
it? And did you have any success on that claim?

>

>

>

> --- On Tue, 4/12/11, Bob Tienken <duqhunter2@...> wrote:

>

>

>

> From: Bob Tienken <duqhunter2@...>

> Subject: Re: [G P A A River City Prospectors] GPAA Claim

> To: gpaarivercityprospectors@yahoogroups.com

> Date: Tuesday, April 12, 2011, 7:58 AM

>

>

>

> I went up there a couple years ago and had trouble finding it at first to. I
think there is a sign that says " bald mnt. "

>

>

>

> --- On Mon, 4/11/11, PhilC <philcocciante@...> wrote:

>

>

>

> From: PhilC <philcocciante@...>

> Subject: [G P A A River City Prospectors] GPAA Claim

> To: gpaarivercityprospectors@yahoogroups.com

> Date: Monday, April 11, 2011, 11:40 AM

>

>

>

> Yesterday I took a drive to the GPAA Claim outside of Georgetown. I didn't get
too far for a few reasons, snow being one of them.

>

>

>

> But my question is... what road do you turn off of 193 to get to the claim?
The guidebook says "go about 9 miles, turn right, go about 6 miles to a marker
and you're there."

>

>

>

> Go about 9 miles... and nothing is there. Go just a tick over 10 and there is
a road with a forest service sign with milage to other destinations. Is this the
road to take to that claim?.... after the snow melts? :)

>

>

>

> Thanks.

>

>

>

> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

>

>

>

> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

>

>

>

> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

>



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]






















[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Don Robinson, President of the Mother Lode Goldhounds sent out the following
email. Jim Hutchings, President of the GPAA River City Chapter recommends the
same...

Goldhounds, after all our battling to restore dredging, today we just became
aware of an effort by the State Senate to place a five year moratorium on
dredging. The following is from Scott Harn, ICMJ. There is no time other than
now. The hearing is tomorrow by three people. Please review the report below
from Scott.  Here's the contact information that Scott outlines. I'm making my
calls right now. This is a sneak attack and we have to fight furiously or
dredging is out for five years. I have received messages from 10 other sources
in the last hour on this issue and hearings. Don't delay. Thanks.   Don



Here is what you need to do tonight:

Only three Senators -- all part of Subcommittee 2 -- will decide whether or not
to add the above language to the budget bill at this time. Call each one of them
tonight. There is no time to send a letter -- you must call.  If their mailboxes
are full, then you must call them in the morning to make an impact.



Phone numbers:

Sen. Lowenthal (916) 651-4027 and (562) 495-4766 and (562) 529-6659

Sen. Simitian (chair) (916) 651-4011 and (408) 277-9460 and (831) 425-0401

Sen. Fuller (916) 651-4018
----- Original Message -----
From: ICMJ's Prospecting and Mining Journal
To: goldworld@...
Sent: Wednesday, May 11, 2011 6:05 PM
Subject: Action Alert -- California Senate considering 5yr moratorium on
dredging

May 11, 2011

From:
ICMJ's Prospecting and
MINING JOURNAL

Action Needed Now
California considering 5-yr moratorium on dredging in current budget bill
Sorry to bother you, but we just received word that Subcommittee 2 in the
California State Senate is considering adding language to a budget bill that
would place a moratorium on suction dredge mining for a period of five years and
stop the court-ordered Supplemental Environmental Impact Report that is already
under way.

Page 39 of the agenda for tomorrow, May 12, 2011, states:
Staff Recommendation:  Approve the following:
(1)  Trailer bill language to continue the moratorium on issuance of suction
dredge permits for an additional five years, or until such time as new
regulations that fully mitigate all identified significant environmental
impacts, and a proposed fee structure that will fully cover all program costs,
are in place.
(2)  Approve Budget Bill Language prohibiting any funding at the department from
being used for suction dredge mining regulation, permitting or other activities.
The recommendation is based on the faulty premise that the suction dredge
permits only cost $25 and the program creates a net-loss for the California
Department of Fish & Game.

When SB 670 was passed the bill clearly stated that passage of that bill would
negatively impact DFG and that enforcement activities were covered by permit
fees. Here is the exact wording from the bill:

FISCAL EFFECT of SB670: According to the Assembly Appropriations Committee, loss
of approximately $175,000 in annual revenue each  year the moratorium is in
effect, resulting from loss of suction dredge permit fees (Fish and Game
Preservation Fund). Currently, fee revenue pays for suction dredge permit
enforcement at the cost of approximately $50,000 per year, activity which will
presumably continue during the moratorium.

Here is what you need to do tonight:

Only three Senators -- all part of Subcommittee 2 -- will decide whether or not
to add the above language to the budget bill at this time. Call each one of them
tonight. There is no time to send a letter -- you must call.  If their mailboxes
are full, then you must call them in the morning to make an impact.



Phone numbers:

Sen. Lowenthal (916) 651-4027 and (562) 495-4766 and (562) 529-6659

Sen. Simitian (chair) (916) 651-4011 and (408) 277-9460 and (831) 425-0401

Sen. Fuller (916) 651-4018



Here is the info they need to hear from you:

1.     The Background info supplied to the Committee is inaccurate. DFG does not
lose money as a result of the suction dredging program.

2.     The stated fee structure in inaccurate. The cost for permits are $47.50
in-state, and $167.25 out of state ( a far cry from the $25 stated in this
Background proposal)

3.     PLEASE VOTE NO for the moratorium on suction dredging

Thank you.



Sincerely,



Scott Harn

Editor/Publisher

ICMJ's Prospecting and Mining Journal

www.icmj.com


Supporting Documents:

May 12, 2011 Agenda for Subcommittee 2, California Senate

Fiscal Impact of SB670

----- Forwarded Message -----
From: "Dave McCracken" <admin@...>
Sent: Thursday, June 2, 2011 5:10:22 PM
Subject: Action Alert: another California moratorium!


Please open the attachment, change my name to yours, make
any other changes you would like, and sign the letter.
Fax it to the number below right away. DO NOT WAIT. They
are trying to sneek in through the back door!

FOX.com just published the article below today; hopefully TV
will follow before the votes get cast in Sacramento.

Here is the article:
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/06/01/fortune-seekers-bemoan-potential-end-\
dredge-gold-mining-california/


Please FAX Governor Brown and tell him that you OPPOSE the
proposed 5-yr moratorium and $1.8 million budget cut on the
suction dredging program.  His  fax number is (916) 558-3160.

Thanks for your help!

Dave Mack

The New 49er's, 27 Davis Road, Happy Camp, California 96039, USA

To unsubscribe or change subscriber options visit:
http://www.aweber.com/z/r/?TOyMrBzstMxsHCzsrOxMtEa0jAwMLCzsjMw=



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

This is a repost of an email that Jim Hutchings sent out. Please read this over
and help the fight! Oh and I have emailed Megan Allred and she is very helpful.

From: Jim Hutchings
Friday, June 3, 2011

OK folks, read the thread here! Don Robinson says it the best it could be
said!!! However, I do want to reiterate that there are some exceptional people
who have stepped up to bat and have got the press rolling with articles on our
position! We may not be able to keep them all coming to you, but we are in the
heat of battle at this moment and right up until the Governor signs the budget.
We just may have a chance here, and your comments to the Governors Office, and
keeping in mind the budget/cost issues at this time is the best approach! Thanks
for all your help on this.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: goldworld@...
To: goldworld@...
Subject: dredging issue
Date: Fri, 3 Jun 2011 18:50:27 -0700

Hello Goldhounds,

Like me, I suspect you all are tired of hearing these issues and various
statements, positions, editorials, junk and you name it about dredging. It's
wearing thin and that's just what the opponents of dredging want. They want us
to quit and give up, and then later give up some more rights, like sluicing, and
after that hands and pans will be the only way to look for gold, detectors will
be banned, sniping will be outlawed because of sedimentation disturbances, and
the search for gold in California will be basically over. The professionals will
be out of business, the recreationalists will have to find another way to spend
their time and to find another income source, small towns that rely on the
mining business will be boarding up windows, and those who are left looking for
gold will be considered 'outlaws'.

So should we give in? We've been outflanked badly by those who are pulling the
strings. The State budget rider to eliminate funding is the prime example. While
we were dealing with the Fish and Game evaluations on an honest front, we left
the back door unlocked and the crooks slipped right on in and worked the State
Budget. Now that we're on that issue what windows are they going to come into
next? Plan on it being after you've turned in for the night.  This reminds me of
Paul Jones, our great sea Captain during the year of 1779. The American
Revolution was under way and his ship the Bonhomme Richard was being pounded by
a large British Convoy. He was sinking and the British  called out for his
surrender. History says his response was "Surrender? Surrender hell, I have just
begun to fight." With that he rammed the British ship, took it over in a fierce
hand to hand battle, and then used the British Frigate to route the rest of the
British convoy. A great sea victory for our country because a patriot refused to
surrender. Yes, we are being called to surrender as well. Should we? We have got
to be smarter, that's for sure.

We have some things going and I'll try to keep this short. We continue to
support PLP and their efforts, and the ICMJ has also been stepping up to the
plate. There is a new mining organization called Western Mining Alliance. I see
some very good things coming from them.  Now we are seeing some national
newspapers carrying the plight of the miner and the activities going on with the
State. We're beginning to make some inroads on this but the thieves of the night
are still stalking out there. They too are using the newspapers to sway opinions
and we are definitely out-funded on the dollar side.
Here's something you can do. Check out this article:

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/06/01/fortune-seekers-bemoan-potential-end-\
dredge-gold-mining-california/#ixzz1O4Aml8Im

This was in the Sacramento Bee:
http://www.sacbee.com/2011/06/02/3670603/catch-22-in-california-budget.html#disq\
us_thread

Another release in Concord:
www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=xprnw.20110531...1

Also, here's a press release from State Senator Gaines:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                            CONTACT: Megan
Allred
June 2, 2011
(916) 651-4001

GAINES ISSUES STATEMENT ON SUCTION DREDGING

SACRAMENTO – Senator Ted Gaines (R-Roseville) today issued a statement on the
legislature's attempt to effectively kill the suction dredging industry in
California.
"Legislative tricks are putting an entire industry at risk," said Gaines.  "This
is unfair to the thousands of miners, their families and the businesses that
depend on suction dredge mining for their livelihoods."

A moratorium on suction dredge mining has been in place since 2009.  The ban was
to be lifted at the end of this year when the Department of Fish and Game
released new regulations governing suction dredging.  Current budget language,
however, would forbid the Department from spending money to develop those
regulations.

"This is maddening." said Senator Gaines.  "The taxpayers have already spent
more than a million dollars on a draft EIR.  The legislature didn't like what it
said so they are moving the goalposts on the miners.  I don't want to see a
million dollars wasted and I don't want to see jobs killed off when we have
12-percent unemployment."

The legislature has until June 15th to deliver a budget to the Governor.  "I am
fighting to get this absurd, Catch-22 language out of the budget before it is
sent to Governor Brown," said Gaines.

In February of this year, Senator Gaines introduced a bill that would have
lifted the ban on suction dredge mining while the EIR and new regulations were
being drafted.  The bill was defeated in the Senate Natural Resources Committee,
5-2.

Senator Ted Gaines represents the 1st Senate District, which includes all or
parts of Alpine, Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado, Lassen, Modoc, Mono, Nevada,
Placer, Plumas, Sacramento and Sierra counties.

Here's one more item from the Western Mining Alliance. Please go to the web site
of Western Mining Alliance and check them out.
I'll end this e-mail for now and sorry about its length. What's your answer
about surrendering? Care to have your wallet stolen during the night? Not me!!
Thanks.   Don

ps: You're welcome to send this e-mail to anyone you want. Thanks again.


The news of our plight in CA with the Legislature trying to Stop Suction
Dredging again, has hit the nationwide/worldwide news.

Governor Brown needs to know this is no longer a local issue, and could affect
CA's economy on an even wider scale. Once he sees how many media outlets have
the story and are running it, he can weigh the Negative PR CA's getting against
the minimal annual cost savings, of the Trailer Bill Language.  It's up to us to
let the Governor know he still has an option.  Send him a News fax Tonight, if
possible.  All you need to do is FAX the Gov a copy of one or two of the many
News Articles WMA has waiting for your use.  Will you join us in our "Wednesday
Night FAX the Governor Party"?  If you want to, just go to www.thewma.org and
click PRESS RELEASES.  Everything you will need is right there to use. With your
help, Governor Brown will get our message Thursday morning, that this is not
going away unless "HE makes it go away" by having the Trailer Bill Language
removed from the Trailer Bill before it gets voted on (very soon).

Lets FILL the Gov's Office with News articles from TheStreet, NewsBlaze,
CitizenWire, Breitbart, CaliforniaNewsWire, SacBee etc..... tonight!

Stand Up For Your Rights and Join The Fight!
The Team at WMA
www.westernminingalliance.com

Are there any plans for outings the Sac area ? I could use some help with sluice
box set up, and was hoping there might be something coming up soon.

We need your help! This was taken from an email I received from Jim Hutchings.
Please take a few moments to help keep the 5 Year Moratorium on Dredging from
passing...

We're at the end game in Sacramento. The only hope we have is staying part of
the budget conversation. In order to stay in the conversation, we need to come
up on the search engines when "California budget" is searched for today and
tomorrow.

Can everyone please send these instructions out to your email list - we need
participation to make this work!

Click on the following links, and then when they open, click on every story that
has to do with suction gold mining in CA (the ones below that include $1.8m or
$1.8m error are most helpful, because they include quotes from Jerry Brown).

You do not have to read the stories over and over; just by opening them, the
Search engines calculate popularity and will keep them on page 1 with the
California Budget news. Just click on each link below and click on our stories
once you're there. Make sure you do this on all 3 search engines below.

http://www.google.com/#sclient=psy&hl=en&source=hp&q=california+budget+%241.8+er\
ror&aq=&aqi=&aql=&oq=&pbx=1&fp=4a7ed88c6bb57a86&biw=747&bih=470

http://search.yahoo.com/search;_ylt=AgM7uKsp5GqXI0kRhI8Vg3abvZx4?p=california+bu\
dget+%241.8+error&toggle=1&cop=mss&ei=UTF-8&fr=yfp-t-701

http://www.bing.com/search?q=california+budget+%241.8+error&go=&qs=n&sk=&sc=1-28\
&form=QBLH

I received this via email today and thought you might like to see it.

Monday, June 20, 2011 12:00 PM

Interested Parties

I am receiving quite a few requests for information, so I offer the
following update.

The public comment period closed on May 10 and DFG commenced the review of all
comments. Over 9,000 email form letters were received opposing any and all
suction dredge mining. Several hundred form letters were
received through regular mail supporting suction dredging. Many
additional letters with substantive and detailed comments were also
received. There is a lot of information to sift through, organize and
consider in preparing the Final EIR and Final regulations. We have been
and continue to work on those tasks. We said before we expected to
complete the regulatory process in November of this year. We are capable
of meeting that goal, unless we are directed otherwise by the
legislature and the Governor.

Many of you know that the legislature has been considering language
which would extend the current moratorium another five years, with
certain provisions for ending the moratorium earlier and also restrict
the use of State funds to continue the regulatory process.

Budget Trailer Bill AB 120, (amended June 8, 2011), and approved by the
Assembly (on June 15) and Senate (on June 10) includes the following
language on page 6:

"(12) Existing law designates the issuance by the Department of Fish
and Game of permits to operate vacuum or suction dredge equipment to be
a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and
suspends the issuance of permits, and mining pursuant to a permit, until
the department has completed an environmental impact report for the
project as ordered by the court in a specified court action. Existing
law prohibits the use of any vacuum or suction dredge equipment in any
river, stream, or lake, for instream mining purposes, until the Director
of Fish and Game certifies to the Secretary of State that (a) the
department has completed the environmental review of its existing vacuum
or suction dredge equipment regulations as ordered by the court, (b) the
department has transmitted for filing with the Secretary of State a
certified copy of new regulations, as necessary, and (c) the new
regulations are operative. This bill would modify that moratorium to
prohibit the use of vacuum or suction dredge equipment until June 30,
2016, or until the director's certification to the secretary as
described above, whichever is earlier. The bill would additionally
require the director to certify that the new regulations fully mitigate
all identified significant environmental impacts and that a fee
structure is in place that will fully cover all costs to the department
related to the administration of the program."

I am not aware of any action taken yet by Governor Brown on this bill.

The Senate (SB 98) and Assembly (AB 98) budget bills, which passed both
houses on June 15, included the following language:

"The funds appropriated in this item shall not be used by the
Department of Fish and Game for suction 3. dredge mining regulation,
permitting, or other activities, except litigation and enforcement
costs."

Governor Brown vetoed this bill.

It remains unclear when the State budget will be signed by the Governor
and take effect. If the above budget language and trailer bill language
is ultimately included in the approved budget, DFG's current
interpretation is that we must terminate further work on developing a
Final EIR and regulations. In the meanwhile we are continuing work on
both the Final EIR and regulations.

I have been asked by several members of the public if we can expedite
our work so the regulations take effect sooner rather than later, so
that we could be finished before being directed to stop work. In my
opinion, that approach is neither feasible or productive. There is
simply too much substantive public comment to consider, respond to, and
integrate into the Final EIR and regulations. This work takes time and
it provides no enduring value if it is not done well.



Mark Stopher
Environmental Program Manager
California Department of Fish and Game
601 Locust Street
Redding, CA 96001

voice 530.225.2275
fax 530.225.2391
cell 530.945.1344
mstopher@...





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Suction Dredge EIR" group.
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I've recently joined; I own a White's GMT.
After looking through the 2011 Mining Guide, I'm curious if any members have
explored the GPAA claims nearest Sacramento? Specifically, "Nancy's Gold",
"Three R's", "Gold Quest" - any notes on how to find & get there. I'm hoping to
explore these this summer.

I went to So.Fork Yuba near Edwards crossing June 26th (2011) - the river has
submerged the sand bars, and is running VERY fast and cold. No gold, but a
beautiful hike.

Thanks for an opportunity to share.

Hello David,
 
I dont have my guide book with me, but have been to the claim out of Georgetown.
If you want to go there I can give you better directions than are in the book. 
The water is also running very fast there. I can also tell you about another
spot near San Andreas. It's BLM land.
 
Phil

--- On Tue, 6/28/11, fascinatus <david_milas@...> wrote:


From: fascinatus <david_milas@...>
Subject: [G P A A River City Prospectors] new member of GPAA - any experiences
with No. Cal. GPAA claims?
To: gpaarivercityprospectors@yahoogroups.com
Date: Tuesday, June 28, 2011, 11:12 PM


 



I've recently joined; I own a White's GMT.
After looking through the 2011 Mining Guide, I'm curious if any members have
explored the GPAA claims nearest Sacramento? Specifically, "Nancy's Gold",
"Three R's", "Gold Quest" - any notes on how to find & get there. I'm hoping to
explore these this summer.

I went to So.Fork Yuba near Edwards crossing June 26th (2011) - the river has
submerged the sand bars, and is running VERY fast and cold. No gold, but a
beautiful hike.

Thanks for an opportunity to share.








[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hello Phil,

I'm going to explore two this weekend - one by Michigan Bluff (Nancy's), and one
by Grizzly Flats (Gold Quest). The one by Georgetown (Three R's) is next on my
list of adventures.
Any hints for better access, places to park, how to find the claim boundaries,
critters and plants to watch out for, etc. are very much appreciated!

I'm staying out of the water until the snow pack melts. Sure keeps the drinks
cool.

Hope you and our fellow gpaarivercityprospectors folk have a wonderful
Independence Day holiday!

a good day prospecting? - coming home without injury.
a great day prospecting? - it rattles in your pan and sparkles like the sun.

David

--- In gpaarivercityprospectors@yahoogroups.com, Phil Cocciante
<philcocciante@...> wrote:
>
> Hello David,
>  
> I don't have my guide book with me, but have been to the claim out of
Georgetown. If you want to go there I can give you better directions than are in
the book.  The water is also running very fast there. I can also tell you about
another spot near San Andreas. It's BLM land.
>  
> Phil

Congratulations to all! The Governor is working through the budget and when it
came to the Item #3 in SB 87, he line item vetoed it. This part was a major
hurtle as it allows the remaining $200,000. to be spent on completing the EIR.
While we were not happy with the EIR, Marc Stopher assured that all the comments
received were being considered, and changes where possible are being made. At
least, with the completion of the EIR, we have rules and some science, good and
bad, to work from. If all else is equal, they should have the EIR done by Fall
and the new rules in place for next season.

Now, what we do not know, for sure, at this time, is whether or not he will veto
the 5 year moratorium portion of the budget bill. I have a couple of rumors that
say he has vetoed it, but it is not confirmed. Keep the your powder dry and hold
off on the champaign until we hear for sure that the threat of a five year
moratorium has been killed. Of course, even if it is vetoed, I am sure that
there will be more challenges from the extremist environmentalists to get us out
of the water. We may need to fend off another attack in the future.

For those who felt the system was going against us, lets hope this restores some
faith in the American system of Government, at least as it is so far. Please
take the time to thank Tom Mclintock, Ted Gaines, and Sam Aanastad for there
valuable efforts in setting the record straight with the Governor and helping us
get our business and recreation back. We may need them to help us in the future!
Again, thank you all for your allowing us to flood your email boxes with
requests, and taking the time to let our leadership know how we feel!!!!!!!

Hi, kids are grown and now I have time to wash dirt. Just joined GPAA and river
city prospectors. Heading out this weekend and would like to try new places
other than south Yuba. So if someone wants to point me in a direction where I
won't be tresspassing I would sure appreciate it.

Thanks
Ray

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

We still have a chance!!! This is an email I received from Don Robinson,
President of the Mother Lode Goldhounds. Thought you would all appreciate the
info.

Suction dredge status July 5, 2011
TO: thesherrya@...
FROM: Don Robinson goldworld@...
Message flagged Wednesday, July 6, 2011 7:18 AM

Hello Goldhounds, here's the latest from Mark Stopher, Fish and Game suction
dredging Program Manager. He is continuing with the EIR and discusses the
possible effects if AB 120 is passed by the Governor. The Governor vetoed parts
of SB 87, permitting the EIR work to continue. However if SB 120 passes, it will
add some new wrinkles that could cause years of delay.

We won round one and now we need the Governor to veto SB120. This will be a
tough one for sure. Read the following from Mark Stopher . Now we need to let
the Governor know he should veto SB120.
His mailing address is:
Governor Jerry Brown
c/o State Capitol, Suite 1173
Sacramento, CA 95814

Phone: (916) 445-2841
Fax: (916) 558-3160

To contact him by e-mail go to the following link:
http://gov.ca.gov/m_contact.php

That's it for now.  Thanks.  Don


----- Original Message ----- From: "Mark Stopher" <MStopher@...>
To: "Mark Stopher" <MStopher@...>
Sent: Tuesday, July 05, 2011 11:09 AM
Subject: Suction dredge status July 5, 2011


Interested Parties

Governor Brown vetoed specific parts of the State budget bill (i.e. SB
87), eliminating the provisions which would have prohibited the
Department of Fish and Game from expending any funds for the development of
suction dredge regulations. His message stated
"I am deleting Provision 3, which would prohibit the Department of
Fish and Game from using funds appropriated in this item for
suction-dredge regulation, permitting, or other activities, except
enforcement and litigation costs.  This provision would prohibit the
Department from completing a court-ordered Environmental Impact Report
regarding the impacts of suction dredge mining on Coho salmon and other
threatened or endangered species.  This action resolves some of the uncertainty
about completion of the regulation writing process and compliance with the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), which we had projected for
completion in November of 2011. As of this moment, the Governor has not acted
yet on a related budget trailer bill, i.e. AB 120. AB 120 includes the following
language:

""(12) Existing law designates the issuance by the Department of Fish
and Game of permits to operate vacuum or suction dredge equipment to be
a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and
suspends the issuance of permits, and mining pursuant to a permit, until
the department has completed an environmental impact report for the
project as ordered by the court in a specified court action. Existing
law prohibits the use of any vacuum or suction dredge equipment in any
river, stream, or lake, for instream mining purposes, until the Director
of Fish and Game certifies to the Secretary of State that (a) the
department has completed the environmental review of its existing vacuum
or suction dredge equipment regulations as ordered by the court, (b) the
department has transmitted for filing with the Secretary of State a
certified copy of new regulations, as necessary, and (c) the new
regulations are operative. This bill would modify that moratorium to
prohibit the use of vacuum or suction dredge equipment until June 30,
2016, or until the director's certification to the secretary as
described above, whichever is earlier. The bill would additionally
require the director to certify that the new regulations fully mitigate
all identified significant environmental impacts and that a fee
structure is in place that will fully cover all costs to the department
related to the administration of the program."

The key elements are that the current moratorium is extended to June
30, 2016 unless, as before, the Department of Fish and Game complete its
environmental review under CEQA, adopts new regulations and those
regulations take effect. It adds two new requirements. First, all
significant impacts must be fully mitigated. This appears to be a
different standard for approval than we were previously working toward,
however, the term "fully mitigate" is not defined in CEQA or the Fish
and Game Code. And a new fee structure must be in place. This latter
requirement will require legislation. Each new requirement has the
potential to affect the substance of the outcome and timing of these
efforts.

Currently, we continue to work on the regulations and Final SEIR. Once
the outcome of AB 120 is known we will reconsider how this effort will
proceed.


Mark Stopher
Environmental Program Manager
California Department of Fish and Game
601 Locust Street
Redding, CA 96001

What is the date of the next Quarterly meeting in Rio Linda, CA? Should be soon.

May your pans be filled with ore and cons. Jon Petri

To any of you who might share my love of all things science,

NOAA and the Meteorological Society have released their Annual State of the
Climate Report. You can find the report at this link
http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/bams-state-of-the-climate/2010.php

Now I don't pretend to understand half of what I have read so far, but there is
some good info on unprecidented changes to global weather in the past 20-30
years, and for us West Coasters...how the Madden-Julian Oscillation affects El
Nino/La Nina.

Sherry Andersen
Secretary

We meet once a quarter and the next meeting is Saturday July 16th at 10AM. We
should be open by 9:40 so come early to enjoy donuts and coffee, visit with
friends, and buy raffle tickets. As a reminder, we do have the meetings posted
on the Calendar link here in the group, yeah I usually look at the messages only
too.

Meetings are held at the American Legion Hall, 6700 8th Street, Rio Linda, CA
95673.
From Interstate 80 exit onto Elkhorn from the Greenhorn/Elkhorn exit: (You
should be traveling West on Elkhorn)

   1: Drive about 8 miles to Rio Linda Blvd. and turn right

   2: Drive .5 mile to M Street (the arches with the blinking stoplight) and turn
right.

   3: Drive .7 mile to 8th Street (there is a stop sign and a donut shop on the
corner) and turn right. The hall will be on your left near the end of the
street.

Jim Hutchings will be giving more info on the outing planned for Sunday, the day
after the meeting. See you at the meeting!

Sherry Andersen
Secretary


--- In gpaarivercityprospectors@yahoogroups.com, "j.petri@..." <j.petri@...>
wrote:
>
> What is the date of the next Quarterly meeting in Rio Linda, CA? Should be
soon.
>
> May your pans be filled with ore and cons. Jon Petri
>

Jim hutchings is sorry to report that we have to postpone this weekends outing
due to high water. Which is a good thing for gold this year but a bad thing for
getting tomany favorites places. Ihave reposted Jim's email below.

See you all at the GPAA Meeting this Saturday!
Sherry Andersen
Secretary

OK folks, bad news on Duncan Canyon! I was concerned about reports of high water
in other sierra streams and made the trek into Duncan today, Sunday. What I
found was amazing. While the water was down about 2 feet from two weeks ago, it
is still about 8 - 10 inches above the rocks the foot bridge goes in on! While
that may not seem like much, the water should be about a foot to a foot and 1/2
below the rocks at this time and fairly placid.

Even if the foot bridge could go in by next Sunday, the water will be still so
high, cold, and fast, it will be dangerous. It is currently, still white water
rapid condition and bitter, bitter cold. The only way upstream to the camp will
mean scaling the wall well above the water line, and hoping nobody falls off.
The high water will still cover most of the gravel bars and limit any upstream
and downstream migration.

This is absolutely historic for me in my 20 years in Duncan. This is higher
water now, in July, than the total high water for most years with a normal snow
pack of 100%. Water like this would usually come through in March or April, not
late July. With a 250% of snow pack, snow and cold temperatures through Memorial
Day weekend, this is the perfect storm for the most unusual runoff condition.

We are postponing the trip in until SATURDAY AUGUST 27 TH. Times and all will
remain the same. We are sorry to do this, but "you can't fool with mother
nature", and it would be unsafe and unproductive to go in at this time.

Hi Sherry I just joined the GPAA and the River City Prospectors. how do I apply
for an invitation to the Duncan Canyon outing.

Thank You
Ray Talbot




________________________________
From: Sherry <thesherrya@...>
To: gpaarivercityprospectors@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Mon, July 11, 2011 9:05:55 AM
Subject: [G P A A River City Prospectors] Outing Postponed

 
Jim hutchings is sorry to report that we have to postpone this weekends outing
due to high water. Which is a good thing for gold this year but a bad thing for
getting tomany favorites places. Ihave reposted Jim's email below.

See you all at the GPAA Meeting this Saturday!
Sherry Andersen
Secretary

OK folks, bad news on Duncan Canyon! I was concerned about reports of high water
in other sierra streams and made the trek into Duncan today, Sunday. What I
found was amazing. While the water was down about 2 feet from two weeks ago, it
is still about 8 - 10 inches above the rocks the foot bridge goes in on! While
that may not seem like much, the water should be about a foot to a foot and 1/2
below the rocks at this time and fairly placid.

Even if the foot bridge could go in by next Sunday, the water will be still so
high, cold, and fast, it will be dangerous. It is currently, still white water
rapid condition and bitter, bitter cold. The only way upstream to the camp will
mean scaling the wall well above the water line, and hoping nobody falls off.
The high water will still cover most of the gravel bars and limit any upstream
and downstream migration.


This is absolutely historic for me in my 20 years in Duncan. This is higher
water now, in July, than the total high water for most years with a normal snow
pack of 100%. Water like this would usually come through in March or April, not
late July. With a 250% of snow pack, snow and cold temperatures through Memorial
Day weekend, this is the perfect storm for the most unusual runoff condition.


We are postponing the trip in until SATURDAY AUGUST 27 TH. Times and all will
remain the same. We are sorry to do this, but "you can't fool with mother
nature", and it would be unsafe and unproductive to go in at this time.





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Welcome to the River City Chapter of the GPAA! You will find everyone here is
friendly and open to discussing where and how to find gold, and anything
regarding mining and prospecting.

Chris,
We have a meeting this Saturday in Rio Linda. Check the messages and you will
find one regarding the meeting with directions.

Ray,
You will find an answer to your outing question in the messages.

Hope to see you both at the meeting on Saturday!

Sherry Andersen
Secretary
River City Chapter, GPAA

Hi Ray,

Welcome to the GPAA! No application is required for the outing...it seems right
now what we need is lower water levels!! I hope you have read the update on the
outing. Unfortunately, due to high water levels the outing has been postponed to
August 27th. If you are looking for an outing, many members post an intention to
go to a certain area and you will find others who might want to join you or at
least have advice on the area. You will find we are a friendly bunch. There is
also the East Bay Chapter, you might check with them to see if they have an
outing scheduled soon.

We meet once a quarter and there is a meeting this Saturday at 10AM. Come early
and enjoy donuts and coffee, buy raffle tickets, meet everyone and feel free to
bring a friend. We do have the meetings posted on the Calendar link here in the
group.

Meetings are held at the American Legion Hall, 6700 8th Street, Rio Linda, CA
95673

From Interstate 80, exit onto Elkhorn from the Greenhorn/Elkhorn exit: (You
should be traveling West on Elkhorn)

1: Drive about 8 miles to Rio Linda Blvd. and turn right

2: Drive .5 mile to M Street (the arches with the blinking stoplight) and turn
right.

3: Drive .7 mile to 8th Street (there is a stop sign and a donut shop on the
corner) and turn right. The hall will be on your left near the end of the
street.

Come on out and be sure to introduce yourself,
Sherry Andersen
Secretary



--- In gpaarivercityprospectors@yahoogroups.com, Ray Talbot <raytalbot@...>
wrote:
>
> Hi Sherry I just joined the GPAA and the River City Prospectors. how do I
apply
> for an invitation to the Duncan Canyon outing.
>
> Thank You
> Ray Talbot
>
>
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: Sherry <thesherrya@...>
> To: gpaarivercityprospectors@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Mon, July 11, 2011 9:05:55 AM
> Subject: [G P A A River City Prospectors] Outing Postponed
>
>  
> Jim hutchings is sorry to report that we have to postpone this weekends outing
> due to high water. Which is a good thing for gold this year but a bad thing
for
> getting tomany favorites places. Ihave reposted Jim's email below.
>
> See you all at the GPAA Meeting this Saturday!
> Sherry Andersen
> Secretary
>
> OK folks, bad news on Duncan Canyon! I was concerned about reports of high
water
> in other sierra streams and made the trek into Duncan today, Sunday. What I
> found was amazing. While the water was down about 2 feet from two weeks ago,
it
> is still about 8 - 10 inches above the rocks the foot bridge goes in on! While
> that may not seem like much, the water should be about a foot to a foot and
1/2
> below the rocks at this time and fairly placid.
>
> Even if the foot bridge could go in by next Sunday, the water will be still so
> high, cold, and fast, it will be dangerous. It is currently, still white water
> rapid condition and bitter, bitter cold. The only way upstream to the camp
will
> mean scaling the wall well above the water line, and hoping nobody falls off.
> The high water will still cover most of the gravel bars and limit any upstream
> and downstream migration.
>
>
> This is absolutely historic for me in my 20 years in Duncan. This is higher
> water now, in July, than the total high water for most years with a normal
snow
> pack of 100%. Water like this would usually come through in March or April,
not
> late July. With a 250% of snow pack, snow and cold temperatures through
Memorial
> Day weekend, this is the perfect storm for the most unusual runoff condition.
>
>
> We are postponing the trip in until SATURDAY AUGUST 27 TH. Times and all will
> remain the same. We are sorry to do this, but "you can't fool with mother
> nature", and it would be unsafe and unproductive to go in at this time.
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

Thank you




________________________________
From: Sherry <thesherrya@...>
To: gpaarivercityprospectors@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wed, July 13, 2011 9:29:44 AM
Subject: [G P A A River City Prospectors] Welcome Chris and Ray

Welcome to the River City Chapter of the GPAA! You will find everyone here is
friendly and open to discussing where and how to find gold, and anything
regarding mining and prospecting.

Chris,
We have a meeting this Saturday in Rio Linda. Check the messages and you will
find one regarding the meeting with directions.

Ray,
You will find an answer to your outing question in the messages.

Hope to see you both at the meeting on Saturday!

Sherry Andersen
Secretary
River City Chapter, GPAA




[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I see a lot of gold claims for sale on EBay and wonder if someone is buying
delinquet claims and then re-selling on ebay. Would any of these claims be worth
pursuing or are they played out?

Went to Mammoth Bar on the American on Monday panned a few flecks every pan so
thought why not and set up the sluice. Well after an 1 1/2 hours of building a
pad for my sluice out in the river and getting it set up I ended up spending
more time adjusting the box than processing gravels. Damn Dam releases are so
inconsitent. ;-)

--- In gpaarivercityprospectors@yahoogroups.com, "Ray" <raytalbot@...> wrote:
>
> I see a lot of gold claims for sale on EBay and wonder if someone is buying
delinquet claims and then re-selling on ebay. Would any of these claims be worth
pursuing or are they played out?
>
Hey Ray, any claim, from any source, that is for sale must be carefully
reaserched. Unless it is an old established claim from a family member or good
friend, I would do the foot work to ensure it is legit, and viable.

The process should start with a claim number. For California, it should be
something like CAMC followed by 6 or 8 digits. With this number, you can go to
the BLM in Sacramento on Cottage way (leave your cell/camera phone and your
pocket knife in the car). At the counter, you fill out a form and show a drivers
license. You are allowed to look at the file, photocopy (with their copier in
the lobby) anything you like. You may not tamper with or alter anything in the
file. You should bring a note book to copy down information. The file should
match the information that the seller states in your conversation with them. The
less info they give, the more the red flags go up. Information and names that
don't match, red flags!

Just because it's good on paper, does not mean that there is gold their and it
is free of litigation or access issues. Proceed cautiously on any claim unless
you see a clear and solid title, and evidence of reasonable gold values.

GPAA Meeting tomorrow!!!!

If you are interested in attending this outing. Please come by the GPAA meeting
tomorrow or email myself for more information.

Thanks!
Sherry Andersen
Secretary
River City Chapter GPAA


--- In gpaarivercityprospectors@yahoogroups.com, "Sherry" <thesherrya@...>
wrote:
>
> Jim hutchings is sorry to report that we have to postpone this weekends outing
due to high water. Which is a good thing for gold this year but a bad thing for
getting tomany favorites places. Ihave reposted Jim's email below.
>
> See you all at the GPAA Meeting this Saturday!
> Sherry Andersen
> Secretary
>
> OK folks, bad news on Duncan Canyon! I was concerned about reports of high
water in other sierra streams and made the trek into Duncan today, Sunday. What
I found was amazing. While the water was down about 2 feet from two weeks ago,
it is still about 8 - 10 inches above the rocks the foot bridge goes in on!
While that may not seem like much, the water should be about a foot to a foot
and 1/2 below the rocks at this time and fairly placid.
>
> Even if the foot bridge could go in by next Sunday, the water will be still so
high, cold, and fast, it will be dangerous. It is currently, still white water
rapid condition and bitter, bitter cold. The only way upstream to the camp will
mean scaling the wall well above the water line, and hoping nobody falls off.
The high water will still cover most of the gravel bars and limit any upstream
and downstream migration.
>
> This is absolutely historic for me in my 20 years in Duncan. This is higher
water now, in July, than the total high water for most years with a normal snow
pack of 100%. Water like this would usually come through in March or April, not
late July. With a 250% of snow pack, snow and cold temperatures through Memorial
Day weekend, this is the perfect storm for the most unusual runoff condition.
>
> We are postponing the trip in until SATURDAY AUGUST 27 TH. Times and all will
remain the same. We are sorry to do this, but "you can't fool with mother
nature", and it would be unsafe and unproductive to go in at this time.
>

It was great seeing everyone at the meeting this morning. I took a few photos
and uploaded them to http://www.photobucket.com/GPAAjuly2011 Enjoy!

See you at the next meeting in October!
Sherry

I hear you Ray. Have the same problem at The Bear...except maybe the change is
more consistent? Seems to happen at the same time of day, if it happens at all.

Keep looking!
Sherry


--- In gpaarivercityprospectors@yahoogroups.com, "Ray" <raytalbot@...> wrote:
>
> Went to Mammoth Bar on the American on Monday panned a few flecks every pan so
thought why not and set up the sluice. Well after an 1 1/2 hours of building a
pad for my sluice out in the river and getting it set up I ended up spending
more time adjusting the box than processing gravels. Damn Dam releases are so
inconsitent. ;-)
>