South Yuba River Closed
Along the South Yuba River, there are two segments of the river designated for recreational dredging. These are large tracts which provide a wide range of different types of dredging conditions. The upper area, above Edwards Crossing, is approximately 3.5 miles long, and the area below the crossing is about 2.5 miles long. In the lower area, dredgers can stay for up to two weeks, in the upper area they can stay from two to four weeks. These areas are remote and access is limited to the South Yuba foot trail. Many areas require packing in dredges for miles.
Mokelumne River Closed
The Mokelumne River is being examined as a recreational dredging area. It is an experiment conducted in conjunction with Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), East Bay Municipal Utilities District, The Foothill Conservancy, and mining hobbyist. The effects of dredging are being studied to see what impact dredging has on water quality before it runs into a nearby reservoir or if it interferes excessively with other river users. Due to a need for further coordination and major flood damage to Electra Road, this river will no be open to dredging in 1997.
Merced River closed
The Merced River is open to limited recreational dredging in the Briceburg area off of Highway 140. This area starts below the Briceburg Bridge and runs east, down river. These areas are located between existing placer mining claims. There is no camping allowed at this day use area. The areas available for recreational dredging are limited in size but have easy river access off of the railroad grade road leading to the BLM camprounds.
Two of these areas require permits. These are open to dredges up to 6". These permits are issued for two week periods only. The third area does not require a permit. It is a day use only area open to dredges 4" and smaller. The location of the area is just down stream from the Briceburg Bridge. These areas are posted and it is up to dredgers to make sure they are in the designated dredging areas.
This project is also under study and is subject to future changes. These permits will be issued out of the Mariposa Visitor Center BLM Office, by appointment only. Please contact the BLM Ranger for permit information at (209) 966-3192.
Related Subjects
High banking is not allowed and is not considered casual or recreational use. Permit holders must diligently pursue dredging. All of the areas identified are also open to casual use mineral hunting which included gold panning, the use of sluice boxed, metal detectors, and hand tools. No permit is required for this type of activity. Casual use does not required the use of suction dredges, machinery, water pumps, or explosives.
Source: BLM
