Wilderness and dredges

[impfected]

More specifically, Washington state...
So I was looking at the Gold pamphlet for WA state waters, and noticed a few rivers and creeks in wilderness are listed as having open times to dredge with 4" and below.
I guess I had always just assumed that motors are not allowed in wilderness, but I guess the rules state motorized transport (and bikes... jacka**'s) are not allowed, so electionics and such are allowed as long as there is not a significant impact.
What is the real world truth? RonL? You must have a take on this or an answer.
Of course, even if legal, you have to pack in in and out.
Have a nice weekend!
Al

[gremlin]

a boat will get you in and out.

[Ron_L]

Any waters listed would only apply to the area outside the Wilderness Area, and it would be up to you to be sure that you were not within!
I haven't looked into any listed in the Gold and Fish, but I guess that you have...
This is NOT a Washington State thing, it is federal...

"Established by Congress through the Wilderness Act of 1964, "Wilderness" is a special land designation within USDA National Forests and certain other federal lands."

"Wilderness, as defined by the Act, "has outstanding opportunities for solitude or a primitive and unconfined type of recreation." The law prohibits the use of mechanized or motorized equipment, including snowmobiles, in Wilderness Areas (36CFR261.16a). Local managers have no latitude in this matter, except in emergencies. The law states that possession or use of motorized equipment in Wilderness Areas is punishable by up to $500 and/or six months in jail (36CFR261.1b). "

Here's a link specific to Washington State...
http://www.parks.wa.gov/winter/wildernessareas/

Niether the fine or jail time looks worth it to me

I dredged today on my claim, legally, with no worries!!!

Ron in WA

[CalGoldDredger]

Got escorted out of a wild and scenic once. Judge let me go. Wasn't cited and fined for the dredging , mind ya, (go figure) but for my means of transport, a old honda trail 90.
Was slapped on the wrist and told if I was caught again in there I would loose my dredge permit and the right to ever apply for one.... huh... those werethe days of my prime ahhh the memories.

[impfected]

Thanks for that Ron,
I think read an older version of the Wilderness act i think as even it didn't list bicycles at the time, or it was someones interpretation of it.
Says nothing about sluices and gravity dredges!
This creek exits into canada and has no sections outside wilderness. Seems that they took the list of waters from a fishing regulation guide and modified it for prospecting. There are loads of rivers and creeks listed that i would never expect to find gold in.
Thanks,
Al

[Ron_L]

Public Law 88-577 (16 U.S. C. 1131-1136)
88th Congress, Second Session
September 3, 1964
Section 4d: Special Provisions
(2) Nothing in this Act shall prevent within national forest wilderness areas any activity, including prospecting, for the purpose of gathering information about mineral or other resources, if such activity is carried on in a manner compatible with the preservation of the wilderness environment. Furthermore, in accordance with such program as the Secretary of the Interior shall develop and conduct in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture, such areas shall be surveyed on a planned, recurring basis consistent with the concept of wilderness preservation by the Geological Survey and the Bureau of Mines to determine the mineral values, if any, that may be present; and the results of such surveys shall be made available to the public and submitted to the President and Congress.

So, you're curious if valuable minerals are present, go gather your information

Ron in WA

[KevinInColorado]

I have it in writing from one of our US Senators here in CO (a Democrat) that sluices and pans and hand tools ARE allowed in Federal Wilderness. Enjoy!

[gremlin]

so will that be a get out of jail free card.

[Hoser John]

i KEEP A LEGAL FOLDER IN MY TRUCK,ATV OR BACKPAK WITH PERTINENT INFO TO EDUCATE STUPID RANGERS,COPS AND PISFERS IN THE BOONIES AS THEY TRY TO BS YOU OUTTA YOUR DAYS FUN IN THE SUN----EZ TO DO AND EXTREMELY BENEFICIAL-jOHN ---oops

[russau]

i KEEP A LEGAL FOLDER IN MY TRUCK,ATV OR BACKPAK WITH PERTINENT INFO TO EDUCATE STUPID RANGERS,COPS AND PISFERS IN THE BOONIES AS THEY TRY TO BS YOU OUTTA YOUR DAYS FUN IN THE SUN----EZ TO DO AND EXTREMELY BENEFICIAL-jOHN ---oops

GREAT ADVICE John! i was told to do this also a long time ago and keep it for all the states i travel to. its getting to be a big file, but when they see that you keep all of your recoeds in order, they back off and DONT try to buffalo you into some weird thinking BS they can come up with! it helps! THANKS John!i may have gotten that advice from you long ago but my ole brain,"aint what it used tobe!">>>>>>