by dickb » Sat May 18, 2013 11:44 am
Hi:
This post was not about Rights, Only about regulations put in place by the BLM on the Ark Headwaters. I was talking about the GPAA claims by the railroad bridge.
I believe you have read more into what was said than was stated. Here are the rules as I understand them.
Arkansas River - The Arkansas River and its drainage has a limited open season between April 1st to October 1st for most motorized equipment. All motorized equipment that pumps water from the Arkansas must have a BLM bond to work the Arkansas and its tributaries. This bond is $25.00, good for two years, and is non refundable. Dredging is allowed without further permitting up to 4 inch nozzle. Highbankers must discharge into a holding pond before water is returned to the river. Dredging is confined to the high water mark of the river bottom. (That means the sand or gravel bars that are covered at high water and dry in summer, NOT where water touches on the BANK) Dry washing, panning and sluicing can be done year round. Your bond can be obtained from the BLM at the Arkansas Headwaters building in Salida, Colorado. 2012: NO DREDGING OR HIGHBANKING IS ALLOWED AT CACHE CREEk. Check the Arkansas River Drainage page under Cache Creek for a link to the forms. Highbanking and dredging along the Arkansas must have a bonding permit for EACH area you plan to use.
The BLM and other agencies are mandated to manage for multiple use and It seems to me that rockhounds and prospectors are being targeted with over regulation to limit their participation enjoying their prefered activities.
I understand that the guides and rafters have a lot of clout in the use of the river. I also understand that the times that they allow dredging are high flow periods on the river. This makes dredging less safe and puts rafters in danger as well. The rafts have difficulty maneuvering around anchored dredges.
The point that I was attempting to make was that the period after Labor day till ice up is a better time for dredger's, highbanker's, sluicer's and panner's to work the river. They have more access to the river bed, flows are slower, and rafters for the most part are fewer.
I see a trend to curtail activities of horsemen, atv'ers. hunters, 4x4 wheelers, prospectors and others that want to enjoy these public lands. I feel this is discrimination targeted at specific groups of the Public ( we the people ) and I was trying to point that fact out.
I realize that we have very little clout with government, but that doesn't give these agencies the right to target these under represented groups.
I also have some opinions about CC as well, but I was not refering to them at this time.
This is just my OPINION and it's the way I feel. Anyone else is entitled to their own opinion.
I was not trying to provoke a fight and I want to be very clear about that.
Dickb
78 Retired and Free
Eastern Iowa