Prospecting U.S.A. Hunting America's Treasure's

Hello Mr. Mosley,

Per your request regarding regulations regarding panning for gold, if you

intend to pan for gold as a "recreational" activity - no surface mining permit

is required. Suction dredging is not recommended in privately owned streams

and is not allowed in National Forests. The operation is to be kept within the

channel with no disturbance to banks.

On occasion - specific Primary Trout Streams may be closed to be protective

for wild trout spawning. The Georgia Wildlife Resources Division in

Gainesville Ga, 770/535-5498 may provide you with more details on this aspect.

The main thing for you to do though, is to obtain permission from property

owners of the streams, (written permission is best). If you intend to pan in

the Chattahoochee National Forest please refer to the Chattahoochee National

Forest website for further information.

http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c4/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP\

0os3gDfxMDT8MwRydLA1cj72DTUE8TAwjQL8h2VAQAMtzFUw!!/?ss=110803&navtype=BROWSEBYSU\

BJECT&cid=stelprdb5120146&navid=110000000000000&pnavid=null&position=Feature.Htm\

l&ttype=detailfull&pname=Chattahoochee-Oconee%20National%20Forest-%20Recreation

If you have further questions please contact me at 404/362-4888.

Susan Wagner

Unit Manager

Surface Mining Unit

Environmental Protection Division

404/362-4888.