Arizona Suction Dredging

[Jim_Alaska]

Can anyone from AZ. tell me about suction dredging in AZ? Things like is it allowed, who regulates it, what is the permit process, places closed to suction dredging. Any information with links I can check out would be helpful.

[Geowizard]

Jim,

Arizona is in the Sonora Desert. The Spanish were here in the 1500's.

Unfortunately, the water and arid to semi-arid land surrounding water bodies was claimed for agriculture and cattle ranching 100 years ago. Water and GOLD in Arizona was scouted out a century ago. The Salt River and Gila River are surrounded by Settlements i.e. ranching related patents.

GOLD is rare in Arizona. GOLD is mostly produced as a byproduct of copper mining.

- Geowizard

[Jim_Alaska]

Thanks Chuck, I kinda figured it was that way. been asking on other foums also. Found some info on BLM and Forest Service website. It soumds like even if you could get to water, you have a lot of regulations to comply with.

[Geowizard]

Jim,

There is an opportunity for nugget hunting. Seasonal down-pours wash GOLD out every year.

- Geowizard

[Jim_Alaska]

Thanks Chuck, I am aware of detecting for nuggets in AZ. I follow a few other forums where it is a popular subject. I was mainly asking about suction dredging for a friend who could not find any information about regulations and where to find them. Since then I found information from BLM and Forest Service.