Citations issued by the Indiana DNR in 2007, ultimately, these citations led to the new rules being formulated and now recreational gold prospecting is a legal activity in Indiana.
Photo on right shows more than 30 pounds of toxic lead that has been removed from Indiana streams by suction dredging, improving the aquatic ecosystem for fish and invertebrates alike.
Photo on right shows more than 30 pounds of toxic lead that has been removed from Indiana streams by suction dredging, improving the aquatic ecosystem for fish and invertebrates alike.
Final Vote - Prospecting Lives!
Sept 22, 2009 - I attended the Natural Resources Committee meeting today, where the final vote on the new prospecting rules took place. I am happy to report that they voted unanimously to ratify the new rules. The only step left is for the State Attorney General to put his stamp of approval on it, this should happen within the next six weeks.
We have come a long way since the citations were first issued to myself and six others 24 months ago. The seven of us, with help from other prospectors, fought it in court and won. Next, I started the petition that hundreds of you signed to show that we were not alone in our resolve, Thank You All who signed! When I became aware of the Creek Gravel Rules from Mike Phelps, Mike and I met with a State Representative and formulated our plan, which included contacting the Indiana GPAA Chapters to make them aware of the situation. I talked to Mark Bender who suggested I contact Carl Kelle and others. I reserved the Campground at Tall Sycamore and arranged a meeting with the Central Chapter, whose newly elected president was unaware of what was going on. Mike and I wanted to be sure that all concerned prospectors could have a voice in this. Early on, at the first NRC meeting, we realized that the DNR wanted to work with us, not against us. Because of that and the efforts of all involved, we now have some of the best recreational prospecting regulations in the Country!
As of December 3rd, 2009 the new Indiana prospecting rules are in effect! We have achieved our goal of prospecting freedom for all Hoosiers and out of state visitors. Now let’s all try to act responsibly and not test the limits of the new rules. We have a very good thing and it only takes one careless person to mess it up for everyone. Best of luck to you all in 2010, the “Golden” year for Indiana!
Finally we have achieved what some considered to be impossible, legal recreational prospecting in Indiana without fear of the DNR looking over your shoulder. We had some difficulties early on, even within our own camp, but we were able to work past them and move on for the greater good of all recreational prospectors. Although, I have been involved in this as a representative of not only myself, but also the hundreds of fellow prospectors who have called or emailed me over the last 24 months, this has certainly been a group effort and I would like to thank all who’s time and effort actually helped to make this a reality, including Carl Kelle (Southern Indiana Prospectors Assn.), Mike Phelps (representing most of the Central GPAA members) and Ed Romine (State GPAA director - for attending the final meeting). I would also like to thank Jim Simmons (NY Gold Prospectors) and others who contributed dredge studies and info to me that helped our cause! - Thanks, Chuck Lassiter
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Link to toxic lead and metal junk removed from Indiana Rivers with a recreational gold dredge - video CLICK HERE
