United States Forest Service

(USFS)

Prospecting on Forest Service lands:

U.S. Forest Service

8236 Federal Building

125 South State Street

Salt Lake City, UT 84138            (801) 524-5030

Most Forest Service land is open, except for vital  Watershed areas that affect a wide range of wildlife. Also, digging or constructing sluices or dams is not allowed in any National Forest. Special regulations or restrictions may apply for certain areas so check with your local Forest Service district.

• On Forest Service Lands exploration and mining activities on lands administered by the Forest Service are subject to the regulations of the Secretary of Agriculture in 36 CFR 228(A). These regulations require that anyone whose proposed operation could likely cause significant disturbance of surface resources must submit a plan of operations. Miners wishing to prospect or locate claims or sites in National Forests should contact the local Forest Service District Ranger concerning questions about operating plans.

Most of the National Forests in Utah are open to prospecting, including gold panning. However, some areas within the National Forests are privately owned or already contain mining claims; therefore, you cannot prospect in these areas without permission from the owner or claimant. Additionally, other areas are closed to all types of prospecting and mining. Contact the local District Ranger's office for information about these areas and land ownership. Recreational dredging on any stream requires a permit from the Utah Division of Water Rights (see permit information below). A "Notice of Intent" is required to be filed with the local District Ranger if your dredging operation might cause a disturbance of surface resources in a National Forest.

U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Lands:

Rock, mineral, and fossil collecting on lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service may require a permit. Although collecting for personal use is allowed in

most districts and permits are typically free, collecting rules vary. (Commercial collecting of fossils is not allowed).

USFS State Office 801-524-3900                      

MAPS        Visit the USFS Website