Family Prospecting at Lynx Creek

One of the easiest ways to try your hand at gold prospecting is to take advantage of the public panning and prospecting areas maintained by the Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management. Three such sites are located in Central Arizona. One of the most popular is the historic mining area of Lynx Creek near Prescott. Two others, Lake Pleasant and La Posa near Quartzsite, will be covered in other articles.

The area on the map was withdrawn from mineral exploration by a series of public land orders issued between 1957 and 1971. The withdrawal was done to protect the scenic values, riparian vegetation and recreational opportunities of the area.

Fortunately, the Forest Service recognizes gold panning and metal detecting as legitimate recreational pursuits, so these activities will be allowed in this area, subject to the following prohibitions designed to protect the environment.

Like all governmentally maintained areas, the Lynx Creek area has its rules and regulations, so familiarize yourself with them before taking advantage of this great prospecting area. Remember, this is a family gold panning area and is a great place to start. There are excellent opportunities for “color” in your pan, and the real strong chance of snagging a nugget or two. Other areas we’ll be covering in future articles may appeal to the more advanced and adventurous prospector.

Here’s the rules:

.ALL PERSONS ARE PROHIBITED FROM MUTILATING, DEFACING, REMOVING, DISTURBING, INJURING OR DESTROYING ANY NATURAL FEATURE OR ANY PROPERTY OF THE UNITED STATES. (Title 36 cfr 261.9a)

.EXCEPT FOR GOLD PANS, METAL DETECTORS AND HANDTOOLS, SUCH AS PICKS AND SHOVELS, IT IS PROHIBITED TO USE ANY MOTORIZED OR MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT OR MINING AIDS USED FOR MINERAL EXTRACTION WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES OF THE WITHDRAWAL AREA, AS DEFINED ON THE ATTACHED MAP. (Title 36 cfr 261.53e&f)

VIOLATION OF THESE PROHIBITIONS IS PUNISHABLE BY A FINE OF NOT MORE THAN $500, OR IMPRISONMENT FOR NOT MORE THAN 6 MONTHS, OR BOTH.

**MOTORIZED EQUIPMENT INCLUDES: ANY EQUIPMENT HAVING OR USING AN ENGINE OR MOTOR

**MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT AND MININNG AIDS INCLUDE: SLUICE BOXES, DRY WASHERS, GOLD SCREWS, GOLD BUGS, ROCKER BOXES, WHEEL BARROWS OR OTHER DEVICES, DESIGNED TO INCREASE PRODUCTION ABOVE THAT LEVEL OBTAINED WITH GOLD PANS AND HAND TOOLS.

****Important Mining & Recreational Tips****

Pick/shovel excavations may only be done in conjunction with gold panning and metal detecting and must be made below the high water mark of the stream channel. All excavations must be filled in before leaving the area.

Do not cut trees, limbs or brush, do not dig up ground cover.

Pack out everything you brought into the area, especially trash.

Do not wash yourself or your dishes in Lynx Creek or any of its tributaries. All washwater is to be contained and disposed of, off of National Forest Land. Bury human waste 4 to 6 inches deep and at least 100 feet from the stream channel.

If a fire is necessary, build it safely, do not leave it unattended, extinguish it, and naturalize the area before leaving.

Camping is limited to a 14-day stay within a 30-day period.

Additional information regarding the Prescott National Forest can be obtained from: PRESCOTT NATIONAL FOREST OFFICE, 344 S CORTEZ ST, PRESCOTT, AZ, 86303. PHONE: 928-771-4700 ENJOY YOUR VISIT!!

TO REPORT FOREST EMERGENCIES CALL (520) 445-4331. TO REPORT ANY OTHER EMERGENCY DIAL 911.

So, there you have it. Grab your pan and pick and shovel and head out. There’s good gold a’waitin’.