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Prospecting
Most exploration and mining activities on NFS lands within the Kootenai National Forest are authorized under the 1872 Mining Laws. These activities are regulated by the Forest Service under 36 CFR 228 A to the extent that proposed operations might cause a disturbance to the surface resources.
The Libby Creek Recreational Gold Panning Area is a good place to recreationally pan for placer gold. If you would like to prospect for gold on other portions of the Kootenai National Forest, there are numerous mining claims staked on the Forest. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) administers mining claims. Mining claimants have the right to the valuable mineral on their mining claim, so you should contact the BLM before panning to see if there is already a claim staked on that specific site.
Regulations
Federal regulations state that an operator must submit a Notice of Intent (NOI) [PDF, 92K] to the District Ranger with jurisdiction over the area of operation before commencement of any activity which might cause disturbance to the surface resources. This means that before operating a portable sluice box, rocker, or suction dredge on National Forest System lands, you are required to submit a notice in writing to the Ranger District on which you intend to operate. After receiving your NOI, the District Ranger will notify you if a Plan of Operations [RTF] (POO) is required. Depending upon the type of activity proposed, the location, timing, duration, access, fisheries type, and other habitat considerations, you may be required to submit a proposed POO. Depending upon the specifics of your proposed activities, a reclamation bond may also be required.
The KNF currently does not regulate in-stream panning and small in-stream sluicing; therefore, a POO is likely not required for these activities. If you are interested in operating a suction dredge on the Kootenai National Forest, a Plan of Operations would be required.
Additional Permits
The following are some of the additional permits which may need to be obtained from other agencies prior to operating under a Plan of Operations:
Small Miner Exclusion Statement
An exclusion from obtaining an operating (mining) permit for small operators in Montana.
Montana Department of Environmental Quality
Environmental Management Bureau
P.O. Box 200901
Helena, MT 59620-0901
(406) 444-4330
MPDES discharge permit (Montana Pollutant Discharge Elimination System)
To allow controlled discharges from suction dredges into state waters.
Montana Department of Environmental Quality
Water Protection Bureau
P.O. Box 200901
Helena, MT 59620-0901
(406) 444-2783
310 Natural Streambed Preservation Permit
For private individuals proposing to affect waters on National Forest for their own personal gain.
Lincoln Conservation District
P.O. Box 2170
Eureka, Montana 59917
(406) 297-2233
Prospecting Clubs
There are currently two prospecting clubs which operate on claims on the Kootenai National Forest. Both clubs have claims in the Libby Creek drainage of the Libby Ranger District.
- The Northwest Montana Gold Prospectors Assocation (NWMGPA) is a local club from Columbia Falls and Kalispell which currently operates under an approved POO on their claims in upper Libby Creek.
- The Gold Prospectors Association of America (GPAA) is a national club. They currently have no permits to operate on the Kootenai National Forest, but it may be possible to gain permission or a membership to pan on their claim.
If you have additional questions about mining or prospecting on the Kootenai National Forest, please contact us. Good Luck!
