Redding Field Office

Mining

Please see the Frequently Asked Questions page for answers to common mining questions.

Gold Panning

No permit is required for low-impact gold panning, however respect the rights of existing mining claims. There are many areas within the BLM Redding Resource Area that are poular for panning including areas along Butte Creek, Clear Creek and the Trinity River.

Dredging Permits in the Forks of Butte Area

There is currently a moratorium on issuing dredging permits in the state of California, however sites along Butte Creek can still be reserved for low-impact mining activities such as gold panning. 

Other sites about mining on Federal land

BLM California State Office Minerals Site has information on filing a mining claim as well as links to other agencies with information on mining claims.

Mining for locatable minerals (gold, silver, etc.) is regulated on BLM managed public lands by the 43 CFR 3809 regulations.

Any occupancy (camping, residency, placement of any permanent or temporary structures) in excess of 14 days per calendar year is regulated on BLM managed public lands by the 43 CFR 3715 regulations.

A very informative BLM brochure "Mining Claims and Sites on Federal Land" is available for download.

Bureau of Land Management
Redding Field Office
355 Hemsted Drive
Redding, CA 96002
Phone: (530) 224-2100
Fax: (530) 224-2172
Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., M-F
Contact us by Email