>>Stream Channel Protection Program

Recreational Dredge Mining Permits

Many people enjoy the challenge of searching for gold in Idaho's streams and rivers by means of recreational dredge mining. Recreational dredge mining is defined as those mining activities in which miners use power sluices, small recreational suction dredges with a nozzle 5 inches in diameter or less and equipment rated at a maximum of 15 horsepower. Recreational dredge mining is regulated in Idaho by the Stream Channel Protection Act. This statute requires dredge miners to obtain a permit from the Idaho Department of Water Resources before any recreational dredge mining can be done. State regulations also specify the streams where recreational dredging is prohibited.

WARNING: It is a misdemeanor in Idaho to dredge without the permit or to violate the conditions of the permit. You can be fined from $150-$500 per day for violations. Also, it is important to understand that an IDWR permit does not allow you to do recreational dredge mining on private lands or on another person's mining claim or lease. Mineral removal from streams on private lands requires permission or a mineral lease from the owner.

Where Can I Do Recreational Dredge Mining?

In general a valid permit allows you to do recreational dredging in any stream on state or federal land where it is not specifically prohibited. Your permit will specify the streams or parts of streams where recreational dredging is not allowed for all or parts of the year.

If you plan to work in streams that flow only intermittently, or in dry streambeds that never carry water, you will not need to obtain a permit. But a caution! Some side channels of a continuously flowing stream may appear to be dry streambeds at times of low water but are actually still considered part of the continuously flowing stream. So it's a good idea to first check with IDWR to be sure a permit is not needed for the area where you plan to do your dredge mining.

Ownership of minerals on state lands in the beds of navigable rivers belongs to the State of Idaho and no removal is allowed without a mineral lease from the Department of Lands. Your permit will provide a list of streams considered navigable by the State of Idaho. The Department of Lands also has authority over dredge mining in Idaho lakes.

How Do I Get A Permit?

Visit any IDWR office to get a copy of the 2008 Recreational Dredging application instruction booklet and a four-part carbonless application form. You can download a copy of the instruction booklet from this web page and view a SAMPLE copy of the application form. Because multiple copies of the application are needed to process your request, you will have to obtain a copy of the carbonless application form from an IDWR office. A copy of the application and instruction booklet will be mailed to the address on record for dredgers that had a 2007 dredging permit. These should be in the mail by mid-March 2008.

The application takes just a few minutes to fill out and is generally issued on the spot. The permit satisfies most U.S. Forest Service requirements as well as those of the state of Idaho. The permit costs $10 for Idaho residents and $30 for non-residents. Your permit must be kept at the dredging site for inspection.

By submitting a signed permit application, the applicant certifies that they have read the permit application and the application instructions and that they agree to comply with all requirements. To view the instruction booklet and SAMPLE application form use the following links:

What About Dredging On Federal Lands?

Even though you have your permit, you should check with the Forest Service district ranger station or the Bureau of Land Management offices. They can tell you about access, open roads, camping, land ownership, areas closed to dredging and other information regarding Federal land. Many streams in National Forests may not be available for dredging due to endangered species considerations.

What About Environment Considerations

Small recreational suction dredges or sluices operated properly in a stream channel do not cause a great deal of environmental damage unless they are used in fish spawning beds at the wrong time of year. Then an entire run of fish could be destroyed by having the eggs sucked through the dredge.

People in the area may object to the noise of a gasoline engine on a dredge. Some towns do not allow recreational dredge mining equipment with the city limits because of the noise. The State of Idaho forbids use of recreational dredges within 500 feet of a developed campground, and the Forest Service prohibits their use in national recreation areas and protected rivers.

Rules

Rules Governing Stream Channel Alterations[PDF] 36 pages.

Permits & Applications

Read the instructions carefully before filling out the forms. Mail or fax your request to the nearest address on the form (or see our locations page).

Joint Application For Stream Channel Alteration Permit.[PDF]
This joint application is from Idaho Department of Water Resources, Corps of Engineers, and Idaho Department of Lands.

Emergency Permit[PDF]
Be sure to send ALL pages of the form when you apply. A fee is generally not be required for emergency permit applications.