Hi,

Can someone provide me with any ideas, or help, on laying out a plan of operation for a BLM Prospecting Permit on National Forest Land in the Eastern Region? I am looking for gold, and have some ideas where I would like to search. Unfortunately, that's about all I have. I have 2 fundamental issues: (1) A lack of granular (geographic area, NOT mineralization size) GIS and 3D modeling data to establish viable targets, and (2) A lack of water along with argillaceous saprolite for placer locations; sporadic quartz stringers for native locations.

Further complicating matters is that I live about 8 hours drive from where I want to prospect. And, the areas I would like to prospect are near small mines that went out of operation prior to the present records, as found on the mrdata.usgs.gov's mrds database.

Regarding my first issue, is the lack of accurate geologic detail below the multiple square mile level of detail found on the publicly available databases. I understand that my required level of detail will require "feet on the ground" using IP or ERT, seismic data and other tools to develop a 3D model of my target areas. Unfortunately, I have neither the access to these tools, nor the time to figure out how to use them. And, paid Consultants are too busy with large clients to be bothered with small fry like me. So, I welcome any advice on how to get around these obstacles.

Regarding my second issue, is having to deal with the argillaceous saprolite and the lack of water at placer locations. Also, the lack of reliable drill hole sampling due to randomly distributed quartz stringers native to the saprolite. Would anyone have any ideas on how I could overcome prospecting challenges on the ground? Since I would be prospecting in a National Forest in the Eastern Region, I am going to assume that anything I could do to mitigate sound and water pollution would be ideal. Therefore, a large electrically assisted pull wagon (with giant tires and ample ground clearance) is paramount. But, besides the wagon would be a lot of battery power (which would be recharged offsite, in the evening). However, what the wagon allows me, is the freedom to take more equipment, including: a portable rock crusher, a one-man electric auger, a small highbanker with a water recirculation system and at least 10 gallons of water (would that even be enough water??). A drywasher probably would NOT work, as the soil is generally moist, even during drought conditions, just below the surface. And, finally, a gold detector and a small set of hand tools. Does anyone see a problem with this list for my application and location preference? 

As an aside, the reason I am even choosing National Forest Land in the Eastern Region is primarily because of the known gold in the area. Also, it would only require dealing with the BLM and the National Forest Service; no private property issues. Would i be required to submit a Plan of Operation for a full size operation, in addition to an Exploration Plan of Operation? And, lastly, if this idea seems like it could use a major revision in its thought process, then I welcome those comments, as well.

Thanks.