Question on fences in Natl Forest?

[tvanwho]

Just was wondering why I encountered fences across the creek when I was in a National Forest area in Arizona? Are they trying to keep cows out of the creek, but why in only the spots where I wanted to pan for gold I wonder and not the whole creek? I didn't see any No Trespassing signs or Claim markers? There was a ranch of some sorts on the road into that part of the forest a couple miles back from the fenced area.I was panning tons of black sand about 200 feet away from the fence where the jeep trail crossed the creek. No gold, maybe I just needed to dig deeper than 6 inches?
I need to find some new Arizona gold buddies as my prospecting friend in Phoenix just sold all his gear due to failing health issues....

-Tom V.

 

[Reno Chris]

There are some rocks rich in black sand minerals. When they weather, they give off lots of black sand. Just because you find black sand does not always mean there is gold at that exact spot, especially on the side of a hill.

 

[Joe Z]

Those fences are meant to keep cattle in certain areas and as long as it's blm land just close the gate behind you with no problems. If it is on arizona state land you need to get a permit to be there. (about $20 yr family) don't ever get caught prospecting or metal detecting on state land.(they will take everything there that you own) ....... If it's a fence with locked gates you can walk there but no vehicles allowed as it's probably state trust land......another reason for the fences across rivers is they forbid 4x4's traveling up or down the river and you can only cross them at designated places.
I joined the GPAA for about $85 the first year (less after that) and then you don't have to worry about being on someones claim....well worth the piece of mind.
I pass many of those gates off table mesa rd exit on I-17 between new river and black canyon city. your local blm office should be able to tell you where you can go and who staked claims in the area you work.
Where do you live in Arizona as i am in the new river/anthem area
Joe

 

[tvanwho]

I am in Chicagoland, just visit Phoenix every few years,we used to live there in the late 1960's. I miss the mountains and exploring the backroads with my dad who just passed away last fall. Altho, I still seem to find more placer gold in Indiana than I ever have in Arizona.
Ps, if you see black sand in a desert wash, is that good for gold or just a maybe? We used to shoot rifles at a church group when I was a kid out there and I remember black sand in the wash.It was up north of Saguaro Lake area if I recall correctly. I guess that would be Fountain Hills these days?

-T

 

[Joe Z]

I am in Chicagoland, just visit Phoenix every few years,we used to live there in the late 1960's. I miss the mountains and exploring the backroads with my dad who just passed away last fall. Altho, I still seem to find more placer gold in Indiana than I ever have in Arizona.
Sorry to hear about your dad.... we lived in AJ in 05 and moved back to pa ..... thought about az every day and moved back here permanently about two years ago

Ps, if you see black sand in a desert wash, is that good for gold or just a maybe?
I get a lot of black sand out here and am fairly new at this starting just last november but black sand and gold hang out togeter as both are heavies..... your black sand may be -100 and there could be-200 gold in there if you look at it with a Loupe..... I don't get out there as much as i like to but i am only about 20 minutes from the abbey claims in black canyon city

We used to shoot rifles at a church group when I was a kid out there and I remember black sand in the wash.It was up north of Saguaro Lake area if I recall correctly. I guess that would be Fountain Hills these days?
Your right..... that's fountain hills area, a little far from me. I work the areas west of I-17 north of the 101 on out to about wickenburg..... way too hot out there for me right now, It was 107 today

-T

Joe

 

[Hoser John]

Fences are extremely expensive and folks don't go through all that time/expense for nuttn'. Just go to the local and talk to them as you say no signage. Openess works,skullduggery'll get ya dead-John