Newbie here....
Just had a couple questions regarding a "roadless" area in Pike Nat'l forest that I am looking to open a claim in. My 1st question is regarding whether these area's are open to mining claims? I was also wondering if I have to get approval from the
FS to access this area via a "closed" FS road on my ATV to carry my equipment? No gate on this road, just shows closed on a forest map online which used to be listed as "4wd" until the area went raodless***
Thanks in advance for your advise,
Jim
There are different reasons for road closures but a designated "roadless area" makes me think "wilderness area". Is the area open for mineral entry or is it protected? You may need to follow up with the blm for specifics unless you can take a pic of the map and post it.
Sounds like you could walk in to prospect but not drive in. That's my best guess hehe. That map is 12 years old and things could be different there now. I know some trails were closed where I lived after the hayman fire because of erosion. Forestry has been on a trail closing rampage the last few years. Their excuse is whatever trails they can't maintain they are just shutting down, at least around here.
Hello All,
This is an area I'm very familiar with. Not all road-less areas are wilderness, in fact most/all are not wilderness at all, this is a management plan that came about in the 90's to close and reclaim roads that the USFS doesn't maintain or wasn't originally designated as USFS access roads, such as old logging, mining, fire break roads, or roads that were made from other uses outside of USFS purposes. This management plan came against a great deal of resistance back then, but under the administration of 'Slick Willy' Clinton, they approved it under another agenda and bill. You can go to the USFS site and look up the details of this management plan. In no way dos it keep you from mineral exploration, unless the area is withdrawn. Good example to see what the end result of this reclamation of the roads will look like hike around Winter Park, most are made that even the animals will have a hard time traversing the old roads. Again, go to the USFS site to get the details for yourself, the internet is never 100% fact information.
You can locate mining claims in roadless areas as long as the land is still open to location. The roadless designation itself does not prohibit mining claims or curiously road use or construction. It is simply a management overlay for the use of the Forest Service.
You will find the rule and the legal basis behind it in the https://www.fs.fed.us/emc/nepa/roadless/2001RoadlessRuleFR.pdf (PDF).
Here are the parts you are probably looking for:
Welcome to the forums JMDOBB98!
Maps can be misleading when it comes to public road access for sure. If the road is still open with no gate or markings indicating a closure to motor vehicles then I would think you could use it. If you are talking about a road that has been closed to motor vehicles then you may be looking at inquiring at the local F.S. office for access.
Prospecting or staking a claim there depends on if the area is open for mineral entry and not already claimed by someone else.
Thanks for all of the reply's guys!! Will follow up with the info you provided.
Jim
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