About the private claim on Clear Creek Options

[hootsmeister]

I happened to be at the Gold-N-Detectors store in Golden last week. I had heard mentioned, on a previous visit, that the owner was "going to be at his private claim on Clear Creek".

Now, being a bona fide greenhorn gold prospector, the last thing I want is to claim jump. So, I asked about the whereabouts of this private claim of Bill Chapman, proprietor of the store.

He said they hadn't shot any claim jumpers recently , and if I wanted to have a clear conscience about panning on or near this private claim, all I had to do was sign a disclaimer, releasing the claim owner from liability.

Jeepers! Sounded like a great deal to me! Unfortunately, Bill didn't have any forms handy, so I went back Monday morning (they were open until noon on Memorial Day), and signed the waiver. It was just like Bill had said -- it releases the claim owner from any accident -- rattlesnake bite, carpal tunnel syndrome, whatever -- that might befall a prospector there.

He also told me a bit of history as to why he maintains the claim. Seems that Jefferson County would like to ban panning along that 12+ miles of river. And Bill has successfully fought for his (and by extension, our) right to pan.

He also told me that motorized dredges and such are allowed along Clear Creek, up to State Highway 119.

So, if you want to not worry about being a claim jumper, stop in and see Bill. Call ahead, as he's not always on the premises. Also, get the complete story of the political shenanigans that politicians play with our right to do a little 'panning now and then.

Last -- the river is running high, fast, and powerful. Be very, very careful on Clear Creek right now -- it would be easy to get pulled off your feet and swept downstream.

[CP]

Hi Forestwalker,

I think you may be confusing north clear creek with clear creek itself. The north branch comes down from Gilpin county (Blackhawk/Central City) while the main clear creek comes down through Georgetown and Idaho Springs.

Main clear creek could definately have mercury in it since the Argo mine/mill upstream used alot of it in the old days to process ores, it's not trashed out though.
From the confluence downstream on the main creek is the Jefferson county open space, good panning and sluicing area.

North clear creek has alot of mine drainage (acid) which has affected that tributary (dirty brown water and staining) from Blackhawk on down to the main creek confluence. The north branch is all private land along the creek from the county line at the confluence on up to Blackhawk.

Mercury can often be found naturally in many places too, Boulder county is actually where the ore (cinnabar) was discovered back in the old days.

CP

[Boogie]

Mercury can often be found naturally in many places too, Boulder county is actually where the ore (cinnabar) was discovered back in the old days.

CP

Mercury
Boulder County
Mental Illness

It's all starting to make sense.