I found this while searching for activities allowed at Point Bar -

http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/rgfo/minera...cer_mining.html

It has useful general info for those who want to pursue mining activities on the Arkansas. If you want to run motorized equipment at Point Bar -

http://www.blm.gov/pgdata/etc/medialib/blm...20Ops%20(1).pdf

Just thought I'd post these for those who are interested.

I also found out that each piece of "mechanized" (That means battery and gasoline powered) equipment needs its own permit. Pans and stream sluices are excepted as they used muscle and gravity. That means duel purpose equipment has to have a permit for each process it is used for, for example: High banker/dredge combo - permitted as a dredge only, can be used as a dredge only - permitted as a high banker only, can be used as a high banker only. Used as both - you must pay $25 for each ($50). Add power sluice, add $25 more. I permitted the trommel, but not anything else yet. I will add the dredge to it later. I might add the power sluice too, for a total of $75. Permits are good for 2 years. That could be 2 seasons - unfortunately, I wasn't paying close attention so I will have to ask again. That's all for now.

Wasn't Point Bar a GPOC or GPAA claim? Who has it now?

There are both in the immediate area - in fact, 2 GPOC claims (Colorado Prospector 1 & 2) and 1 GPAA claim. The Point Bar Recreation Area itself is a public area run by the BLM.

Does the BLM provide a map of the area showing the boundaries? Or is it a guesstimate?

Yes, they do, It is on the link, but the best map is handed out at the BLM office in Canon City where you get your permits to run motorized equipment (power sluices, dredges, highbankers, Gold Cubes, trommels, etc. Each has to be permitted, and if you are going to use all features of a combo unit, each feature has to be permitted.) Keep your paperwork handy!

good Lord
this is one reason why I don't like "prospecting" on designated rec areas. You need a permit for your permit on private property. That's not mining nor prospecting but I'll get off my soapbox....

... and I'll hold my tongue regarding GPOC naming their claims "Colorado Prospector 1 & 2".
after all, imitation is the highest form of flattery
sad thing is, they don't imitate very well

Going to Point Bar this week to test out the matting system for the trommel - I intend on doing some real prospecting soon.... there are some open areas on the Arkansas, but you have to play by the RG BLM Office rules if you don't want to get hassled. There are also some areas that are open that are not in the ACEC that the young lass also pointed out to me that I need to research, then prospect (I guess my long, rockstar hair does have its benefits! Click to view attachment ) - but got to get things done here at my property first. As far as the GPOC claims - I first said: "cool, hey, wait - what?!" Then I had to laugh! Clearly, that is bait to catch the unwary newbie! The hackles on my mullet were raised somewhat and my caveman senses kicked in and told me: "Don't go there!"
Don't worry, Chris - I intend on doing some real mining - I'm just working the "recreational areas" for testing. I'll get out for real soon, I promise!

Good luck at Point Bar and let us know how ya do!
Testing equipment is excellent use of a rec area too.
I think you're probably right about GPOC trying to catch unwary newbies. Could have easily named them GPOC 1 & 2 but maybe there's no pride there?
Others have joked about it the mining community.
Iffn ya can't rise to the top and you still need to eat... bottom feeding is a logical alternative.

Will do!

and the rest - that there's just funny - I don't care who you are! Bottom feeders.

Darn - I have to hold off until next week before going out to play with the trommel - I mean test the new set-up on the trommel - as I have a delivery I have to wait for. Double dagnabit! Rats.... No stream/river work done in July. I'll have to hit it 3 times in Aug to make up for it.....