HB 2467: Establishing a Recreational Motorized Mineral Prospecting License

[bigtex]

HB 2467 would require WDFW to require a motorized mineral prospecting permit for motorized recreational miners. The permit mirrors a fishing license in that:

-The fee for the permit will be the same fee as a combo fishing license
-If a waterbody requires an additional permit to fish (such as the Columbia River endorsement) then WDFW will require a similar permit for mineral prospecting in that area
-A mineral prospecting card (similar to the catch record card) will be required of recreational miners

The bill is sponsored by Representatives Tarleton, Lytton, Pollet, McBride, Morris, Reykdal, Bergquist, Walkinshaw, and Peterson.

http://app.leg.wa.gov/DLR/billsummary/default.aspx?Bill=2467&year=2015

[JimmyHoffa]

Are there really rivers in Washington that people from all around the country 'flock to' for dredging? 
A lot of demands placed about with that creation of an advisory group and the scope of minimum members and findings.  The bill seems a little overkill, but Tarleton is out to end prospecting so has to start somewhere.

[jasnt]

Yup next we'll need a permit to pan

[Special T]

What is the purpose of this bill? Is it just to raise funds? I was under the impression that there was already rules in place for powered dredging?

I know these Jackwagons tired to make you get a permit to pan by hand... small shovel and a pan.

[bigtex]

What many people don't realize is technically under WA law you do need a permit for most mineral prospecting, including panning. Under WA law there are timing restrictions (basically a season) for almost all rivers/creeks, if there is a timing restriction on that body of water you need a permit. If there isn't a timing restriction you don't need a permit. However the current "permit" is simply having the Gold & Fish Pamphlet in your possession. Personally, compliance with this regulation is terrible.

Gold & Fish Pamphlet:
http://wdfw.wa.gov/publications/01729/wdfw01729.pdf

Under this bill you would need a true license ($$).

[jasnt]

I got my gold and fish pamphlet in my glove box.  Sulivan creek is the only place I ever been checked

[boneaddict]

Samelines but different. Bigtex, have you heard OT know anything about the writer they were going to put on the discovery pass.  Pay an extra 5 bucks and you can collect  p wood or states etc, on game department land.

There have been several passes through congress about being able to legally collect but none have come to fruition, I think due to a lack of funding.   I think they figured this would be a way to fund it.