PROSPECTORS CLUB OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Found by one of our members during a Club outing!
Great Nugget Shooting By Martian. Free Range, 1/4 ounce of Gold!
"Metal detected by a PCSC member in Sierra County."
Our very Martian's results of open Range nugget Shooting on Open BLM Land
President Obama's New National Monuments are not affecting our current claim areas.

News

  • 14 Mar 2020 10:49 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Dear PCSC Members,

    Kathy passed away of March 11. Services for Kathy will be on Wednesday,
    March 18 at 11:00 A.M. at Our Lady of Lourdes Church located at
    18400 Kinzie St., Northridge. Internment will follow immediately
    at San Fernando Mission Cemetery located at 11160 Stranwood Ave.,
    Mission Hills. Reception following services will be held at the Odyssey
    Restaurant, 15600 Odyssey Drive, Granada Hills.

    R.S.V.P.

    In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the American Heart
    Association or the American Cancer Society.

    Thank you for informing other PCSC members.

  • 03 Nov 2019 7:42 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    November 23rd Coin Hunt Announced November 23, 2019 10:00am Ruth R. Caruthers Park 10500 Flora Vista St. Bellflower, CA 90706

  • 03 Nov 2019 7:39 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    December 13-14-15 Prospecting Outing Announced PCSC President, Joe Chmiel, says:

    Who's ready to get some Christmas glitter? If you are caught up on your holiday shopping or if you just need a break from it, December 13, 14 and 15 will be the dates for our next outing. A return to the Placer Pete Claim is in order. Hobbled as I was last time with a sprained ankle, Jeffrey and I had some pretty good gold to show for the few hours of drywashing we put in. I intend to do more of the same and I hope many of you will join me. (Just not where I'm digging. You have to find your own spot.) This claim has a lot of potential and is also registered as a GPAA claim. This means there have been people moving some dirt since the last time we were there. This is always a good thing as it opens up new ground. The driving is easy and the parking is plentiful. Motels are not too far away in Barstow if you are so inclined. We will have our Saturday evening potluck early because of the deep state conspiracy that causes us to set our clocks back every Fall. Maybe around 5pm would be good. Martin will be hosting another nugget hunt and may switch things up a bit. I hear that since too many of his targets were found at the last event, he is bringing in better digging equipment to bury them deeper and employing electronic interference techniques to ensure everyone gets skunked. Ok, I jest. The event will be fun as usual and likely will be held early afternoon on Saturday (more details at November 15th Meeting). Bring a dish for the potluck, bring some firewood, and most importantly, bring yourself! Don't let lack of equipment or knowledge hold you back, there is plenty of both available with this club. Call Joe at 562-999-2428 if you have any questions.

    6


  • 10 Sep 2019 11:25 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Valley Prospectors of San Bernardino presents Rendezvous 2019

    October 25, 26 & 27 2019 Ord Mountain Camping Area I 15 North – take Highway 247 (Barstow Road), Barstow – turn right and approximately 16- 19 miles down Highway 247 you’ll see a brown BLM route marker 6640 on the road. The road is on the East side. Take a left if you are coming from Barstow on this dirt road and you will see a large BLM Informational canopy sign posted for the area. Follow this dirt road up a small and easy grade. The camp area is on the left side of the road. it’s not hard to see and it’s easy to get to. GPS coordinates: N34 degrees 41.008, W116 degrees 57.398 All Events take place on Saturday, October 26, 2019!

    Jim Straight Memorial Metal Detector Hunt by Valley - $20 registration – 10 am Gold Panning Contest by FCM - $5 registration – 2 pm Chili Cook-off – Saturday Night – 4:00 pm Potluck starts after Chili tasting Nightstalker Hunt by Valley - $5 registration - Dark Bingo Free Kid’s Events

    Dry camping (primitive)* Friday 2 pm - Fun Begins Sunday 12 noon - Time to go Home

    Contacts: Lorraine Frost 760-868-6564 or Steve Schubert 951-943-0535

    Website: www.valleyprospectors.org *Sawtooth Campground, ½ mile west of Hwy 247 (if you want an improved campground with toilets and tables)

    Valley Prospectors Rendezvous 2019 October 25-27, 2019 Ord Mountains Camping Area Time Friday Saturday Sunday 10/25/19 10/26/19 10/27/19 8:00 AM BREAKFAST by Valley 8-9 am BREAKFAST by Valley 8-9 am 8:30 AM 9:00 AM

    Clean up 9 – 10 am 9:30 AM 10:00 AM JS Metal Detector Hunt 10-11:30 am PACK UP TO LEAVE 10:30 AM Sponsored by 11:00 AM Valley Prospectors

    11:30 AM Kids Games 11:30-12:30 12:00 Head home - 12 Noon 12:30 PM Lunch – Provided by L. Frost 12:30 – 1:30 pm 1:00 PM 1:30 PM 2:00 PM Early arrivals Gold Panning Contest 2:00 - 4:00 pm 2:30 PM Sponsored by First Class Miners 3:00 PM

    3:30 PM 4:00 PM Trash Hunt Chili Cook-off Judging 4 pm 4:30 PM Potluck 4:30 – 6:00 pm 5:00 PM 5:30 PM 6:00 PM Bingo 6-7:30 pm Bingo - 6-8:00 pm 6:30 PM 7:00 PM 7:30 PM 8:00 PM Night Stalker Hunt at Dark 8:30 PM Sponsored by Valley 9:00 PM Campfire 9 pm Campfire 9 pm ** Lady Luck drawings every hour on Saturday between 9 am and 4 pm All scheduled events are subject to change & cancellation due to lack of volunteers and/or participants


  • 24 May 2019 5:40 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    As many of our members have seen the red signs closing different roads thru out our claim areas, all of us need to take a pro-active approach to keep and or get back access to those good prospecting areas.  We will be locked out for good if nothing is done. Martin has stepped up and taken this approach and has spent many hours of his time insuring that we all still have a place to prospect. Hear is his latest effort along those lines.

    Dear PCSC Members:


    I am sharing with you a copy of the BLM protest I authored and filed today in regard to BLM's proposed land use plan amendment (LUPA) and its final supplemental environmental impact statement (FSEIS) for the West Mojave Route Network Project (WMRNP).  The purpose of sharing this protest exemplar (attached to this email in PDF) is to help everyone understand a little better what is involved, the specialized language used and generally how the system works.  Due to the proliferation of lawsuits brought against governmental agencies and the anticipated generation of additional compulsory administrative land use plan amendments and environmental impact statements, it may prove helpful if some of you get familiar with bureaucratic administrative language and the structure of the dance we may have to do in order to preserve our access to some of the last remaining nugget rich areas of the California Desert.


    In regard to achieving immediate open access to our Desert Queen Bee claim, I'd say my chance of prevailing at this stage of the review process is slim to none.  But you never know...  Nonetheless, at least BLM will be compelled to read it and then come up with a response.  Depending on the response, further decisions will have to be made.


    Martin H. Milas P.O. Box 2290 Yucca Valley, CA 92286

    May 23, 2019

    BLM Director (210) Attention: Protest Coordinator, WO-210 P.O. Box 71383 Washington, DC 20024-1383

    Dear BLM Director:

    Adhering to BLM’s “Critical Item Checklist For Filing A Protest” I submit the following critical items:

    *The purpose of this letter is to protest BLM’s Proposed Land Use Plan Amendment (LUPA) and Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (FSEIS) for the West Mojave Route Network Project (WMRNP).

    *My name is Martin H. Milas.

    *My address is P.O. Box 2290, Yucca Valley, CA 92286.

    *My telephone number is 626-375-1609.

    *My interest in filing this protest is: Approval of the plan as currently drafted will adversely affect my access to an active mining claim (Desert Queen Bee; CAMC 309723) in which I possess a mineral interest.

    *The issues being protested consist of: 1. I protest the “closed route” proposed classification (contained in Appendix G) of Route WEMO ID 112700 as a Translinear Disturbance and the proposed designation Alternative 5 (contained in Appendix G) of Route WEMO ID 112700 as a Translinear Disturbance instead of a limited open route designation such as “Motorized, Authorized, Permitted”. Additionally, the proposed justification for the classification and designation of WEMO ID 112700 and two related routes (see #2 and #3 below) as translinear disturbances contained in

    1

    Appendix G appear to be in conflict with several objectives of the plan (as will be discussed in more detail below). 2. I protest the “closed route” proposed classification (contained in Appendix G) of Route WEMO ID 112699 as a Translinear Disturbance and the proposed designation Alternative 5 (contained in Appendix G) of Route WEMO ID 112699 as a Translinear Disturbance instead of a limited open route designation such as a “Motorized, Authorized, Permitted”. Additionally, the proposed justification for the classification and designation of WEMO ID 112699 and two related routes (see #1 above and #3 below) as translinear disturbances contained in Appendix G appear to be in conflict with several objectives of the plan (as will be discussed in more detail below). 3. I protest the “closed route” proposed classification (contained in Appendix G) of Route WEMO ID 111721 as a Translinear Disturbance and the proposed designation Alternative 5 (contained in Appendix G) of Route WEMO ID 111721 as a Translinear Disturbance instead of a limited open route designation such as a “Motorized, Authorized, Permitted”. Additionally, the proposed justification for the classification and designation of WEMO ID 111721 and two related routes (see #1 and #2 above) as translinear disturbances contained in Appendix G appear to be in conflict with several objectives of the plan (as will be discussed in more detail below).

    *The parts of the plan being protested are the proposed route designations and proposed justifications of WEMO ID 112700, WEMO ID 112699 and WEMO ID 111721 contained in Appendix G of the PLAN and Final SEIS (see WMRNP_LUPA_Final SEIS_Appendix G_TMA5_RouteTable_508.pdf).

    *Copies of documents addressing the issues that were submitted during the planning process by the protesting party: See Attachment A.

    *A concise statement explaining why the decision is believed to be wrong:

    “Land uses…which require transportation access include…mining…” (See Chapter 3 at page 3-2). My timely route specific digital comment included a specific reference to an active mining claim, the Desert Queen Bee (CAMC 309723), that is located on Route WEMO ID 112700 of the BLM MAP. BLM acknowledged receipt of this comment as being submitted on 2018-06-05 11:21:48 MST bearing Comment ID 20180605.172047.960000. (See Attachment A) Yet no reference at all is made to this important fact in the “Designation Decision Justification And Impact Minimization” in Appendix G for the proposed designation Alternative 5 of translinear disturbance for the route in question.

    2

    Additionally in my comment I referenced other route segments that should remain open for motorized vehicles. These segments include WEMO ID 112699 and WEMO ID 111721 because WEMO ID 112700 (generically referenced as “Dobson Road”), in order itself to be accessed needs to be connected either to open route WEMO ID 78.794 (AKA Open Route CG 7253 or generically referenced as “Williams Well Road”) or to open route WEMO ID 112916 (AKA Open Route CG 7277). See Attachment B which is a screen shot from BLM’s master MAP for the PLAN of the immediate area at issue and discussed in further detail below. As can be seen in Attachment B, the currently proposed route system is DEVOID of any east-west open connector route between the only two primary north-south open routes in the immediate vicinity. This is an important departure from one of the objectives of the PLAN which is to insure connectivity with adjacent route networks to insure access to public land holdings and authorized users. Nonetheless, a proposed closed route designation of LINEAR DISTURBANCE is made in contradiction to the Executive Summary of Alternative 5 of the PLAN which states, “However, this alternative has been designed to incorporate specific comments received during the DSEIS public comment period regarding access to specific locations and uses.” (See page ES-18 of the Executive Summary). In fact, BLM failed to incorporate my specific comments contained in Appendix B or to even discuss them despite a specific request to do so (see WMRNP_LUPA_Final SEIS_Appendix I_Responses to comments_508.pdf which does not contain any reference to my name or my comments). There are additional deviations from other PLAN objectives by not having a reasonable east-west open route corridor that connects the two referenced major north-south open routes in the vicinity, i.e., CG 7253 and CG 7277. This is so because certain public travelers in TMA 5, instead of having a relatively short eastwest connectivity drive of .85 miles (see Attachment B) will be forced to drive approximately four to five miles south and then four to five more miles north to access the adjacent route corridor, i.e., by means of the nearest remaining open routes that connect the two north-south corridors (note, there are no east-west connectors further to the north as both referenced open routes climb into higher elevations and diverge from each other with zero open connectors). The result of all this unnecessary extra mileage will contribute MORE not less fugitive dust emissions. Additionally the extra mileage will add to harassment of wildlife, not minimize it (see Chapter 1 of the PLAN at page 1-6). The PLAN includes protection for the Desert Tortoise and Mojave Fringe Toed Lizard, specifically to minimize losses of tortoises to crushing (see Chapter 4 at pages 4-94 to 4-98). Do the math. Ten extra miles of driving as opposed to .85 miles raises a tenfold higher risk of crushing. Also, note that the court ordered

    3

    BLM to “(1) Prepare a…network that complies with minimization criteria.” (page 1-10). The BLM justifications to close Routes WEMO ID 112700, WEMO ID 112699 and WEMO ID 111721 by designating them translinear disturbances do not minimize the above discussed criteria as effectively as a designation of MOTORIZED, AUTHORIZED, PERMITTED would. CONCLUSION: By modifying the proposed route designations for routes WEMO ID 112700, 112699 and 111721 (which all existed prior to 1980 as discussed in Attachment A) from Linear Disturbance to MOTORIZED, AUTHORIZED, PERMITTED, BLM will insure continuing lawful access to an active mining claim by a limited number of authorized permittees (who, as discussed in Attachment A, almost exclusively utilize extremely low impact, nonmechanized metal detecting as the primary recovery methodology) and will better achieve other PLAN objectives such as minimizing environmental concerns as discussed above.

    I declare under penalty of perjury pursuant to the laws of California that the above statements are true and correct. Executed by ______________________________ on May 23, 2019 at Yucca Valley, California.

    Thank you for reviewing this protest.

    Respectfully yours,

    Martin H. Milas

    4

    s.


     

  • 15 May 2019 6:45 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    From Randy Huffine, I have a Keene 3" High Banker/Dredge combo with a 6.5hp Honda engine powering the water pump, all hoses, etc. in excellent condition for $1325.00 cash only and pick up only, no delivery.  cell 626-216-9123 or email ProspectingGold@aol.com

    Thanks,

    Randy Huffine



  • 08 May 2019 9:53 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    PAYDIRT PICNIC

    SUNDAY MAY 19 NOON COOLGARDIE CA. The High Desert Gold Diggers will be providing chili cheese dogs and chips. Bring your own drinks. (Pot luck dish if you want) HDGD will also be opening up our Coolgardie claims to all who would like to join us for our annual picnic at the shack north of our Red Dog claim GPS 35.100685---117.25650

    Any questions contact Shane Brower HDGD President live2shane@gmail.com


  • 16 Apr 2019 1:55 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    From Lucky Joe:

    Back at the March club meeting I mentioned I would be going out to investigate a mining claim which is to be the site of our April 26-27-28 Outing Dates. This claim belongs to two of our members, Steve Scukanec and Phil Zasadny. (Do not hurt yourself trying to pronounce their last names... we'll just stick with Steve and Phil.)            So the day after the meeting, my dad and I headed out to check out the claim. After a big-rig-on-fire delay on the 15 Fwy, we met up with new club member, Craig Tanner, at Denny's in Barstow.

              Now just so you know, there are 3 Denny's in Barstow with 2 of them being within blocks of each other. Not knowing this, I didn't make it very clear as to which one to meet at but Craig figured it out before we finished breakfast. From there, Steve, Phil and Bill Samarin met us to guide us out to the claim.           The drive in was less than 40 minutes with half of that on paved roads. I didn't see much to give even a 2-wheel drive much trouble. Maybe a soft spot here and there could get you stuck but at least if you have good shoes the walk back to town isn't too far. There are washboards aplenty but none of the cursed, red, roadclosure stakes are anywhere to be seen.

              The claim itself was the site of some heavy old-timer workings so they must have found something worth their while to dig. And the drywasher sampling that Bill, Steve and Phil did bear this out: In a very limited amount of time, the cleanouts showed much promise with several flecks of bright yellow gold. A couple of the pieces were even big enough for my detector to pick up.

              The ground was definitely moist and the dirt had to be dried on top of tarps before processing. Alternatively, one could forego the tarp and just run the material twice if waiting around watching dirt dry does not sound appealing.

              As far as metal detecting for nuggets goes, God bless you if you try because you will definitely add to your lead and foil collection. Those old-timers really liked their guns and tobacco. All in all, I think we will have a successful outing and I plan on bringing my drywasher.

              I think if we had a few drywashers going and team up a few people on each one, we should see some good results. Be sure to bring a dish for the Saturday night potluck (and I don't mean one to eat off of). I'll smoke some tri-tip to complete the culinary experience. There will be plenty of parking for RV, trailer, or anything else.

              Don't forget, Martin has some gold that he is just itching to give away and he's designed some schemes set for Saturday by which you can earn it. I believe a nugget hunt is to be one of them. We won't have a port-a-potty so you will have to plan accordingly. And for those that don't sleep in the desert, there are plenty of Barstow motels to choose from. If I have forgotten to mention anything that you may have questions about, you can call me at 562-999-2428.

              One final reminder that our June Boy Scout event at Camp Williams is to be held on June 22nd. The more that can show up to help teach the Scouts to pan for gold, the smoother things will run.

              That's all for now so mark your calendars and I for one am looking forward to getting back out and getting my share of the yellow!

    Editor’s Notes:

    (1)            The above map describes a completely new way to access the Coolgardie area north of Barstow.  Begin by exiting Highway 58 at Hinkley Road, then note your odometer and follow the above indicated turns, noting your odometer anew at each turn until you reach the claim site.

    (2)            Joe Chmiel has worked out a dual outing with the Hi-Desert Gold Diggers.  Thus, this is an opportunity to form teams made up of members from each club to better get to know each other and maybe learn some new tricks.

    Nugget Prizes For Outing Extras!!

              Your editor has volunteered to gin up some fun games of skill during our upcoming desert outing as described by PCSC President, Joe Chmiel (above). 

    Here are some extra details:

              1.  On Saturday afternoon around 2:00 or 3:00pm (precise time to be announced at the outing) there will be a FREE nugget hunt.  The hunt will consist of pre-planted glass vials containing small nuggets.  VLF metal detectors ONLY.  All nuggets will be at depths capable of detection by virtually any VLF type gold nugget specialty machine. The search field may be shortened to speed the finish.     2.  There MAY be (time and attendance permitting) an additional nugget hunt following completion of the above referenced free hunt.  A special prize nugget will be buried inside a larger sized vial to accommodate its girth.  This hunt will be open to any PCSC or HDGD nugget shooters.  As long as at least 10 hunters sign up, then a donation of $10 apiece will be earmarked to support PCSC’s Scholarship Fund.  If fewer than 10, but at least 7, hunters sign up, then a donation of $15 apiece will be collected.  VLF detectors ONLY.  Size of search field may be shortened from time to time to expedite hunt.  Sudden death finish.

    3.               Weather permitting (safe wind velocity) a Saturday evening campfire will take place (please bring some firewood to donate to the fire).  Set up your chairs upwind of the campfire allowing some distance for performances.  Small nugget prizes will be awarded as follows: The audience will determine by majority vote the winner(s) of the best entertainment performances (a story, a poem, a musical rendition, etc.).  The names of all who constitute the audience from beginning to end will be placed in a hat for a drawing of the winner(s).

    4.               On Sunday two coin toss events will take place at a specific time to be announced (probably later in the morning before the camp begins breaking up).  These will be games of skill open to all who bring their own coins (at least ten each of dimes and/or quarters).  The prizes will consist of small gold nuggets inside glass vials PLUS all of the dimes or quarters utilized in the pertinent coin toss.     5.  On Saturday a bonus prize MAY be included (depending on extent of participation/consensus of those present).  Concept: 4-person teams composed of a mix of PCSC and HDGD members will set up different team dry washing spots.  Whichever team produces the most gold will receive a multi-nugget prize sufficient to divide equally amongst its members.


  • 11 Apr 2019 11:24 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Hello, 

    My name is Scott Warner and I would like to invite all members of the PCSC to the Adventurers club of Los Angeles on may 2nd to see my presentation on prospecting the USA. This was a 4 month trip, 15000 miles, 37 states and prospecting at 30 great localities for Gems, Minerals , fossils, Crystals and dinosaurs.

    I belong to many clubs, including the Adventurers club and would like to extend an invitation to the members of PCSC.

    Adventurers Club of Los Angeles

    Scott Warner

    Presents: Prospecting The USA

    May 2nd 2019

    Biography

    Scott Warner (#1184) has been mining for Gold in in the Mother Lode for over 35 years. His original passion was dredging for Gold in the rivers of California, which led to his interest in hunting Gems, Minerals and Fossils across the Midwest. His travels across the western United States caused him to develop a deep appreciation of the Geology, History and beauty of our country. While working on the Merced River, he began exploring Yosemite, which developed into a love of our National Parks. His travels thru Yellowstone sparked an interest in exploring thermals of the west and wherever he prospects, he takes the time to explore the country for thermals, Indian petroglyphs and natural geologic formations. In 2010, he got his diving certification and began an adventure in diving with sharks, Shipwrecks, hunting for Spanish treasure and exploring the limestone cave systems of the Yucatan. His love of photography has allowed him to share his experiences with those around him.

    Prospecting the USA

    Take a trip across the USA with Scott Warner and see the beauty of America and learn about the best places in the USA to hunt for Gems, minerals, Fossils and Gold. View a 4-month journey with Scott Warner and friends across America that began with a raft trip down the Grand Canyon in May and ended at Burning Man in September. A trip that covered 37 States, 15000 miles and hunting over 30 different Mining and Fossil locations in the USA.

    Scott will be giving a presentation at the Adventurers club on a Bucket list trip he had been planning for over 15 Years. It was a journey across the USA to Prospect the best places to find gems, minerals and fossils and see the beauty and diversity of America. See and experience the Blue Fluorite of Arizona and New Mexico, then travel to Arkansas to hunt crystals and diamonds. Continue to Florida to dive with the Manatees and then hunt for Megalodon Teeth and Fossils in the Rivers and caverns of Florida and S. Carolina. Hunt the many amazing gemstones of N. Carolina and all the eastern localities for Fossils, gemstones and Florescent minerals in New Jersey, New York and Maine. Then travel west to hunt fossils, gemstones and dinosaurs in Iowa, S. Dakota and Montana. Finish the trip hunting for Sapphires, Crystals, Topaz and fossils in the western states of Montana, Idaho, Utah, Wyoming and Nevada. Learn about the snowbirds and people he met along the way and see all the Geologic beauty in our great country, Including National Parks, Monuments, State Parks, Caves, waterfalls and the many other natural wonders of our country.

    Scott will discuss the different types of mining and the various opportunities available to anyone who wants to Hunt gems, minerals, Fossils or Gold across the USA. Scott will be discussing the diversity of America and all the fantastic photo opportunities awaiting anyone who travels thru the USA. As a collector and dealer of American gems, Minerals and fossils, he will be sharing some of his prized specimens for the audience to view, hold and enjoy. His love of photography will allow you to share in his latest trip and enjoy the scenic beauty of America.

    Learn about the many opportunities that await any individual who wants to explore America. Scott will be donating many specimens found across the USA and hold a raffle at the end of his presentation. You will be able to purchase tickets and possibly win your very own piece of American Treasure.

     

    ACLA

    2433 North Broadway L.A. (corner of Daly and Broadway)

    Club opens at 6, Dinner served at 7, Presentation 8-10

    Dinner price is 25.00

    Call for reservations 323-223-3948, or use pay pal on ACLAWebsite



  • 14 Mar 2019 9:51 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Hello Everyone, Our next upcoming prospectors coin hunt will be on March 23 in the city of Downey at Furman Park starting at 10AM. Make sure you bring your Club ID and have some fun :)

    Furman Park 10419 Rives Ave Downey, CA 90241


Meeting hall is located at 9813 Paramount Blvd. in the city of Downey, Calif. (Woman's Club of Downey)

Our Mailing Address is   P.C.S.C.    P.O. Box 4853, Downey, California, 90240 (Not to be used for Memberships or Renewals)


For Memberships and Renewals see Join Us link at top :)

PCSC President Joseph Chmiel Advancedminingequipment    @    gmail.com

 
Web Master P.Swift pdswift    @    ca.rr.com
 
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