Sierra Nevada Placer Claims
Frequently asked questions
What is this tool?
It is a conservative research assistant for Sierra Nevada placer-claim screening. It combines public claim, land-status, PLSS, access, restriction, and historical mining data into rated candidate plots so you can decide where deeper official research is worth doing. It answers "where might I legally and practically look next?" with a short list of rated candidates and the reasons behind them — not another pile of raw map layers.
Who is this for?
Recreational and small-scale Sierra Nevada placer prospectors planning a field trip, plus prospecting-curious outdoors people, clubs, and educators who want a conservative, honest starting point. It is built for people who intend to verify locations with official sources — not for anyone looking for a shortcut around that verification.
Does a green plot mean I can claim or mine there?
No. Green and yellow are planning leads, not permission. A rating never means land is legally claimable, open to mineral entry, free of private rights or claim conflicts, or safely accessible. You must verify the location with official sources before acting. See what the colors mean.
Where does the data come from?
Public datasets, including BLM claims and land status, USDA Forest Service roads and ownership, USGS MRDS gold records, and PLSS/Mount Diablo Meridian geometry. Source data can be incomplete, stale, capped, or wrong, which is why the screening is deliberately cautious and always points back to official verification.
How do I verify a location officially?
Translate the plot's PLSS description into a precise parcel (PLSS guide), confirm land and mineral status and existing claims in the BLM record (claim-status guide), check withdrawals, closures, and access, and then visit before deciding anything. The full sequence is in researching a placer claim.
Can I use suction dredges or other in-stream methods?
California regulates in-stream mining, especially motorized suction dredging, much more strictly than many states. Do not assume out-of-state experience applies. Confirm the current rules directly with the responsible California agencies and the land manager before working any waterway.
Is this legal, safety, or claim-filing advice?
No. It is a screening map only — not legal, safety, access, navigation, surveying, claim-filing, or emergency advice. You are responsible for official verification and field safety. See the Terms of Use.
How much does it cost?
There is a free tier. A paid Supporter option is planned to fund the service and unlock convenience features; candidate ratings stay identical on every plan. Ads on the free tier help keep it free and stay out of the core map.
How do I report a problem or bad data?
Use the in-app Feedback form on the map page, or the contact page. Corrections help improve the data for everyone.