To all Concerned Citizens,
The TDEC (The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation) has just sent out their final draft of the 2014 Recreational Prospecting Permit. Many changes were made from the last draft that was posted, and after researching the draft and referring to the referenced documents, most of the gold bearing waters in Eastern Tennessee will be closed to recreational prospecting. This includes panning and dredging.

Banning recreational prospecting in Tennessee will hurt tourism, family outings, and a good source of income for the businesses in the gold bearing region of the Eastern part of the state. This will impact primarily small businesses inrural areas that depend on tourism for survival. Many families would no longer have the opportunity to pass on the tradition of gold prospecting that dates back to the 1820s in East Tennessee.All we need is some simple "Common Sense" State prospecting rules and regulations , the same ones that are already in place in the Tellico Ranger District.

4:00 p.m. EDT Open House Information Session
6:00 p.m. EDT Presentation & Public Hearing (primary hearing location)
Middle Tennessee Fleming Training Center
2022 Blanton Dr,
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
3:00 p.m. CDT Open House Information Session
5:00 p.m. CDT Presentation & Public Hearing (join Knoxville presentation and hearing by videoconference.)
West Tennessee Jackson Environmental Field Office 1625 Hollywood Drive Jackson, TN 38305
3:00 p.m. CDT Open House Information Session
5:00 p.m. CDT Presentation & Public Hearing (join Knoxville presentation and hearing by videoconference.)

You do not have to be a resident of Tennessee to send in your comments or to attend the hearings. Many come from out of state to prospect here. This permit will affect everyone, not just the prospectors in Tennessee. If you make comments and suggestions make sure your comments are factual and appropriate. Alwaysuse common sense and be polite.


Here is the address to respond to:
Division of Water Resources William R. Snodgrass Tennessee Tower 312 Rosa L. Parks Avenue, 11th Floor Nashville, Tennessee 37243

We suggest that if you have any contacts on the State level: Senators, Congressmen, Governor, etc; please contact them and let them know you do not support this draft becoming law.