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Recreational Gold Panning and Sluicing on State Land
Recreational gold prospectors have permission to pan for gold on land where both the surface and mineral rights are owned by the state. In general, this activity is intended to be recreational in nature. There are limits on the amount of gold that can be taken in any given year, and power sluicing is prohibited.
Some areas are closed to recreational gold panning to protect critical habitat, including state designated trout streams, natural rivers and natural areas.
Please check the following maps to see which areas are closed:
For questions or comments concerning the use of state land for recreational gold panning and sluicing please email Meghan Stevens.
If you have questions about the non-issuance of the Use Permit for gold panning activities at Muskallonge State Park or general gold panning activities within a state park, please email Nicole Hunt, Parks and Recreation Division Regulatory Unit Manager.