Yeah its a bit of a tricky one …how best to approach these issues…I totally agree with you Lammerlaw that all outdoor loving kiwis should join together into an all encompassing lobby group.
I would love to make a Youtube video that clearly explains the difference between the panning,stream sluicing,sniping n detecting hobby prospector and large scale mining.
Also showing in the field just how minimal the impact is on the environment from hobby mining(and how fun it is)
I have been reading some pretty interesting research studies from the states about how dredging is actually helping improve the health of some rivers and waterways.
And lastly yes of course that ole pipe dream…establishing some sort of (NZ gold prospectors Assn)would be great.(i’d be in) I think if this group had a strong “code of conduct” outlining guidelines for prospecting in an environmental sustainable way for its members would be a good start, with the view to eventually lobbying govt to expand this as a fossicking right into other Doc areas…just a thought.
Something like this?
"NZ Gold Prospectors Assn"
Code of Practice
- Prospecting in flood zone only (no digging in stockbanks or removing vegetation)
-Removal of all rubbish and contaminants.(Take out everything you bring in)
-Return all diggings to near natural state.(fill in holes,take down weirs n dams).
-Protect and encourage the re establishment of all native flora and forna.
-Respect the rights of private claim owners.
-Non-motorized mining equipment only.
-Prospect at least 20 meters away from another person.
-Gold panning naked is forbidden…(no small nuggets in the pan…lol)
Something like this?..yeah it’ll never happen!!..NZ too small!
Cheers mal