CA Gold Diggers Meetup

08/31/2026

CALIFORNIA ROCKHOUNDING ALERT — AUG. 31 (weekly update)
🔥 Major wildfire activity is affecting the Big Sur/Los Padres area. The Plaskett Fire is 15,479 acres and only 1% contained, with evacuations and a major Highway 1 closure.

🔥 BLM fire restrictions remain active across many popular Mother Lode and Eastern Sierra recreation areas.

🪨 Remember the BLM recreational collecting rule: generally 25 lbs + one piece per day, 250 lbs per year, for personal use on lands where collecting is allowed.

🏞️ California State Parks have different rules. Rock collecting is generally prohibited unless specifically authorized, and permitted State Parks rockhounding is generally limited to 15 lbs per day with no tools except a gold pan where allowed.

Always verify land ownership, current closures and collecting rules before heading out.

Overall status today: 🟠 ELEVATED CAUTION. Rockhounding itself has not undergone a major new statewide restriction that I found today; wildfire, fire restrictions and temporary land closures are the bigger concern this week.

If you want more details visit: cagolddiggersmeetup.com

08/31/2026

Mining-Rights Update — August 31, 2026 (Weekly update)

🚨 Urgent deadline: Federal mining-claim maintenance fees or Small Miner’s Waivers are due tomorrow, September 1. Missing the deadline may result in claim forfeiture. BLM filing information

Fee: $200 per lode claim or per 20 acres of a placer claim
File or pay through BLM’s MLRS
Forest Service prospecting-rule changes remain proposals—not current law

H.R. 4090 remains pending in the Senate
California’s suction-dredging ban remains unchanged
Check local fire restrictions before prospecting or camping

Want more information, go to: cagolddiggersmeetup.com

08/31/2026

⚠️ CALIFORNIA UNDERGROUND ADVENTURE ALERT — Aug. 31 (Weekly update)

🦇 Lava Beds: Several caves are currently closed. Cave permits and white-nose syndrome screening remain required.

🦇 Pinnacles: Bear Gulch Lower and Upper caves are currently CLOSED; Balconies Cave is OPEN.

🔥 BIG SUR / LOS PADRES: Timber and Plaskett wildfires have caused evacuations, major Highway 1 disruption and public-land/park closures. Avoid affected backcountry areas.

🔥 Fire danger: Restrictions are active across numerous California public lands. Check the managing agency before camping or heading underground.

💧 Flash floods: Never enter flood-prone caves when thunderstorms or heavy rain threaten the watershed—even when skies are clear at the entrance.

🦇 Protect California bats: Clean and decontaminate boots, clothing and cave/mine equipment between underground locations.

🟢 Crystal Cave: Open for guided tours during the 2026 season.

🟢 Mitchell Caverns: The normal July–August closure ends after today, making this a location to watch for September trips.

CA Gold Diggers reminder: These precautions apply to abandoned mines and adits as well as natural caves. Check land ownership, closures, fire conditions, weather and bat restrictions before going underground.

Want more details go to: cagolddiggersmeetup.com

08/31/2026

Fun Times!!

08/30/2026

Stay safe out there! 🥰

A fast-burning wildfire near Big Sur exploded to nearly 6,000 acres on Saturday morning.

08/30/2026

" Mining Adventures and Ma are blessing one person with a lifetime membership to Reinke Mining Adventures. May the Au be with you. Good luck!"

Anyone found the clue? Let's go Tuesday!!

08/30/2026

Our country under attack 🤬

08/30/2026

Don't want to mis this event! Get your tickets ASAP to see Suga-T and her Pops present blues and jazz!