CENTRAL VIRGINIA GOLD PROSPECTORS


 

THE NEXT MEETING OF THE CVGP WILL BE SEPTEMBER 20, 2003, 10:00 
AM AT SMALL COUNTRY CAMPGROUND, LOUISA, VA.

DIRECTIONS:

From Richmond Area: Interstate 64 to exit 143 (Rt.208-
North)...go 2.5 miles and turn LEFT at small sign onto 640 and 
go 150 yards and turn RIGHT at small sign on 649. Go 2 miles 
(bearing left on 649) into Small Country Campground. Campground 
entrance will be on the right. As you drive up the dirt road, 
pavillion is on right.

From Harrisonburg Area: Route 33 East- go through Ruckersville, 
Barboursville and Gordonsville to Trevillians-at intersection 
of Routes 33 and 22 turn left onto Route 22 then take immediate 
RIGHT onto Rote 613 - go to Route 649 and turn LEFT - go 2 
miles (bearing left on 649) into Small Country Campground. 

From Manassas Area: South on Route 29 to Route 15 South. Take 
15 South through Orange to Gordonsville - turn LEFT onto Route 
33 - take 33 to Trevillians - turn LEFT onto Route 22 and 
immediately turn RIGHT onto Route 613 - go to Route 649 and 
turn LEFT. Go 2 miles (bearing left on 649) into Small Country 
Campground.

 

MINUTES OF AUGUST 16, 2003 MEETING

The meeting was called to order by President Ned Skinner, who 
called for a moment of silence. There were approximately 32 
members and guests present. Newcomers were acknowledged and 
welcomed.

There was a discussion of raffle tickets for sale by a group in 
Oregon, who are confronting the same dredging problems as us. 
They have filed a lawsuit and the ticket sales were to help 
defray the legal expenses. We had $50 worth of tickets, some of 
which were purchased by individual members and then the Club 
purchased the balance. The drawing was held on the 27th--none 
of us won. It is possible that the outcome of this case could 
have a bearing on cases in Virginia.

We were then told about an email received from a geologist with 
the Park Service in the Roanoke area. He stated they were 
receiving requests to pan in the park but SINCE THERE WAS NO 
GOLD IN THAT AREA REQUESTS WERE DENIED. He wanted to refer 
people to our group but his "higher-ups" said he couldn't do 
that since it would be promoting an organization.

Next on the agenda was the trip to Vein Mountain--details on 
where to go and what to expect were given.

Then Ben Vaughan gave a report on the Field Day of the Past to 
be held on September 20, outside of Richmond. Ben is going to 
set-up a demonstration of gold panning. 

Ned then brought up that the Rappahannock River Dam is going to 
be broken to allow shad to go upriver to spawn. He is trying to 
get permission to look for gold in the silt they will dredge 
out. This silt has built-up behind the dam over the years and 
could quite possibly contain gold.

It was with great regret that Ned announced the resignation of 
Ben Warner as our Claims Committee Chairman. His efforts will 
certainly be missed. 

The raffle drawing was then held and the meeting was adjourned.

****************************************************************
********************


Some of you are wondering what is happening about the dredging 
situation in Virginia. Grace says things have been at a 
standstill due to people at VMRC being on vacation but should 
get back on track shortly--then a field demonstration will be 
done for them. After that she will write up a formal request 
stating where we want to dredge, which will be submitted to 
their committee. I would remind you that Grace had requested 
the club membership to provide her with names and locations of 
streams you would like included in the presentation she makes 
to VMRC. The last I heard NONE had been provided.

Also, it was pointed out to me one of the main purposes of our 
group is to find places where we can prospect. Well, we are all 
volunteers and need the help of each of the members. If any of 
you know of any land with water we where might secure 
permission to prospect or even possibly lease for club use, 
please let us know.

One situation actually hinges on the other. If we don't get 
dredging approved, the only thing that will be allowed in 
Virginia is panning! If we don't find somewhere to go, it won't 
matter anyway.

Your participation is what makes the club a good and active 
organization rather than a passive group. A few can't do it 
all--they need help.

****************************************************************
********************


I got an interim report from the group while they were in North 
Carolina. They were having a great time and FINDING 
GOLD!!!!!!!!    

Hope to see all of you at the upcoming meeting.

P.S. It is a possibility that the meeting date for October MAY 
be changed since it is scheduled for the same time as the East 
Coast Gold Show. We will update you on this as soon as possible.