Bureau of Land Management

This Manual of Surveying Instruction represents the latest in series of official and binding survey instructions dating back to 1804; the most recent prior to this edition was issued in 1973. The dominant federal policy has shifted from one favoring disposal and settling of the reserved public lands to one favoring retention, administration, and control. This manual, related manual supplements and special instructions, and all former editions remain legally relevant because they provide instructions in force at the time the survey was conducted. This edition of the manual governs the conduct of all surveys and resurveys of the official boundaries of all Federal interest lands authorized or approved by the bureau of land management (BLM)...

The United States Public Land Survey System (PLSS) began with the Land Ordinance of 1785. The ordinance provided for the systematic survey and monumentation of the federal lands into townships and sections. The system was largely put in place by 1805, with only minor refinements being made from time to time thereafter. The surveys in California were initiated in 1851, shortly after statehood. The intent of the system was to survey and monument the western lands prior to patenting the lands to private citizens. The surveyed sections provided standard sized and shaped parcels of land, interrelated by reference to townships and initial points. Simple aliquot part descriptions, dividing sections into halves and fourths ad infinitum, were all that were necessary to describe with certainty a parcel of land.

Striking it rich! Finding the mother lode! 'Tis the stuff of miners' dreams. Unlike professional gold seekers, recreational gold panners benefit mostly from the adventure. The entire family can share in the fun of prospecting and gold panning. In this booklet, we explain basic gold panning techniques, how to find gold, discuss mining rights and guidelines, and identify areas available for recreational panning on the Chugach National Forest portion of Alaska's Kenai Peninsula. Recreational gold panning on lands withdrawn from mineral entry is not a mining activity-it is a privilege. Be aware that panning, sluicing, and suction dredging can adversely affect water quality, thereby impacting vegetation, fish, wildlife, and ultimately people. During the process of separating soil from minerals, silt may be washed into streams, creating turbid water. Fish, fish eggs, and the aquatic insects have difficulty living in heavily silted water because of its reduced oxygen supply.

Nevada is a beautiful state that off ers endless panoramic vistas that stretch as far as the eye can see, and countless experiences and opportunities for those seeking unique outdoor adventures. Endowed with approximately 48 million acres of nationally signifi cant resources, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Nevada has many special designations which are part of the National Landscape Conservation System (NLCS), also referred to as BLM's "National Conservation Lands".