04/25/2024
As most of you have already heard, the gold prospecting permit for the Lake Superior shores controlled by Muskallonge Lake State Park has not yet been issued. Also there is no other area that gold prospecting is permitted on a great lake beach. Without this permit, we can only mine inland lakes and rivers, not border waters.
The reason for this decision was inspired by the rising water levels in the lake. Erosion started reaching historic sites such as old sawmills sites and old structures. Therefore the easiest thing to do was control the amount of sand moved on the beach to mitigate erosion. Where there are no shovels, there is no sand being moved so not issuing a permit was an easy way to create the biggest impact.
We all know the rules don't allow us to move roots, so our focus has always been in the bands of black sands that the waves and storms have concentrated for us. This zone is far from the locked virgin zones of materials that make up the upper banks at the top of the sands. Our hobby is not a threat to the shore. We are just a bunch of big kids building dark sand castles.
With or without shovels and people on the beach, the storms are still going to be moving around the very valuable historical artifacts that they are trying to protect. History is going to be lost to a storm unless we get help from everyone including the gold prospectors, castle builders, sun worshipers and stone gathers alike.
With a clear cut policy on what to do when an artifact is found, everyone can enjoy the beach, history will be preserved and the geological studies can continue for future preservation.
My proposal enlists help from every soul on the beach. The more souls the better. All I ask is that you please be patient and kind on social media. Let's get this passed to save our hobbies and heritage. Live long and prospect. Mike Pung