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The operator proceeded to show me his Site B location that he is planning on opening in the spring. It had not <br />yet been disturbed. <br />Next the operator showed me his Qui-Buc No. 5 claim with an old dig site that was previously opened by Mr. <br />Buckner. The dig site was shallow and on level ground and had naturally revegetated to some degree-minimal <br />erosion potential exists and silt fencing was not necessary. The operator said that he may reopen this dig site <br />further prior to reclaiming it. Another dig site across the road was less than 1600 square feet in size and was <br />partially reclaimed for the winter and may be reopened. The original silt fencing below this dig site had <br />partially collapsed, but a second row of silt fencing has been installed to prevent erosion. <br />The operator also pointed out a fallen tree and vehicle tracks from individuals driving around the fallen tree. <br />Once back in the office, I confirmed that this road is not a system road but instead anon-system road that is <br />included in the operator's reclamation bond. The operator needs to maintain this access road for erosion control <br />and install a gate at the access road's entrance off of the system road, where feasible to prevent unauthorized <br />vehicular traffic. The gate needs to be installed to Forest Service specifications, included signing and reflectors. <br />The operator then took me to the Smokey Hawk claim, which has been open less than 2 years. Safety fencing <br />may need to be installed at this site for public safety. Erosion was being controlled at this site adequately. <br />Topsoil was not separated at this less recently opened site, but would be in the future. Adjacent to this site was <br />approximately one and a half acres of reclaimed dig sites that were successfully recontoured and revegetated. <br />The operator discussed ways in which he has improved his operation due to experience over recent years. Some <br />of this reclaimed area may be reopened in the future. The operator asked about fence installation placement and <br />we decided on a suitable location near the beginning of the road access amongst some trees that could be used <br />as a natural barrier. Road maintenance and gate installation is also required on this access road. <br />The overall site conditions were good. Operations such as road maintenance and gate/sign installation, which <br />were not previously expected by the operator, need improvement in order for the operator to be in full <br />compliance with his approved plans of operation. <br />Inspection photos: <br />