There are currently three controlling agencies or entities over suction dredging in California—and you can make that four if the state legislature decides to further muddy the waters with additional legislation to block suction gold dredging in the state.

All of which brings us back to the question of why we rely so heavily on China in the first place. America’s economy is heavily dependent upon energy and telecommunications, but does that require Chinese manufacturing? Clearly not.

• Change is coming at Interior
• Interior Department seeking public comment regarding minerals

There are a few questions you will need to ask yourself before you apply for a suction dredge permit from the State Water Resources Control Board.