I recommend you contact the local DNR or Forestry Dept.

Best to contact a chapter, they are usually up to date. Some Forest Service offices and Bureau of Land Management offices will consider any question you ask about mining to be that you do not know if what you intend to do is beyond insignificant degradation. If they do they will put you into actions of a notice of intent which can be a lot of trouble and time. I have often thought it is a way to stop persons from going out to what these people think is "Their Private Forest". Chapters and clubs are great for help and fun.