What state are you in?

Montana .

I would think one could find all that information and paperwork requirements online or
the most recent mining guide has listings for BLM offices and other field offices, give them a call
if you call, get names, times and positions of persons talk to. It has been my experience that stories/requirements change depending on who you talk to

Good Luck,
Bill

Thank you will do , it seems silly to have to do a notice if intent for a mini highbanker and a shovel for maybe 1 or 2 days tops but I'll play by there rules and not give them ammunition to impose more regulations thank you for your input

Generally a NOI and or POO is for using mechanized equipment and creating more than minimal ground disturbance, ie. backhoe, dozer, etc..

If you wind up having to file a NOI, be prepared to wait a long time for it to be approved or denied.

If you are using a recirculating mini banker in a tub, shouldn't have any problems, but like Bill said, names and times.

If you don't get anywhere with the USFS on the district or forest level, go to the regional office. I'd also research what the main USFS (inDC) requirements are, sometimes regional and National Forests put their own spin on interpretaion of rules.

If not using a tub then you might have to go to settling pond type setup so any sediment doesn't get back to the waterway.

Same thing here in Wyoming with the Forestry Service... Took about 3 months to get my approval for a High Banker. Panning and Sluicing not required. I think the forestry service NOI Form may be the same for all applicants. Different addresses to sent it to, but all in all the same. One Clue I would add is to have some GPS coordinates available as there main mission is to know where you will be prospecting and possibly check up on your operation. Here is a link to the Letter of Intent that I had to fill out. I also sent in additional information with Claim Names and GPS Coordinates.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5172443.pdf