Stream Alteration Program

To address the interest in low impact prospecting in natural streams for precious metals or gemstones, a committee composed of representatives of state and federal agencies, and a citizen's representative, developed the Recreational Dredging Program. The application form, conditions for approval, and list of streams "OPEN" to these activities allow permit holders to conduct low impact prospecting on "OPEN" streams without having to wait for individual review and approval under the current stream channel permitting process cited above.

Streams or equipment not listed on this application form may be requested by filing a Joint Permit Application Form

Approval by this office of this application does not constitute an easement or right-of-way to trespass across, or work upon property or mining claims belonging to others.

This office does not regulate non-mechanized equipment. Please contact the land management agency or landowner for approval.

In addition to a valid permit and in order to continue this program, prior notification must be given to the land management agency before any work is performed. This includes both the BLM and USFS. Failure to do so is in violation of this permit. Please see application for land management agency contact information.

A new permit is required every year. New applications will be available on or around April 1st of every year.

Map of Streams Open to Recreational Dredging

Online Recreational Dredging Permit Application Form

This permit is reviewed annually and reissued every April. To request other streams opened for future permitting, please send an email to roddypirouznia@utah.gov. Please include stream name, location (with map if possible), reason for request, and contact information. Requests must be submitted by January 31 in order to be circulated and reviewed by the appropriate agencies for the following year.

Select a form, enter information, print, and submit to the Division of Water Rights to begin the permit process.

Joint Permit Application Form. This PDF document is an editable form used to apply for a stream alteration permit.   This form can be filed in person, mailed, or submitted online w/ credit card payment.

On February 22, 2021 the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued Programmatic General Permit 10 (PGP-10). Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the terms and conditions of PGP-10 prior to application submission. Full text of this permit can be found here: Programmatic General Permit 10

For additional information and resources regarding Programmatic General Permit 10, please visit the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' website at: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

As of July 1, 2009 an application processing fee will be assessed for all stream alteration proposals. For details, please see the instructions at the end of the application form. Checks should be made out to the Utah Division of Water Rights.

Online Recreational Dredging Permit Application Form

Recreational Dredging Map

Compliance Certification Form

Submit Completed applications to:

The fact sheets on this page are intended to relate stream alteration information such as application procedures, best management practices, etc. They are currently in a draft form, but are complete enough to be useful to those interested in or those proposing stream alteration projects.

• Best Management Practices
• Stream Alteration Program
• Sediment Control
• Post Construction Vegetation

Q. What kind of activities require an approved application?
A. The most typical alteration types include new or replacement bridges or culverts, utility line installation, bank stabilization, and other activities adjacent to natural streams. If you are not sure if your project will require a permit, call the stream alteration specialist for your area.

Q. What is considered a natural stream?
A. A natural stream is any natural waterway that receives enough water to develop an ecosystem that differs from the surrounding upland environment. This is most easily determined by observing vegetation changes. Canals, ditches, or other man-made channels are not considered natural streams.

Q. How much does the permit cost?
A. Presently, stream alteration application processing is $2,000 for commercial entities, $500 for government entities, and $100 for non-commercial entities, as listed on the the current Water Rights Fee Schedule

Q. How long will the application take to process?
A. The amount of time it takes to process a stream alteration application is variable. In most cases, the application will be circulated for comment to the public and other agencies for a period of 20 calendar days. Provided, that all issues raised during thet comment period have been addressed, a decision on the application can be made shortly thereafter.

Q. Where can I find a professional to help design a stream alteration project?
A. A number of consulting engineering firms have experience and expertise in designing stream alteration projects. We recommend that you utilize the services of a qualified professional for complex projects.

Q. My previously issued stream alteration permit is about to expire, but I’m not done with the project. Can I get an extension?
A. In most cases the answer is yes. To obtain an extension, please send a written request that references your stream alteration permit number and the reasons for project delay to the Division of Water Rights. Provided that the reasons for project delays are reasonable and no new issues have been identified regarding the project, the permit will most likely be extended.