Tommy, you got it right! The San Luis Canal District is in charge of Area 54. Their foreman confirms that entry by rockhounds is still encouraged,
we're just requested to park outside of the entry, across from the 4 Iron Posts.
Sometimes the chain will be down when you arrive, and it's okay to drive in and drop off your equipment. Please don't park inside, since the chain
may be secured before you're ready to leave.
Additionally, we're still allowed to rockhound the farm drag piles along the north rim of Area 54, as long as we don't drive on the road. The rim roads
are private, and you could have trouble from the ranch owners. Climb up from the canyon floor, and you'll find the freshest rock, and keep the farm
operations happy with us.
The reason that Area 54 was gated and posted had nothing to do with rockhounds. Last May, "outlaw" off-roaders tried to take over the canyon, to use
it as their (extended) weekend party destination. They got in the way of the farm operations, caused problems, and the area was closed to vehicular entry.
I'll post a full update, with new and updated links, in the Locations topics.
Thanks so much, friends!
Kris Rowe
Rockhound Field Trip Fanatics!