You can unearth a gold mine of information at State DMG

I stumbled onto one of the best-kept secrets around downtown Sacramento a couple of weeks ago during a quest for information about the Klamath Mountains of California.

The search was the result of a class assignment in a geology course I'm taking under the aegis of the Renaissance Society's learning-in-retirement program at Sac State. As I'd never heard of the Klamath Mountains even after 50 years in this state, a fellow student steered me to the state Division of Mines and Geology to get some information about them.

The DMG, as this state agency is acronymed, is not exactly a household word. Certainly, it's not in the same league as the DMV, the EDD or the CHP when it comes to public recognition.

I was told it's a unit of the state Department of Conservation and is based on the 14th floor of the Renaissance Tower, the black shiny monolith that rises 28 stories over the K Street Mall. And I soon found out that its services include a public library where questions about the Klamath Mountains could be quickly answered.

The library turned out to be a true gem, with more old and new books, periodicals and publications about our state's seismology, geology and mining history than you can possibly imagine. You can browse through these treasures while you gaze out of the window for a smashing view of downtown Sacramento.

The DMG facility is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., more hours per week than most of our city-county libraries.

When I arrived, I was quickly taken in hand by Rosemary Guerin-Place, the supervising librarian, and Dale Stickney, whose job title is information geologist.

Stickney, a 16-year DMG veteran, is a treasure trove of information. Ask him any question that relates to the work of his agency earthquake sites, landslide problems in the Sierra and elsewhere, gold mining in years gone by or today, anything and he'll give you fascinating, detailed replies off the top of his head.

He described various programs being conducted or monitored by the division's staff of geologists and seismologists. For one, he said there's a continuing effort to pinpoint California's labyrinth of fault lines, and exactly what happens during and after major earthquakes and landslides.

Stickney said motion detectors placed on bridges, buildings and other structures show how the structures react to seismic activity, providing data that will help engineers and architects develop safer construction designs.

Although the library was quiet the day I was there, librarian Guerin-Place said it's well-used by DMG staff and other professionals, prospective gold miners and student groups. There's also some walk-in traffic by the public, although Guerin-Place conceded that few potential users know the library is tucked away high up in the Renaissance Tower.

"There are a lot of telephone inquiries and requests that come in by fax or e-mail," she said. "We never know what any day will bring."

She said public awareness may get a boost when the library holds a series of events over the next two years in connection with the California sesquicentennial observance the 150th anniversary of the gold discovery, Gold Rush and statehood. Planned events include historical photo and minerals exhibits and an open house. A CD-ROM collection of historical photos is being assembled for public libraries statewide.

Also on the library's horizon is a projected move to new quarters in the next two to three years to a new high-rise building planned for 10th and I streets. The move will make the library more accessible to the general public; Guerin-Place said it will probably be on the first or second floor.

Geologist Stickney had an immediate answer when I asked him about the Klamath Mountains. They encompass, he said, a distinct mountainous region in northwestern California and southwestern Oregon. Geologically, he added, they are different from the nearby Sierra Nevada, Cascades and California's Coast Range.

I still couldn't figure out just where the Klamaths are until Stickney noted they include several ranges with more familiar names the Siskiyous and Trinity Alps.

Now I know I've crossed the Klamaths many times. Just go north to Oregon on Interstate 5, and you can do it, too.