The Buckeye Chapter of the Gold Prospectors Association of America was started in 1996. People from all over the state came together to pan for gold. Our chapter not only provides hands on gold prospecting experience at the Swank Lease, we also upkeep the property the best we can to provide a beautiful property for members to visit. Our chapter mission is to educate the youth of our hobby. We have a great program with Boy and Girl Scout troops whom visit the claim to earn their Mining in Society badge. We believe the youth are the future of our hobby and land rights.
Although gold is not as plentiful in Ohio as in some of the other states, it does exist but you just have to work a little harder for it. Usually gold in Ohio is in the form of flour gold and takes a little more skill to uncover. There have been a few larger nuggets found here, but as a rule it is not the amount of gold found, but the love of the hunt for gold that draws people from all over the state to pan.
You must have a valid membership card to access any GPAA properties. Visitors are always welcome but must be accompanied by a member. If you are interested in checking out one of the claims we would be glad to have you visit during one of our monthly meetings. We will show you how to pan and you can ask as many questions as you want.
Notice to all GPAA Members. We are having a problems with trash: cans, bottles, tinfoil, non burnable items, being in campfires. Please do not burn these items. Remember: What you pack in...pack out. Thank You!
Guest / Visitor Information: The Swank Lease is private, for GPAA members only. However, chapter meeting days are open to the public to visit the property to see what the GPAA has to offer. Feel free to join us on the 2nd Saturday of each warm weather month. The full schedule can be found above under Meeting Schedule. GPAA members are allowed to bring a guest with them at any time. The GPAA member bears full responsibility for the guest while on the property. Guests / Visitors are only allowed to prospect with a gold pan. The use of other prospecting equipment, or digging material for any equipment other than a gold pan, is also not permitted. Visitors / Guests are permitted to participate in any Chapter sponsored common dig. More information about these digs can be found here.
Camping Information: Primitive camping is available at the Swank property. There is no water, sewer, electric hookups, or trash service available to campers. GPAA members are permitted to camp for a maximum of 14 days at a time with 14 days between stays. GPAA memberships include spouse and dependent children in the same household, under the age of 18. Guests are permitted to visit / camp with a GPAA member. However, the guest must say in the same tent / RV / camper as the GPAA member. Again: the GPAA member bears full responsibility for the guest while on the property.
Important Information: Due to health department regulations, any Visitors / Guests / Members to the property with dogs must have proof of registration and vaccinations (tags and / or paperwork) on them during the visit. All dogs must be on a leash and not running free. You are responsible for the above items, and take full responsibility for your actions. Please clean up after your pet!
