With the price of gold spiking to record highs on the international stock markets in recent months, some experts are predicting that it could surpass $1,500 an ounce by the new year. Gold prices are already approaching $1,400 an ounce, more than doubling since 2007. Not only is this exciting for the Gold Prospectors Association of America and GPAA members, but it has led to more interest in prospecting and attention to the protection of property rights on public lands.

More than 35 treasure hunters and prospectors showed up at the Vail Ranch historical site in Temecula, California recently to lend a hand in the search for buried artifacts. Metal detectorists from two GPAA local chapters — Temecula Valley Prospectors and the Treasure Seekers of San Diego County — participated in all-day event Sunday, Nov. 7. All artifacts were donated to the museum.

 It's Back! The Gold Prospectors Association of America is pleased to announce that the ALL NEW Pick & Shovel Gazette is NOW IN PRODUCTION, will soon hit the press and will be mailed to all GPAA, LDMA and Gold Life members this December.

Gold prices have come roaring back in the past few weeks and are once again getting close to hitting a new all-time high.

The television and radio airwaves are filled with ads about silver and gold. TV ads want you to sell your silver and gold. Radio and Internet ads want you to buy it. What gives?

The gold price closed at $1,226.20 an ounce on Monday, its highest close since late June.

Rep. Rob Bishop (R-Utah) is critical of the plans by President Barack Obama's administration to control Western lands without the approval of Congress.

Goldman Sachs predicts that the value of gold will rise to $1,300 within the next six months.

The appeal of gold as an alternative asset continues to get stronger.

Gold prices rose Tuesday as China announced plans to expand the gold market in the country, and bargain-hunters took advantage of lower prices.