Will you live your dream this summer? It’s no secret that the record storm of November 2011 has dumped acres upon acres of fresh gold on the beaches near Nome, Alaska. Due to the high gold prices and the growing populartity of gold prospecting in Alaska, the real challenge is going to be how to prospect near Nome this summer without claim jumping on someone else’s property. We have the answer — the 2012 Alaska Gold Expedition!

Get the 2011 season of Gold Fever on DVD

This story is not so much about discovery, as it is about the how and why discoveries are made …the reason behind the search. In a series traversing hill, cave, desert and tundra, Tom Massie stops at nothing in his search for gold. Full of history and horseplay, shrugging off hazard and hardship, this is about the journey of a man who sets out for gold — but in return will find so much more.

This collector’s set is packed full of your favorite Gold Fever moments from 2011 as well as never before seen footage in 13 commercial-free episodes:

LDMA camps offer adventure, camaraderie

Have you ever wanted to visit a Lost Dutchman’s Mining Association Camp, work a common gold operation in which you spilt the gold and its yours to keep? GPAA Outings offer you the chance to meet some really good new friends and “family” and enjoy the camaraderie and fellowship of other gold prospectors in a fun and safe environment.

What is the benefit of joining a GPAA chapter?

A GPAA local chapter is simply your local prospecting club. They are free to join!

Participate in chapter outings, cleanups, community events and then have fun with raffles, potlucks and more. Local chapters members are people who share your same interests and want to get learn about gold prospecting, metal detecing and gem and treasure hunting.

The Nugget Man

Watch a short video of Will "The Nugget Man” Wilcox (1929-2012). Will was a longtime Lost Dutchman’s Mining Association member and author of The Nugget Man. He passed away in April at the age of 82. The Nugget Man will always be remembered for his two-pound gold nugget and by LDMA and GPAA members who were fond of listening to his tall tales.

Pyramid Pro Pan & Maverick Finish Pan

The GPAA’s Gary Sturgill tests out Fossickers Pyramid Pro Pan and Maverick Finish Pan in this short video. A Field Test is an article featured in Gold Prospectors Magazine March/April 2012. Watch the 3.5-minute how-to video.

In yet another blatant attack on the small-scale mining community, Congress passed an omniobus spending bill on Monday unleashing a huge increase in filing fees for associated mining claims. The fee hike will raise the cost of filing fees from $100 for an entire claim to $140 for every 20 acres of the claim. For example, a 160-acre claim will now cost $1,120 instead of $100 to file and renew each year under the new law.

The GPAA and LDMA are pleased to announce that Kevin Hoagland has officially joined the GPAA team as Executive Director of Development. Many of you know him from his many years in the field as “the metal detecting guy”. Kevin brings with him a wealth of experience and knowledge of the small-scale mining community. Welcome aboard Kevin!

According to those interviewed within the Karuk Tribe of Happy Camp, California, Mr. Alvin “Bud” Johnson and Mr. Gary Beck were leaders in developing a relationship with the environmentalists, pursuant to which the Tribe became a political entity that could advance the environmentalists agendas with publicity and money. Karuk tribal council members and Karuk office holders helped the environmental activist groups with local knowledge of the land, timber sales in planning and the names of folks who were willing to help the obstructionists.