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. There are three claims in the state. The Swank Claim located in Bellville, Ohio, the Frazee Claim near Zuck, Ohio, and the Lewis Claim located below Lucusville in the southern part of Ohio.
Although gold is not as plentiful in Ohio as in some of the other states it does exist, 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.

Members must have their claims club prospecting permit on their person at all times when they are mining on any of the GPAA claims. You must also have a valid membership card. 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.

Gold Rush Days 2011 Photos

See the Buckeye Chapter on TV
Follow the link below to the news article on WKYC. There's also a 3-minute video.
http://www.wkyc.com/news/local/news_article.aspx?storyid=136142&catid=45

The Buckeye Chapter holds an annual election of officers. They vote in a President, Vice President, and Secretary/Treasurer for the year. Those elected hold the office for one term. This years term runs from Oct. 2011 to Oct. 2012.

Our 2012 officers are:

President - Larry Koprevic

Vice President - Jen Johnson

Treasurer - Shelley Webb

Secritary - Bridgett Houston

Buckeye Chapter Claims Director - Steve Satchell

Activity Director and Common Digs - Penny Thomas & Steve Satchell

Ohio Claims Director, Bud Kaczor & Ted Van Houghten


The Buckeye Chapter members put a lot of hard work into fund raising activities to raise money so that the club is self supporting.
So if you have a few minutes why don't you sit back, and kick off your shoes. Take a short trip while we introduce you to the Buckeye Chapter and some of the fine people that make it more of a family than a organization.