Clark County Press, Neillsville, Clark Co., WI

August 10, 2011, Page 2

Contact: Dolores Mohr Kenyon

Wausau Gold Prospecting Club visits Snyder Park

“Captain” Bob Minshall shows off his four nuggets of gold, each worth several thousands of dollars

By Tony Opelt

The Gold Prospectors Association of America (GPAA) is not a familiar organization to central Wisconsin, but a club in Wausau is hoping to change that.

One of four chapters of the GPAA in Wisconsin, the Wausau Prospectors Club, was founded in 2007 and has been going strong ever since. Covering such activities as recreational prospecting, metal detecting and rocks and gems, it is no wonder the group now has over 100 members. They met at Snyder Park and Campground Saturday, Aug. 6, to pan for Gold.

Kurt Bublitz, president of the Wausau chapter, is all smiles when talking about the organization, “Camaraderie is a large part of the group.  Most participate, but some come just for friendship.”  He states several times the group is entirely non-profit; a testament to the love everyone shares for the hobby.

“Almost all creeks in Wisconsin have fine gold,” Bublitz said.  “It’s very rare that you’ll find a flake or small chunk, though,” Bublitz educates.  “It’s highly unlikely anyone finds enough to pay for even a gallon of gas.  We all have that dream in the back of our heads, though, that we’ll find a nugget someday.”

Fine gold is similar in form to flour or pepper.  Very small and not worth much, but it serves another purpose – raising interest in the hobby.

The prospectors usually pan for gold in creeks throughout the state and have even taken trips across the country.  They have gone as far as California and Alaska, and each state has different rules and regulations for the hobby.

In Wisconsin, for instance, it is illegal to use motorized equipment.  Only pans and sluice boxes are to be used.

The club meets on the first Saturday of every month and still has meetings during the winter season. 

Detailed information on joining or a list of the club’s events can be found at www.wausauprospectors.com. 

The GPAA website is www.goldprospectors.org.

Pictured is Mike Fait (L), president of the Tomah chapter of the GPAA, and Kurt Bublitz, president of the Wausau chapter of the GPAA. (Photos by Tony Opelt/Clark County Press)