Dear Friends,

It is a little known fact that Vermont was the third largest producer of Gold since the 49er Rush here in the United States. People to this day are amazed to learn that the little stream or mighty river in their own back yards have to some degree, a little or a lot of the precious yellow metal. Where did it come from? they ask, usually followed by How do I find it?
From there, is where the true meaning of recreational prospecting actually begins, with an air of mystique, to see and feel what it was like for so many of our ancestors. The "Rush", is how you feel when you uncover your first tiny speck of Gold in your pan. The light at the end of the tunnel gets brighter with every shovel of dirt you run through a sluice. Every swish of the Pan, every time you submerge yourself underwater with the hum of a dredge and witness first hand the beauty beneath the surface.

The fish surround you with the anticipation of a free meal as you work your way to bedrock and the elusive yellow Gold. Thoughts of nuggets run through your mind constantly. Was that a big flake? Was that a stringer of fines? Can't wait to do a clean up to see!!! Oh it's here all right, and lots of it.

We are here to help YOU find it. We are here to help you GET RICH. But rich in a sense of the word. Rich in lasting friendships and camaraderie. Rich with the sun on your back, feet in the water and with a little luck, a flash of gold in your pan. If you want to learn, we will teach you. If you want to help, join in. If you want to relax, there's no better place than around a warm campfire with good friends. That's our Mission as the Green Mountain Prospectors of Vermont. To give you "The Rush". To teach you that there's more to life than punching a time clock or creating a permanent dent in the couch.

Oh sure there are environmental issues, and we are constantly conscious of what we do and how we do it. Constantly searching for the latest data, such as Final Environmental Impact studies nationwide to be sure we're doing it right. Trading information with other clubs and organizations such as National Gold Prospectors Association of America, Keene Engineering, The New 49'ers, USGS, US Forest Service, DEF, ANR, DEC, and Fish and Wildlife. There's a lot to do, and we could use YOUR help doing it.

In return, you will be rich. Rich like you've never dreamed,,,, and with a little luck, there may be a bright yellow flash in your pan! So,,, call today. There's something for everyone as a member of the Green Mountain Prospectors of Vermont. Just let us know what YOU are looking for ,,, in your Gold Rush !!!

Sincerely, Fred Matheson
X - GMPV President, X Director, Vt. GPAA