Ganes Creek, Alaska Closes Doors to Nugget Hunters

[steve herschbach]

After just over ten years the "pay-to-mine" gold nugget metal detecting operation at Ganes Creek, Alaska has closed it's doors. There were probably a few who thought predictions of the end being near were hype. Unfortunately it was true, and I am sure there will be many now who regret not going when they had the chance. Ganes Creek was unique and in many ways a brief moment in Alaska metal detecting history has now passed. I am thankful for the opportunities and friendships I made at Ganes Creek. In particular, many thanks to the Clark family and crew. http://www.clark-wiltz.com/

 

[tvanwho]

Was the property sold for sure Steve?

-Tom V.

 

[steve herschbach]

There is nothing about the property being sold. They just did not want to continue the pay-to-play part of the operation.

Steve Herschbach

 

[Steve in Idaho]

I was so fortunate to get to go to Ganes cr so many times. I met so many new friends and had some great times with the Ganes cr crew and the people that I met there. I also found nice large gold nuggets that I would not have found any place in the lower 48. The people at Ganes cr treated their guests like kings. This was on of the best experiences that I have had in my life. All good things has to come to a close some time. I am glad that I had the chance to be there.

 

[Hoser John]

I'd read elsewhere but was waiting for more info. Steve was smart to sell and reclaim a private life. Owning multiple businesses completely wipes out your private life and privacy-forget it as all my homes ended up being miner hotels without any pay to house/feed miners for free in the name of unity---yes my cash/food/hot water and such. Simply amazing finds throughout the years and had a ball following the series of events throughout the years. Kudos as always Steve for starting the op as it was-John

 

[steve herschbach]

Hi John,

I helped get Ganes Creek rolling but never had any ownership share or any financial interest in the Ganes Creek operation. I paid to go there just like anyone else the last few years. You may be thinking about Moore Creek Mine, which I did develop into a pay-to-mine operation. And which operation we later did sell. But that had nothing to do with Ganes other than Ganes paving the way by showing the potential. Unfortunately the new owners at Moore Creek decided almost immediately to end the pay-to-mine and focus just on mining. Between Ganes Creek and Moore Creek an amazing amount of gold was found with metal detectors, well over 2000 ounces.

Steve Herschbach

 

[Hoser John]

Thanx for the clarification Steve as never been there and had your op somehow mixed up with other. Hope your enjoying the semi retirement and freedom it provides-tons a au 2 u 2 -John

 

[Dertnc]

Steve , is there any other pay to play places in Alaska ? And how about in the lower 48 ?? I was thinking of taking a trip out that way next year ...

 

[steve herschbach]

You can find a pretty complete list at http://www.detectorprospector.com/gold-prospecting-public-sites/sites/public-mining-site-list.htm

Paradise Valley is worth a look.

Steve Herschbach

 

[Dertnc]

Thanks Steve

 

[Atlas]

Getting in a little late on this thread but that's too bad. A Ganes Creek trip had been on my bucket list for a while. I guess the quote from that infomercial applies "avoid disappointment and future regret" ORDER NOW!