Here's a thought. The BLM and OGM have this "Abandoned Mine Reclamation" program. And as many of you know, when they go into an area to close sites, they are often closing sites that have active claims or patented owners. But they close the mines anyway with unfounded threats of liability. So these mines aren't abandoned at all, but they close them under that auspice. Seems like a bit of a conflict to me.

We have started converting our single images into media files, like a movie. We feel that this method give a little better feel of the sites. Allowing the user to walk through them as we did, and provide a great deal more imagery. Give it a try, it make take a bit longer to download, but we think its worth it. Please feel free to email your comments or suggestions.

Who we are:

Gold Rush Expeditions is a not for profit organization dedicated to the preservation and documentation of Utah's historic mines and ghost towns. Utah is rich in history of all sorts, from Ancient Aztec tunnels, to Spanish Mining Activity, to our more recent mining history. The sites we have in Utah are like nothing else in the country. These are real areas where you can experience history. The preservation of these areas and your ability to access them is what GRE is all about.

What we do...

• Document - We average 2 sites per month. In visiting these sites, we strive to document, accurately, the entire area. Giving a feel for what we are seeing and why it is important.
• Preserve - Our intention is to preserve these sites so that you can see the same things we have. However, we also feel that the best way to preserve these sites is to allow access. Sites that are on BLM land are open to the public and should stay that way.
• Change - We are looking to change the current mindset and laws, to more effectively preserve our right to see and experience these historical sites. Some laws are already in place and we are more than willing to push the enforcement of those laws.
• Monitor - We keep tabs on the sites we have seen and often spend a lot of time and resources packing up trash, taking down illegal gates, and making sure that areas are safe for the average bear.
• Educate - The best weapon we have in these battles is information and education. We strive to share that same knowledge with you. Offering classes on mine exploration safety, off-road safety and training on many other elements relevant to what you may need in the field.

What you can do...

• In a nutshell, DONATE!!, be it time, promotion, or money, everything helps.
•  What kind of value can you put on the ability to explore Utah's history first hand? Take that dollar value and make a donation!!
•  We always have a lot to do and not a lot of people to do it. If you can work on a website, locate a mine, or really most anything, let us know and we will put you to work.
• Put a GRE sticker on your vehicle, show people that Utah's history is important to you. GRE is rapidly becoming known across the state as an advocate for real outdoors, and not the big government way. We should all have the freedom to enjoy the lands we pay taxes on.
• Educate people about Utah's history, and how fast it is being destroyed by our own well meaning government.