| Field Trip Rules and Regulations |
Members failing to observe Club regulations and safety protocols will be asked to leave and will not be permitted to go on future Club trips.
The Montgomery Gem and Mineral Society takes proper collecting etiquette very seriously. Each year, more and more collecting sites on both private and public property are being closed because collectors failed to follow the general Code of Ethics for Field Collecting listed below and any additional rules and regulations stipulated by their local clubs.
- I will respect both private and public property and will do no collecting on privately owned land without permission from the owner.
- I will keep informed on all laws, regulations or rules governing collecting on public lands and will observe them.
- I will, to the best of my ability, ascertain the boundary lines of property on which I plan to collect.
- I will use no firearms or blasting material in collecting areas.
- I will cause no willful damage to property of any kind such as fences, signs, buildings, etc.
- I will leave all gates as found.
- I will build fires only in designated or safe places and will be certain they are completely extinguished before leaving the area.
- I will discard no burning material - matches, cigarettes, etc.
- I will fill all excavation holes which may be dangerous to the health of humans and animals.
- I will not contaminate wells, creeks, or other water supplies.
- I will cause no willful damage to collecting material and will take home only what I can reasonably use.
- I will practice conservation and undertake to utilize fully and well the materials I have collected and will recycle my surplus for the pleasure and benefit of others.
- I will support the rock hound project H.E.L.P. (Help Eliminate Litter Please) and will leave all collecting areas devoid of litter, regardless of how found.
- I will cooperate with field-trip leaders and those in designated authority in all collecting areas.
- I will report to my club or federation officers, Bureau of Land Management or other authorities, any deposit of petrified wood or other materials on public lands which should be protected for the enjoyment of future generations for public educational and scientific purposes.
- I will appreciate and protect our heritage of natural resources.
- I will observe the "Golden Rule", will use good outdoor manners and will at all times conduct myself in a manner which will add to the stature and public image of rock hounds everywhere.
- I will collect on privately owned land only while participating in trips sponsored by the Montgomery Gem and Mineral Society, if the properties are open only to clubs with the permission of the owners. I understand that my participation in Club-sponsored trips is at my own risk since the Club's liability insurance covers the property owner, not me.
- I will not claim to represent the Montgomery Gem and Mineral Society while collecting on privately owned land by myself, even if I have the permission of the owners to do so.
- I will contact the designated trip leader if I am interested in attending a specific Club-sponsored collecting trip prior to the deadline set by the leader. I understand that the leader will have the authority to limit the number of members attending the trip depending on how many people each site can accommodate safely.
- I will check in with the trip leader when I arrive at the designated meeting place. I will arrive at the designated meeting time unless I have made a prior arrangement with the trip leader. I will check out with the trip leader if I leave the site before the scheduled end of the trip.
- I will observe all safety protocols laid out by each trip's leader, including wearing appropriate attire and eye protection, and using equipment suitable for collecting the type of material at the site.
- I will be responsible for bringing my own food, water, insect repellent, and sunscreen to insure my personal comfort during the trip.
- I will be responsible for all of my own tools and equipment as well as retreiving and securing them afterwards.