Rock Hound’s Code of Ethics

 

                                      Rockhound’s Code of Ethics (WSMC)

  • 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 and rules governing collecting on private 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 materials 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 materials – matches, cigarettes, etc.
  • I will fill all excavation holes which may be dangerous to livestock.
  • I will not contaminate wells, creeks, or other water supplies.
  • I will cause no damage to collecting material and will take home only what I can
    reasonably use.
  • I will support the Rockhound 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 proper authorities, any deposit of petrified wood or other material on public lands which should be protected for the enjoyment of future generations and 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 Rockhounds everywhere.
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Updated: August 21, 2020 — 10:21 pm

Presidents Message

  • Digging It!  September is here, and it looks like a wonderful month so far for getting together and getting out in the field. First, thank you to everyone who helped make our August picnic and club auction such a success. The delicious food, generous donations, volunteer help and spirited bidding made it a great afternoon, and the auction raised $750 for the club. We return to our regular meeting schedule on Thursday, September 10, at 7:00 p.m. at the American Legion Hall in Kent. Our program is all about YOU: Show, Tell & Transform, where you get to briefly present …

Meeting Announcements

  • This program is all about YOU. Bring a rock, mineral, fossil, or other field find that you would like to turn into something. It might become a cabochon, carving, display specimen, jewelry piece, slab, polished piece, or something entirely different. Bring your item and share: Where and how you found or acquired it What interests you about the material What you’re considering making from it Any questions or challenges you would like help thinking through Then we’ll open the conversation to our knowledgeable and curious club members. Together, we can discuss the material, possible designs, cutting or finishing approaches, and other ideas that might help you take the piece from field find to finished project. You do not need to have a complete plan or any special expertise. That’s part of the fun. Bring the piece itself if possible, along with any sketches, inspiration photos, or examples that might help explain your idea.

  • Noelle Barnes will present Using Gaia for Rockhounding, an overview of the features and tricks associated with the app Gaia and how you can use it for GPS, saving waypoints, navigation, photo tagging, trail recording and more. Show and Tell: Bring the rock(s) that have the best “story” – and tell everyone how you found them and where!

  • Club board member Paul Ahnberg will talk to us about the impact of wildfires on our lives – from protecting your home to staying safe while out rockhounding – and what we can do today to help mitigate our risk. Paul will combine his knowledge gained from learning at both the WSU Green School (Master Gardener) and WSU Climate Steward programs. Show and Tell: Bring something you found, from a place that you know has since been impacted by floods or wildfires – or was impacted shortly before you arrived. Tell your story!

  • December’s date and time is coming soon. We will update this page as soon as we know more.

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