Western Colorado Chapter

CODE OF ETHICS

Observe all State, U.S. Forest Service, BLM, U.S. Corps of Engineers, and private regulations and all property rules concerning fires, tree cutting, littering, and mining.
Private property owners that allow access to prospect on their property may also have additional rules to follow, and these will be respected. Leave a good impression!
Public drunkenness, profanity, excessive noise, and other obnoxious behavior is prohibited while prospecting. Don't drink and drive and respect all local ordinances.
Observe the "PACK IT IN - PACK IT OUT" PRINCIPLE. Leave the area cleaner than you found it -please carry the trash out with you.
Always refill any holes you dig.
When prospecting away from available toilet facilities, use your shovel as your toilet tool away from camping areas, waterways, or trails. Scrape out a hole no deeper than 4-6 inches. (That's because the first several inches - the so-called biological layer- contain a system of "disposers" that will break down the waste. If you go deeper, you spoil this effect) Keep any sod intact and replace it after filling the hole. Sprinkle some pine needles and twigs on top and nature will do the rest.
While prospecting, always be thoughtful of other prospectors. Never dig gravel from an area closer than 2 shovel lengths from another unless invited to do so. Do your panning or sluicing in an area which does not seriously muddy the water of another prospector.
Never mine within 10 feet of any road or established trail.
Always display appropriate identification items when prospecting....bumper stickers, name tags, membership cards, etc.
Never refuel power equipment where oil or gas might enter any waterway. (If your motorized equipment might possibly leak any oil while your are prospecting, use a drip pan under the motor to catch an drops)
Dredge size is limited to 4 inches on most claims. Special rules may apply in different areas so always check ahead of your trip.
Water from highbankers must be discharged into a settlement pool or other area away from the stream so that this water does not directly re-enter the stream. Silt can affect the fish spawn in streams at certain times of the year.
Always obtain permits in advance of prospecting on Public Lands where they may be required.
The use of mercury or any strong acids in the testing or process of gold is VERY DANGEROUS and should be restricted to qualified persons working in an appropriately equipped workshop and away from all waterways.
In all cases use common sense and be thoughtful of others.
Keep your animals under control at all times.

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