The Rock Collector’s Code of Ethics
by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
The following rules were adapted by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality from the Code of Ethics of the Midwest Federation of Mineralogical and Geological Societies. These rules are heartily endorsed by the State Geologist and his staff and should be observed at all times when collecting minerals, fossils, and any other materials on public or private land in Michigan.
Respect all property, private or public. Do not collect on privately owned land without permission from the owner.
Observe all laws, rules and regulations governing collecting on public lands.
Observe boundary lines of property on which you collect.
Do not use firearms or blasting materials in collecting areas.
Do not cause willful damage to fences, signs, buildings or any other property.
Leave all gates as you found them, open or closed.
Build fires only in designated safe areas, and be certain they are extinguished when you leave.
Do not discard matches, cigarettes or other burning materials.
Leave all collecting areas clean, do not litter.
Fill in excavations when you are finished.
Do not contaminate wells, creeks, rivers, ponds or lakes.
Do not cause damage to collecting material or take home more samples than you can use. Leave something for the next collector.
When on a field trip, cooperate with the leader and others in authority.
Report to a museum or local university any archaeological remains, vertebrate fossils, meteorites, petrified wood or other unusual specimens found on public lands. Depending on the find considerable work may be needed before, during and after the specimens are collected. Also properly reconstructing and displaying some specimens requires specialized resources. Properly done, such finds can more completely serve educational and scientific purposes.
Observe the "Golden Rule". Use good outdoor manners and conduct yourself in such a way as to add to the stature and public image of rockhounds.
Appreciate and protect our heritage of mineral resources.
