Field Trip Guidelines
Adapted from El Dorado County Mineral & Gem Society
Please try to follow these simple suggestions to make our field trips fun and smooth running for you, the participants, and for the field trip leaders. These guidelines apply to all outings:
1. Be on-time to the designated meeting place and ready to go.
2. Sign-in on the sign-in sheet so we know that you have joined us.
3. Sign the appropriate waiver form.
4. Listen to all instructions given by the field trip leaders.
5. Field trip leaders typically use walkie-talkies, CB's and cellular phones. If you have one, too, be sure to check with the field trip leaders to see what channel is being used and/or exchange cell phone numbers.
6. When in convoy, follow the vehicle immediately in front of you and keep an eye on the vehicle immediately behind you, do not pass the vehicle in front of you. If you no longer see the vehicle behind you, stop and wait; there could be a problem and they might not have a walkie-talkie/cellular phone that can reach the leaders. By doing this, the chance of having a large "break" in the convoy can be minimized.
7. Walkie-talkies CB's and cellular phones should be primarily used for emergency communications or travel assistance, not for unnecessary "chatter."
8. Once at our collecting site, a sample of what to find and where to find it should be made available by the field trip leader. It is your responsibility to listen to the field trip leader and view the collecting material.
9. If there is more than one site to visit in the day, all persons must be accounted for prior to departing to the next location.
10. Remember to keep your field trip leader informed as to all matters of importance.
11. Rely upon your field trip leader's directions and guidance; they are more familiar with the territory.
12. If you are going to leave the group to make a "side trip" or to explore a surrounding area, be sure to notify your field trip leader.
13. If you are leaving the group early, let your field trip leaders know.
Some etiquette and safety tips:
1. Do not litter! Pick up all of your cans, bottles and lunch sacks. Always leave the place cleaner than when you arrived.
2. Please inform your field trip leader if you intend to take dogs or cats with you.
3. Be sure to bury any toilet tissue.
4. Try to stay on existing roads when traveling, and park to the side of the road so others can get around your vehicle to pass if necessary.
5. Always follow the American Federation of Mineralogical Societies' Code of Ethics.
Equipment Checklist - What to take on your next field trip.
FOR YOURSELF:
* Hat/Head covering with large brim
* Boots/Sturdy footwear
* Insect repellant/tick spray
* Sunscreen
* Food, Water, Drinks
* Toilet Paper
* Towel
* Change of clothing (long-sleeve shirt & long pants)
* First-aid/snake bite kit
* Handiwipes
FOR YOUR VEHICLE:
* Extra Gas
* Spare tire and jack
* Shovel, axe
* Tool Box
* Maps, GPS, Compass
* Extra water
* Rope and tow strap
* Tire repair kit
* Knife
FOR COLLECTING:
(Some items are optional, depending on the rock being collected).
* Protective eye wear/goggles
* Gloves
* Kneepads
* 5-gallon buckets, tote bags, backpacks (for carrying rocks)
* Small plastic containers for delicate specimens (film containers work great!)
* Old paint brush, toothbrush for cleaning specimens
* Magnifying glass and/or loupe
* Spray - type water bottle
* Paper towels, newspaper and plastic bags
* Magnet; MOHS test kit; hydrochloric acid
* Ultraviolet light
* Knife
* Small or collapsible shovel
* Rock pick(s), garden claws, and long screwdrivers
* Small & large sledge hammers
* Pry bars and gads
* Various chisel sizes
OTHER
* Metal Detector, gold pan
* Binoculars
* Mirror
* Walkie-talkies
* Tent/shelter
Source: CFMS Newsletter, December 2007
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The CFMS Code of Ethics
I. I will respect both private and public property and will do no collecting on privately owned land without permission from the owner.
II. I will keep informed on all laws, regulations and rules governing collecting on private lands and will observe them.
III. I will to the best of my ability, ascertain the boundary lines of property on which I plan to collect.
IV. I will use no firearms or blasting materials in collecting areas.
V. I will cause no willful damage to property of any kind, such as fences, signs, buildings, etc.
VI. I will leave all gates as found.
VII. I will build fires only in designated or safe places and will be certain they are completely extinguished before leaving the area.
VIII. I will discard no burning materials - - matches, cigarettes, etc.
IX. I will fill all excavation holes which may be dangerous to livestock.
X. I will not contaminate wells, creeks, or other water supplies.
XI. I will cause no willful damage to collecting material and will take home only what I can reasonably use.
XII. 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.
XIII. 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.
XIV. I will cooperate with Field Trip Leaders and those in designated authority in all collecting areas.
XV. 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.
XVI. I will appreciate and protect our heritage of Natural Resources.
XVII. 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.
