Rockhounding Code of Ethics

Rockhounding Code of Ethics

1. I will respect private property and do no rockhounding without owners’ permission.

This includes respecting the mineral and placer claims of others and do no rockhounding without owners’ permission.

2. I will use no firearms nor blasting materials within rockhounding areas.

3. I will take garbage home or place in the proper receptacles.

4. I will leave gates as they were found.

5. I will do no willful damage to materials and will not take more than I can reasonably use.

6. I will fill in any excavations which may be dangerous to livestock. This will also protect the environment, animals and people.

7. I will build fires in designated areas only and make sure they are completely extinguished when I leave.

8. I will not contaminate wells, creeks or other water supplies.

9. I will not tamper with signs, structural facilities or equipment.

10. I will obey all laws of Forestry, Game and Mining departments in the area I am rockhounding in.

11. I will appreciate and protect our heritage of natural resources and wildlife.

12. I will always use good outdoor manners.

 

To highlight point #1

When someone has a mineral or placer claim they pay for that parcel and are responsible for it. They are bound by government regulations on the use and care of the land and must complete reports yearly. Often it is a business and when someone goes to their claim, without permission,  and takes material  it is theft. 

Finding your own unclaimed areas to rockhound or claim

Please respect areas claimed by others. You can check on MTO map to find several areas unclaimed this year.

For ease to get you started ........ Go to the MTO map click on the GREEN Button

Find the area you want to explore on the map

Note: any areas in PINK "squares" are currently claimed

For further research you can add layers i.e TITLES (History) .... you will see most of the province has been claimed at some point in the past. 

If it is not claimed currently it does not mean there is nothing there for a rockhound to explore or enjoy. It may mean they were interested in certain minerals and not others.

You can also join a local rock club like Kokanee Rock Club for field trips and education.

 Also, if you are interested in mining you could consider being a member of a Chamber of Mines i.e. in our area that would be the Chamber of Mines of Eastern BC.