Field trips are a privilege for TGMS members only. All attendees are expected to conduct themselves in a manner which reflects well on and is in the best spirit of the TGMS. The following rules must be followed while on TGMS field trips. Failure to do so may result in a loss of field trip privileges. Poor behavior by attendees reflects badly on TGMS and could result in the loss of future trips by the TGMS.
- Abide by all safety rules posted at the collection site or published prior to the collecting trip. Active mining sites usually require the following:
a. hard hat
b. long pants and boots
c. safety glasses
d. Steel toes boots (may be required) - Comply with any and all collecting site owner/manager instructions and rules. We are on their property and must respect their wishes.
- Respect the property of land owners and/or other collectors.
- Look out for the welfare of other collectors. You may notice people wandering off, not carrying enough water, wearing no hat, having trouble climbing over rocks etc. HELP THEM!
- Sign in, sign out. If you have to leave early you MUST NOTIFY the Field Trip Coordinator of your departure. Leaving an active mining site early may NOT be possible. You need to consult with the field trip coordinator before entering the mine.
- Do not take more specimens than you need. Leave some for the next collector.
- Do not needlessly destroy collecting spots, pockets or specimens someone else may like to keep.
- Be respectful of other collectors. Share, do not hog sites!
- Be safety aware. Check yourself and people collecting around you for proper use of equipment. Heavy hammers or sledges can injure those around you with fly rock.
- Stay away from high embankments of loose rock.
- Bring a hat and more than enough water (…and share it with the person collecting next to you!).
- Do not LITTER. Take home any trash. If you did not bring a trash bag, find someone who did. If possible, leave the site cleaner than you found it. Our reputation depends on it.
- Do not leave excavation holes behind where people or animals might trip or fall.
- Stay with the group. Let others know where you are at all times, even if you are only going to the restroom.
- Toilet Facilities – there are none! Go to the designated area out of sight of others, and well away from any collection sites. Dig a cat hole and cover it up afterwards.
- Do not stay behind. Keep track of time and respect the announced departure time. All participants must follow the directions of the FT Coordinator and leave the site when the field trip is over. A scheduled departure time will be announced. A 10 minute pre-departure warning (3 blasts of a car horn) will be made. Once made, clean up and proceed to your vehicle.
- Do not wander off. Do not get lost. If we have a missing person, we will try a phone call if the known person has a phone. The group will wait 15 minutes and the coordinator will loudly sound a car horn. If for any reason there are rescue costs (which can be substantial), they will be borne by the person thought to be lost.
- If applicable, have a list of your medications available in case of a medical emergency. Please carry a copy on your person or keep a copy with your collecting gear.
- Failure to abide by any of these rules will result in the suspension of a participant’s field trip privileges.