
- Adherence to the AFMS Code of Ethics assures compliance with most
statutes and regulations governing collecting on public lands and encourages
respect for private property rights and the environment. Clubs are urged to
read the AFMS Code of Ethics in at least one meeting every year, to publish
the Code frequently in the club newsletter, and to compel compliance on club
field trips.
- Individuals and clubs are urged to write their elected representatives
and land use management agency supervisors regarding issues of rule making,
legislation and enforcement affecting field collecting of minerals and
fossils.
- Individuals and clubs are urged to join and support activities of the
American Lands Access Association (ALAA), a sister organization with
responsibility for advancing the interests of earth science amateurs with
legislatures and land use management agencies.
- The AFMS will receive a report from ALAA at its annual meeting.
- The AFMS endorses the principle of multiple use of public lands as a
guarantee of continuing recreational opportunities.
- Wilderness and monument designations are inconsistent with the
principle of multiple use. In view of the vast amount of public land already
designated as wilderness and monuments, future such designations should be
minimal, taking into account the increased demand for recreational
opportunities, including rockhounding, created by a growing population.
- In furtherance of the principle of multiple use, the AFMS believes that
laws, regulations and rules established by relevant governmental authorities
should be designed to allow freest possible access to all public lands,
coupled with minimal restrictions on the recreational collection of
minerals, fossils, gemstone materials and other naturally occurring
materials.
- A right to collect minerals and fossils on public lands should be
protected by statute.
- The AFMS urges its members to work with any or all government
authorities to achieve a good working relationship in order to improve the
"Public Image" of recreational collectors.
The AFMS Land Use Policy was adopted at the AFMS
Annual Meeting at Port Townsend, WA., July 17, 2002
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