The American Federation Code of Ethics

respect both private and public property and will do no collecting on privately owned land without the owner's permission.

keep informed of all laws, regulations, or rules governing collecting on public lands and will observe them.

to the best of my ability, ascertain the boundary lines of property on which I collect.

use no firearms or blasting material in collecting areas.

leave all gates as found.

build fires in designated or safe places only and will be certain they are completely extinguished before leaving the area.

discard no burning material - matches, cigarettes, etc.

fill all excavation holes which may be dangerous to livestock.

not contaminate wells, creeks, or other water supply.

cause no wilful damage to collecting material and will take home only what I can use.

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.

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 for public educational and scientific purposes. 

appreciate and protect our heritage of natural resources

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.