Prospecting code of ethics Options

[fenixsmom]

Hiya folks! I was wondering about ethical recovery. I was pondering originally how many buckets of concentrate is ethical to bring home to work. That led to the pondering of ethics while prospecting in general. I believe this is a very important subject to touch on because it effects us all. The more damage we do to our rivers, lands etc., the more negatively others will see us. Although to some this may seem like common sense, there are those that don't give a flying you know what. I am a firm believer in preserving the land as close to as pristine as I found it. (Minus a little concentrate). So is there any advice you can give to those of us that are just starting out?

[Coalbunny]

I think what I see is an inquiry about the legalities of prospecting. Please correct me if I'm wrong.
Technically a 20 lb. bucket is casual use. No claim, Notice of Intent or Plan of Operations required. IIRC the limit is 50 lbs., though Dan (et.al.) will have to verify that for me. I don't remember what the time frame restriction is, however it generally means no use of motorized equipment. In some places the BLM gets really weird about it and they may say that includes the vehicle used to access the site.

If it's not private property, not claimed, not in a state or federal park, there shouldn't be any problem. If someone owns it or has it claimed, get permission first (of course).
There is a grey area, however. If it is owned by a municipality, that may or may not be something you can do. I'm uncertain myself. I have rarely had any problems with municipalities giving me permission to gold pan (if done responsibly and sometimes offering to teach some of their curious employees or their kids how to pan helps a lot), and even a couple state parks had no problem with it.

Be open. Be honest. Be happy. Be friendly. And I betcha you should have very little trouble getting permission.