Weekend and Small-scale Miners Code of Ethics
Gold Prospectors Association of America
  Western Washington Chapter of  GPAA 
Treasure Hunters Code of Ethics
Weekend and Small-scale Miners Code of Ethics
  • I will respect private property and do no treasure hunting without the owner's permission.
  • I will fill my hunting excavations.
  • I will appreciate and protect our heritage of natural resources, wildlife, and private property.
  • I will use thoughtfulness, consideration, and courtesy at all times.
  • I will build fires only in designated or safe places.
  • I will remove and properly dispose of trash that I find; I will not litter.
  • I will leave gates as found.
  • I will not destroy property, buildings, or what remains of ghost towns or deserted structures.
  • I will not tamper with signs, structural facilities, or equipment.


  • I will respect other prospectors' claims and will not work those claims without their owners' permission.
  • I will fill my prospecting holes.
  • I will appreciate and protect our heritage of natural resources, wildlife, fisheries, and private property and  respect all  laws or ordinances governing prospecting and mining.
  • I will be thoughtful, considerate, and courteous to those around me at all times.
  • I will only build fires in designated or safe places and in accordance with current federal, state, and local guidelines
  • I will be careful with fuels and motor oils and be cognizant of their potential destructive effect on the environment.
  • I will remove and properly dispose of trash and debris that I find; I will not litter.
  • I will have on site all necessary permits and licenses.
  • I will not remove stream bank material, destroy natural vegetation or woody debris dams, nor discharge excess silt into  the waterways.
  • I will not refuel motorized equipment in the stream.
  • I will not allow oil from motorized equipment to drip onto the ground or into the water.
  • I will not prospect in areas closed to prospecting and mining.