Loveland Archaeological Society
Code of Ethics
Artifact Collecting
The Loveland Archaeological Society adheres to a strict Code of Ethics that governs both our group field trips and individual excursions.
First and Foremost
All local, state and federal laws related to the collecting of artifacts must be obeyed.
In brief, these are:
Collecting Native American artifacts on federal or state land is prohibited
This includes:
- BLM Land
- National parks, grasslands, and forests
- State parks and forests
If remains are discovered
We would also like to remind all members of a few points to remember in an effort to be courteous and responsible artifact collectors.
By adhering to this Code of Ethics, we will not endanger our own chances, nor those of the club as a whole, in being granted permission to collect surface finds on private property.
Do Not Litter
All trash should be carefully taken with us.
This includes pop cans, candy and gum wrappers, tissue, sandwich bags, cigarette butts, etc. (Carelessly discarded cigarettes can and have caused expensive and dangerous fires on ranch land that does not appear as dry as it really is!)
Do not leave food scraps — egg shells, orange and banana peels, etc.
Take everything you bring in back with you when you leave.
RESPECT
Leave gates as you find them.
Permission
Use only your vehicle in which you reached the ranch and your own feet for transportation on the land.
Do not bring bicycles, motorbikes, motorcycles, or ATVs (All Terrain Vehicles) for mobility or family member recreation unless you first obtain permission from the landowner.
All of these items can irreparably damage the range of land.
Drive your vehicles only where the rancher has indicated it is acceptable.
Stay on definitely visible roads for both driving and parking.
Do not drive across the range land.
Camp only where the rancher has indicated camping areas.
The land owner should be asked about building campfires; and if these fires are permitted, follow all accepted safety measures, seeing that the fires are well attended and completely extinguished and buried.
Keep dog under control
Do not let your dog run wild over the property.
No matter how well behaved your dog may be at home, a dog not trained in handling livestock may inadvertently cause a disturbance for the cattle, nesting birds, or other wildlife.
Show consideration for the other club members where your dog is concerned.
Responsibility
If you, as an individual, obtain permission to collect on a particular site, it is your responsibility to make sure guests, either members or non-members, understand and abide by the Code of Ethics rules.
Communication
Let the property owner know when you expect to arrive, how long you will stay when you expect to leave, and what type of vehicle you will be driving.
To the extent possible, check with the land owner as to the boundaries of the ranch and as to any federal lands (BLM or Forest Service) on the ranch.
If possible, when you leave, express appreciation for being allowed to hunt on this site.
Additionally, it would be courteous to follow up with a thank-you note when returning home.
Do not dig
Keep good records
Our club is justly proud of our reputation for consideration for the ranchers and other land owners who permit us to collect on their land and for the responsibility we have always shown as good collectors and good citizens.
Maintaining this reputation is the only way we can expect to be allowed to return to any given area for future hunting or to gain approval for collecting in new areas.
Word gets around.
Let’s all do our individual part to uphold this Code of Ethics in collecting that has been part of our club for its many years of existence to ensure that we do not endanger our own individual chances, or those of the entire club, of collecting on any private property.
Join Our Mission
Includes people of all ages, from all walks of life, and all parts of Colorado, Wyoming, and elsewhere.
Although their knowledge base may vary, they all share a common thread-that of the love for archaeology and the friendship of the organization’s members.