QGS Protocol on Collection of Specimens on Public and Private Properties
The Quimper Geological Society (QGS) believes that, when we hike and geologize on federal, state, or local public lands, we follow the guidelines and rules for specimen collection set out by the specific jurisdiction or landowner. Public landowners include the National Park Service, Washington Department of Natural Resources, Washington State Parks, U.S. Forest Service, Jefferson County Parks and Recreation, and tribal lands (e.g, Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, and others). Other states have similar agencies and requirements. Collection instructions can be found at the various agencies’ websites. We make sure we know who owns the land along our field trip routes.
Due to their rarity and importance to science, meteorites, vertebrate fossils, archeological, or historic artifacts cannot be collected on public land without a permit. Permits to collect will usually be granted only for scientific research or educational purposes. If you have discovered any of these items, please read the appropriate agency website for the specific instructions and requirements of its collecting protocols. Be sure to bring the permit with you when returning to collect the item.
As an example, below is the official research and collecting protocol for Washington’s Department of Natural Resources:
Research permits and research collections for Washington
Research permits and research collections for Washington as found in Washington Administrative Code (WAC352-28-040): Fauna, flora, fungi, and organic and inorganic materials may be removed from pubic parklands for research purposes in accordance with Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 77.32.240. Removal for scientific or educational purposes is subject to authorization of an agency-approved research permit signed by the director or the designee of the director.
Additionally, the Parks and Recreation Commission provides guidance for penalties under 79A.05.165 RCW.
With respect to private property, QGS members should request permission to enter and must not remove any protected object without express authorization, best in writing. Be considerate of the landowner and communicate your intentions.
Knowing exactly where your targeted sampling site is located assures that you will have requisite collecting permissions when you return. If you notice a fossil or other rare item on public or private land, photograph it with some evidence of its size and note the GPS coordinates (latitude and longitude). Promptly report the item to the appropriate agency or tell the landowner. A photograph is better than losing the specimen to tides, landslides, or another person.
Sequestering items in a private collection (e.g, a basement or attic) means that the information they can provide is lost. Donations of items without location and evidence of permissions are valueless.