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TAFT PROSPECTOR'S Code of Ethics: these are the rules that you signed to abide when you joined the Taft Prospector's Club and signed your hold/harmless agreement. Fill your holes. Leave an incline ramp for tortoises and animals when even leaving your digs even overnight. It is the law! You may leave a bucket with your name on it in your digs if you are coming back in a day or so but not unless you are working it. You cannot save more than one spot at a time. Respect where someone else is working. Be aware of other claims in the area that do not belong to us. Don't be claim jumpers. We have 9 claims so that should give you more than enough prospecting space.
BLM rules say you cannot burn wood with nails in it so no fencing or pallets. You also need a Federal Fire Permit to have a camp fire. You can get one from the BLM office, the US Forestry or from the Friends of Jawbone Information center. Fireworks are forbidden on the desert. Pick up all of your trash and take it with you. Do not leave glass or cans in the fire ring or any other debris in the fire ring. Please help keep our "Out House" clean and free of debris. We are very fortunate the BLM lets us keep it so let’s not abuse it.
Taft Prospector Member's may bring guests but they must work in close proximity to you. You may not give permission for anyone to use the claims without you being with them.
The BLM allows you to camp on the Taft Claims for 2 weeks at a time.
To go beyond the Red "No Entry" stakes you must carry your current TAFT membership card and this map to prove you have the right to be prospecting on our claims. The Ranger might cite you anyway depending on your attitude and their attitude plus you must be prospecting and not just joy riding. If you get a citation, get the officer's name and badge number but be polite and then contact PLP for advice. If someone approaches you and asks to see your Membership card show it. Proving you have a right to use the claims should not be a problem. You have the right to ask anyone digging or metal detecting on the Taft claims to see their current membership card.
Remember that all prospectors may be judged by the example you set. Leave flora and fauna as you found it. Do Not Destroy any property, public or private. Obey the laws. Please do not litter. Take your trash with you. Each member of the Taft Prospector’s should strive to set a good example for others.
May your 2022 fill your pan with gold nuggets!