Monument Valley, photo by Cathi Bright
ABOUT US
Welcome to the Rocky Mountain Federation of Mineralogical Societies website.
The purpose of the Rocky Mountain Federation is to have a close association of all clubs in the Society to promote the study of earth sciences, including the lapidary arts, the study of fossils and paleontology, and related crafts.
The RMFMS was organized in 1941 and held its first annual convention at the Argonaut Hotel in Denver, Colorado. There were 16 organizations in attendance. The RMFMS became one of the original four founders of the American Federation of Mineralogical Societies when it was organized in 1947.
The Rocky Mountain Federation of Mineralogical Societies covers local clubs in the following states:
Arizona (21), Arkansas (1), Colorado (18), Kansas (5), Nebraska (western portion of state) (1), New Mexico (6), Nevada (1), North Dakota (western portion of state) (1), Oklahoma (6), South Dakota (western portion of state) (1), Texas (1), Utah (7) and Wyoming (8).
American Federation Code of Ethics
I will respect both private and public property and will do no collecting on privately owned land without permission from the owner.
I will keep informed on all laws, regulations or rules governing collecting on public lands and will observe them.
I will, to the best of my ability, ascertain the boundary lines of property on which I plan to collect.
I will use no firearms or blasting material in collecting areas.
I will cause no willful damage to property of any kind such as fences, signs, buildings, etc.
I will leave all gates as found.
I will build fires only in designated or safe places and will be certain they are completely extinguished before leaving the area.
I will discard no burning material - matches, cigarettes, etc.
I will fill excavation holes which may be dangerous to livestock.
I will not contaminate wells, creeks, or other water supplies.
I will cause no willful damage to collecting material and will take home only what I can reasonably use.
I will practice conservation and undertake to utilize fully and well the materials I have collected and will recycle my surplus for the pleasure and benefit of others.
I will support the rockhound project H.E.L.P. (Help Eliminate Litter Please) and will leave all collecting areas devoid of litter, regardless of how found.
I will cooperate with field-trip leaders and those in designated authority in all collecting areas.
I will report to my Club or Federation Officers, Bureau of Land Management or other authorities, any deposit of petrified wood or other materials on public lands which should be protected for the enjoyment of future generations for public educational and scientific purposes.
I will appreciate and protect our heritage of natural resources.
I will observe the "Golden Rule", will use Good Outdoor Manners and will at all times conduct myself in a manner which will add to the stature and Public Image of Rockhounds everywhere
The Natrona County Rock Hounds hosted an excellent show and convention in Casper for the RMFMS and WSMGS and are celebrating their 75th year as a Club in Wyoming. Over 18 vendors, 5 demonstrators, silent auctions, Wyoming State Geological Survey, Tate Museum at Casper College. The Show enjoyed a great turnout and used the opportunity to increase attendees’ knowledge about RMFMS and WSMGS and their roles in supporting rock hounding, geology, and lapidary arts.
Mac Goss and the members of Natrona made this a Show to remember.
