The Ghost Towner’s
Code of Ethics
An unknown person once wrote...
"The past belongs to the future - but only the
present can preserve it.”
To that I would like to add my own personal
credo...
"Preservation through education."
Ghost towns are not a permanent resource.
They are rapidly falling victim to the elements, the passage of time, and
vandalism. I have been exploring and researching ghost towns for over 40 years
now, and it deeply saddens me to see the decline in the tangible remains at
various sites. Granted a lot of the
structural attrition is due to the natural forces of aging and weather, BUT
unfortunately a lot of the decline is also pure vandalism. So, I earnestly ask each of you to practice
low-impact visitation, and spread the word.
May each one of us do our part in helping protect what remains of these
rickety relics of Americana. In an era when the very civil liberties we
Americans take for granted are being threatened, we must do what we can to
avoid having those same liberties and freedoms taken away by those who feel
they “know better” than us what we need.
The
past truly does belong to the future - but only the present (we) can preserve
it. Though education, we CAN preserve our heritage. NOT by
allowing others to act, but by each of us taking personal responsibility for our own actions,
using common sense and following a code of ethics.
Ghost Town USA asks that when you visit a ghost town
please abide by the following:
"GHOST TOWNER’S CODE OF ETHICS"
I WILL NOT
· Trespass, or enter privately-owned land
without proper written permission from the landowner.
· Destroy, damage or deface any buildings or other
structures, or cause any disturbance to the foundations that could cause damage
in the future.
· Disturb any structures that are locked or
appear to be occupied.
I WILL
· Observe all rules and regulations, be they
private, local, state, or national.
· Camp and make fires only in designated safe
locations.
· Leave the land and vegetation as it is.
· Fill all holes or excavations.
· Remove and properly dispose of any trash I
find, and will not litter.
·
Respect
the rights and property of landowners, leave gates as found, and obey all
posted signs.
·
Appreciate and
protect this nation's ghost towns and the heritage they represent.
Always conduct myself in a manner that is
courteous and polite, and always show consideration for others.
*The “Treasure Hunters Code of Ethics,” was developed by the Federation of Metal Detector and Archeological
Clubs (FMDAC) and is shown on their website.
It is also printed monthly in Western
& Eastern Treasures magazine, published by People's
Publishing Co.,
The “Ghost Towner's Code of Ethics”
has been modified by Ghost Town USA from that code, and is used by their
permission.
*************
Ghost Town USA and
Gary B. Speck Publications endorse the mission, purpose and goals of the
FMDAC
and support the rights of metal detectorists,
treasure hunters and relic hunters to responsibly enjoy
their hobbies as long as they abide by the “Treasure Hunters Code of Ethics,” AND our own Ghost Towner's
Code of Ethics.
This support DOES NOT either imply,
endorse or condone violations of that code of ethics, nor does it give
permission for anyone to damage or destroy historical sites; violate any local,
state or federal laws; trespass or infringe on the legal rights of landowners.
*************
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