LIABILITY RELEASE AND INDEMNIFICATION
EarthTrek is a program developed and managed by The Geological Society of America, Inc., a New York not-for-profit corporation (“GSA”). Participating in EarthTrek projects presents risks to persons and property and involves varying degrees of physical exertion such as hiking, backpacking and other outdoor activities. Variables such as weather, terrain features, and hazards of politically unstable areas, fitness level and outdoor experience must be considered by each participant prior to undertaking an EarthTrek project, and EarthTrek participants (“EarthTrekkers”) are expected to prepare themselves for their participation, determine their own physical conditioning and suitability for a given project and check the current weather and other environmental conditions before heading outdoors or engaging in any EarthTrek activity. EarthTrekkers participate voluntarily in EarthTrek activities and are never required to participate against their judgment or wishes. At all times EarthTrekkers are expected to exercise common sense and caution, and to obey all local laws and customs.Having read, understood and accepted the terms of the foregoing paragraph, and in consideration for being permitted to participate in EarthTrek activities, I hereby agree to:
- determine for myself, based upon my own health and fitness level, on prevailing and/or predicted environmental and weather conditions, and on the physical demands of each EarthTrek project, whether I should undertake an EarthTrek project.
- assume full responsibility for the consequences of my own actions, including all risks of injury, death, property damage or other loss to myself or to any other person or entity that may result from or relate to my participation in EarthTrek activities.
- defend and indemnify GSA, its sponsors and partners, and scientists and other persons or organizations that associate with GSA to conduct the EarthTrek program, together with their respective agents, officers, directors, employees and administrators, from all liabilities arising out of my actions or inactions in connection with EarthTrek projects or activities.
- release GSA, its sponsors and partners, and scientists and other persons and organizations that associate with GSA to conduct the EarthTrek program, together with their respective agents, officers, directors, employees and administrators (the “Released Parties”) from all liability for injury, death, property damage or other losses resulting from or relating to my participation in EarthTrek projects or in any way connected with the use of this website or the information contained within. This release does not extend to liability for willful or malicious acts. I also agree that neither I nor my heirs will sue or make a claim against the Released Parties for any injuries, death, property damage or other loss resulting from or relating to my participation in EarthTrek activities.