§470aaa–3 Collection of paleontological resources

Summary

You must have a permit to dig up or take fossils from Federal land, except where this chapter allows otherwise. Casual collecting is allowed without a permit on land managed by the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Reclamation, and the Forest Service if it follows their rules and this chapter. Permits can still be used if the applicant is qualified, the work helps science or public education, it fits the land’s management plan, and the collecting methods won’t harm important natural or cultural resources. Permits given before March 30, 2009, stay valid. A permit will include rules the Secretary thinks are needed. Fossils found on Federal land stay the property of the United States. Fossils and their records must go to an approved public repository for research and education. Exact site locations cannot be released without the Secretary’s written permission. The Secretary can change, suspend, or cancel a permit for safety, resource, or management reasons, or for permit violations. A permit must be revoked if someone working under it is convicted under section 470aaa–5 or is given a civil penalty under section 470aaa–6. The Secretary can also restrict or close areas to protect fossils or public safety.