§470aaa–3 Collection of Paleontological Resources

Summary

You must have a permit from the Secretary to collect fossils on Federal land, unless another rule in this chapter says otherwise. Casual collecting without a permit is allowed on Federal land run by the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Reclamation, and the Forest Service when it follows the laws and land rules. Valid permits issued before March 30, 2009 still count. The Secretary will only give a permit if the applicant is qualified, the work helps paleontology or public education, it fits the land’s management plan, and the collecting methods won’t harm important natural or cultural things. Permits must say the fossils stay the property of the United States, that the fossils and records go to an approved public repository for research and education, and that exact site locations aren’t shared 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 anyone working under it is convicted under section 470aaa–5 or is given a civil penalty under section 470aaa–6. The Secretary may also close or restrict areas to protect fossils or public safety.