Fossil Collecting

Information for casual collecting on National Forest System lands can be found here. Before heading out, please contact the local District Office to find out useful information to help you plan your trip and whether you need a permit. Please note; The following items may not be collected or removed by casual collectors:

• Any part of a Vertebrate fossil (dinosaurs bones, fish, - anything with a backbone), and shark teeth.
• Archeological resources including any material remains of prehistoric or historic human life or activities, which are at least 50 years old, and includes the physical site, location, or context in which they are found. (36 CFR 261.2)
• The collection of projectile points, pottery, or any other archeological resource or artifact is not allowed (36 CFR 261.9 (h) without a permit. Projectile points include ‘arrowheads’ and any prehistoric human-modified stone.