Geology

The mineral resources in the National Forests are held in trust for the use of the American people. Extraction of minerals, rock, gravel, and soil from the forest requires a permit. Different permits are issued for different types of minerals.

If you want to explore the forest or stake a minerals claim on forest land, your first point of contact should be the Forest Minerals Manager.  The Minerals Manager's office is located at the Forest Supervisor's Office in Alturas, California.  He or she can assist you with the proper applications and paperwork for this process and answer all your questions.

All commercial permits for forest rock and gravel must be obtained through the Forest Minerals Manager. If you want to take lava rock or gravel from the forest, you will need a forest products permit, depending on the location and quantity you need, a permit for this purpose is available through the forest products permit process. 

If you wish to mine obsidian for personal use, you must obtain a free-use authorization permit. Free Use Authorizations are available at:

• Modoc National Forest Supervisor's Office - 225 West 8th Street Alturas, CA 96101