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Learn›Industries›Collecting and Natural History›Minerals and rocks›3. Collecting State by State›State rules, all fifty statesShop all minerals and rocks →

Can I collect rocks on state land or in a state park? All fifty states

By Dwight Davis, Founder

Updated

On this page7

In most states you may not take rocks from a state park, and state land is usually closed to collecting or silent about it. This page confirms the state land rule for 21 states and the state park rule for 35. Nearly every park rule bans removing rocks or minerals. The written exceptions are narrow: posted units in California, Rockhound State Park in New Mexico, small pebbles by hand in Hawaii and Tennessee, small stones in Vermont, souvenir agates in Oregon, 25 pounds a year in Michigan, 5 pounds a day with written permission in Wisconsin, and the Crater of Diamonds search area in Arkansas. The table gives each state's main federal collecting land, both rules and the source.

How to read the table

  • Who manages most collectable public land. The larger of the two federal agencies that allow hobby collecting, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Forest Service, with acreage from the Congressional Research Service (data as of September 30, 2024), and the share of the state that is federal [1]. National parks and wildlife refuges are left out of this column because they allow little or no collecting. The report counts only federal land, so state forests, trust land and county parks are not in these numbers.
  • State land rule. What the state's land agency publishes about rocks on state trust, school or endowment land. In states with little or no trust land, the cell gives the rule for state forests or other land of the natural resources department, and says which. Where a page says nothing about rocks, the cell says so.
  • State parks rule. The state park regulation as written. Most do not use the word "rockhounding"; they ban removing rock, mineral or "natural" or "geological" objects. A ban on natural objects covers rocks.
  • Source. Numbers in brackets match the References at the end. Every row was checked in October 2026.
  • Not confirmed. No official text was read for that cell. It does not mean collecting is allowed. Ask the agency named, in writing, before you collect.

The fifty-state table

StateWho manages most collectable public landState land ruleState parks ruleSource
AlabamaForest Service, 673,400 acres (federal land 2.7% of state)Not confirmed. Ask the state agency that manages state trust, school or forest land.Unlawful to "destroy, disturb, deface, collect or remove any natural, cultural, historical, archeological, geological, mineralogical, etc., objects or artifacts from any Alabama State Park"; no permit exception (220-5-.07)[1][59]
AlaskaBLM, 71.1 million acres; Forest Service, 22.1 million acres (federal land 60.8% of state)State-owned public domain land: "recreational gold panning" and hard-rock prospecting "using light portable field equipment" are generally allowed uses needing no permit (11 AAC 96.020); collecting other rocks is not addressedNo person may "remove natural objects including trees, plants, moss, rocks, gravel, or minerals" unless the director authorizes it (11 AAC 12.170); no exception for rocks[1][29][30]
ArizonaBLM, 12.1 million acres; Forest Service, 11.2 million acres (federal land 38.5% of state)BLM's Arizona office says "Rockhounding and metal detecting are not allowed on Arizona State Trust Land"; the State Land Department's own FAQ says trust land is not public land and sells a $15 recreational permit, but does not address rocksNo removing, "without authority," any archaeological, geological or historical object in a state park (R12-8-103)[1][2][3][31]
ArkansasForest Service, 2.6 million acres (federal land 9.4% of state)Not confirmed. Ask the state agency that manages state trust, school or forest land.Crater of Diamonds State Park search area: up to five gallons of processed concentrate per paying customer per day; no motorized, battery-operated or ladder equipment. Other parks not confirmed[1][19]
CaliforniaForest Service, 20.8 million acres; BLM, 15.0 million acres (federal land 45.3% of state)Not confirmed. The California State Lands Commission issues mineral prospecting permits on state school lands; no hobby collecting rule was found. Ask the CommissionRemoving rocks and minerals prohibited (14 CCR 4307) except in units posted open for rockhounding: 15 lb per person per day per unit, gold pans only, no sale (14 CCR 4611)[1][4][5][32]
ColoradoForest Service, 14.5 million acres; BLM, 8.3 million acres (federal land 36.3% of state)Trust land "is not open to the public" unless leased for public recreation; on Public Access Program land "all other recreational uses are prohibited" unless postedRemoving objects of "geological" value prohibited; recreational gold mining allowed in Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area except where posted[1][6][7]
ConnecticutNo sizable BLM or national forest land (federal land is 0.3% of the state); public ground here is mainly state or local, not confirmedCollecting rocks and minerals on state land "is NOT Allowed" (DEEP, quoting RCSA 23-4-1(b)(1)); clubs, schools and museums may apply to the Connecticut Geological Survey for educational collectingState parks are state land under the same DEEP rule: no collecting[1][60]
DelawareNo sizable BLM or national forest land (federal land is 2.4% of the state); public ground here is mainly state or local, not confirmedNot confirmed. Ask the state agency that manages state trust, school or forest land.Not confirmed. Ask the state park agency for the park.[1]
FloridaForest Service, 1.2 million acres (federal land 13.1% of state)Not confirmed. Ask the state agency that manages state trust, school or forest land.No removing "rocks, stones, minerals" from park areas; permit for collecting natural objects, for scientific or educational purposes[1][20]
GeorgiaForest Service, 868,513 acres (federal land 5.3% of state)Not confirmed. Ask the state agency that manages state trust, school or forest land.No removing or disturbing "Paleontological specimens, geological or mineral resources or cave formations"; scientific and educational collecting under the director's conditions (391-5-1-.04)[1][58]
HawaiiNo sizable BLM or national forest land (federal land is 21.0% of the state); public ground here is mainly state or local, not confirmedUnencumbered public lands: no removing "sand, earth, gravel, minerals, rocks, fossils, coral" without the board's written permission (13-221-23), but "small quantities of pebbles or small rocks" may be gathered by hand for personal use except where posted, never for sale (13-221-28)Small quantities of pebbles or small rocks may be gathered by hand for personal use except in posted areas; not for sale[1][21][40][41]
IdahoForest Service, 20.5 million acres; BLM, 11.8 million acres (federal land 61.9% of state)Endowment land open to recreation where legally accessible; collecting "valuable rocks or minerals" needs separate IDL authorization"The digging, destruction or removal of historical, cultural or natural resources is prohibited"; scientific and educational permits[1][8][9]
IllinoisForest Service, 304,723 acres (federal land 1.2% of state)All Department of Natural Resources property: the same rule as parksUnlawful to "remove, take, alter, hide, construct, mutilate, deface, damage or destroy any natural or man-made property" on DNR property without the State's consent, except by permit (17 Ill. Adm. Code 110.70(b))[1][47]
IndianaForest Service, 204,380 acres (federal land 1.7% of state)The same rule covers all DNR properties: no removing "a rock or mineral" except as authorized by a licenseOn DNR properties, including state parks, a person must not remove "a rock or mineral" except as authorized by a license[1][22]
IowaNo sizable BLM or national forest land (federal land is 0.3% of the state); public ground here is mainly state or local, not confirmedNot confirmed. Ask the state agency that manages state trust, school or forest land.Not confirmed. Ask the state park agency for the park.[1]
KansasForest Service, 108,621 acres (federal land 0.5% of state)Not confirmed. Ask the state agency that manages state trust, school or forest land.Not confirmed. Ask the state park agency for the park.[1]
KentuckyForest Service, 818,751 acres (federal land 4.0% of state)Not confirmed. Ask the state agency that manages state trust, school or forest land.Department of Parks policy "prohibits all collecting of plants, animals, and geological materials for any purpose" unless the Commissioner of Parks approves in writing (Park Policy Memo 87-11-5)[1][53]
LouisianaForest Service, 608,478 acres (federal land 4.8% of state)Not confirmed. Ask the state agency that manages state trust, school or forest land.Not confirmed. Ask the state park agency for the park.[1]
MaineForest Service, 53,890 acres (federal land 1.5% of state)Not confirmed. Ask the state agency that manages state trust, school or forest land.Not confirmed. Ask the state park agency for the park.[1]
MarylandBLM, 572 acres (federal land 3.3% of state)State forests: no removing any "rock, mineral"; surface rock samples for education or research by permitIn a state park no one may "Remove, disturb, damage, or destroy a plant, rock, mineral, or animal"; the Park Service may issue removal permits (COMAR 08.07.06.13)[1][23][54]
MassachusettsNo sizable BLM or national forest land (federal land is 1.3% of the state); public ground here is mainly state or local, not confirmedNot confirmed. Ask the state agency that manages state trust, school or forest land.Not confirmed. Ask the state park agency for the park.[1]
MichiganForest Service, 2.9 million acres (federal land 10.0% of state)Department of Natural Resources land: unlawful to remove more than 25 pounds per person per year of "any rock, mineral specimen (exclusive of any gold bearing material), or invertebrate fossil" for "individual or non-commercial hobby use" (R 299.922(hh))The same state land rule applies in state parks: up to 25 pounds per person per year, hobby use only[1][42][43]
MinnesotaForest Service, 2.8 million acres (federal land 6.8% of state)Not confirmed for state forests and school trust land. Ask the Minnesota Department of Natural ResourcesRemoving "geological formations" from a state park or forest recreation area is prohibited; scientific and educational collecting by the commissioner's written permission; noncommercial rock and fossil collecting at Hill Annex Mine State Park, subject to posted restrictions (Minn. R. 6100.0900)[1][44][45]
MississippiForest Service, 1.2 million acres (federal land 5.1% of state)Not confirmed. Ask the state agency that manages state trust, school or forest land.Not confirmed. Ask the state park agency for the park.[1]
MissouriForest Service, 1.5 million acres (federal land 3.9% of state)Not confirmed. Ask the state agency that manages state trust, school or forest land.Not confirmed. Ask the state park agency for the park.[1]
MontanaForest Service, 17.3 million acres; BLM, 8.1 million acres (federal land 29.1% of state)Recreational use license required (age 12+); the license excludes "collection of valuable rocks or minerals" and fossils and artifactsFish, Wildlife and Parks rule: no one may "remove, or otherwise damage any natural or improved property" or destroy or mutilate "any geological, historical, or archaeological feature"; flowers, berries, cones and fallen dead wood are excepted (ARM 12.8.207)[1][10][33]
NebraskaForest Service, 351,197 acres (federal land 1.1% of state)Not confirmed. Ask the state agency that manages state trust, school or forest land.No removal of "any soil, rock or mineral formation" or petrified wood without the Park Superintendent's prior permission[1][24]
NevadaBLM, 47.2 million acres; Forest Service, 5.8 million acres (federal land 79.8% of state)Not confirmed. The Nevada Division of Minerals lists an overview, Rock Collecting, Land Status, and Mining Claims, that could not be read; ask that office who manages the parcelRemoving "natural specimens such as petrified trees, petroglyphs and other relics or material" under the Division of State Parks is prohibited, with no written exception (NRS 407.250)[1][34][35][36]
New HampshireForest Service, 754,393 acres (federal land 14.0% of state)Not confirmed. Ask the state agency that manages state trust, school or forest land.Not confirmed. Ask the state park agency for the park.[1]
New JerseyNo sizable BLM or national forest land (federal land is 3.8% of the state); public ground here is mainly state or local, not confirmedNot confirmed. Ask the state agency that manages state trust, school or forest land.No removing "any soil, rock, historic or fossil materials" without written permission of the Division of Parks and Forestry[1][25]
New MexicoBLM, 13.5 million acres; Forest Service, 9.2 million acres (federal land 31.6% of state)"Recreational access to state trust lands is prohibited in the absence of a recreational access permit"; the rule does not address rocksRock collecting allowed only in posted areas of the rockhound unit of Rockhound State Park: souvenirs only, small hand tools, no handle over 12 inches[1][11][12]
New YorkForest Service, 16,389 acres (federal land 0.7% of state)DEC state lands (state forests, forest preserve, unique areas and others): no removing any "rock, soil, fossil or mineral" except "for personal consumption" or by permit from the DEC Commissioner and the Commissioner of Education (6 NYCRR 190.8(g))No person may "injure, destroy, deface, remove" any "real or personal property" on state parks property (9 NYCRR 375.1(e)); rocks are not named[1][48][49][50]
North CarolinaForest Service, 1.3 million acres (federal land 7.7% of state)Not confirmed. Ask the state agency that manages state trust, school or forest land.No one may "remove, possess, or disturb any plant, fungus, mineral"; collecting only by research activity permit, never for personal or commercial purposes (07 NCAC 13B .0201)[1][56]
North DakotaForest Service, 1.1 million acres (federal land 3.9% of state)Not confirmed. Ask the state agency that manages state trust, school or forest land.Not confirmed. Ask the state park agency for the park.[1]
OhioForest Service, 244,357 acres (federal land 1.2% of state)Not confirmed. Ask the state agency that manages state trust, school or forest land.No collecting "geologic materials" from Division of Parks and Watercraft areas without a collector's permit, except posted nature study areas[1][26]
OklahomaForest Service, 399,772 acres (federal land 1.5% of state)Not confirmed. Ask the state agency that manages state trust, school or forest land.Not confirmed. Ask the state park agency for the park.[1]
OregonBLM, 15.7 million acres; Forest Service, 15.7 million acres (federal land 52.3% of state)Ocean shore: agates, shells, stones and fossils loose on the ground, one-gallon container per person per day, three gallons per year; commercial collecting by permit. Other state land not confirmedOcean Shore State Recreation Area: gallon limits above, hand tools only. Other park property: "small quantities" of agates and other rocks as souvenirs for non-commercial personal use, unless the department posts a ban; other rock removal needs written permission (OAR 736-010-0055)[1][13][37]
PennsylvaniaForest Service, 514,183 acres (federal land 2.1% of state)State forests: "Removing rocks, shale, sand, clay, soil or other mineral products" prohibited without the Department's written permission (17 Pa. Code 21.115)No "removing rock, shale, sand, clay, soil or other mineral product, natural object or material" without the Department's written permission (17 Pa. Code 11.211)[1][51][52]
Rhode IslandNo sizable BLM or national forest land (federal land is 0.7% of the state); public ground here is mainly state or local, not confirmedNot confirmed. Ask the state agency that manages state trust, school or forest land.Not confirmed. Ask the state park agency for the park.[1]
South CarolinaForest Service, 639,394 acres (federal land 4.7% of state)Not confirmed. Ask the state agency that manages state trust, school or forest land.Not confirmed. Ask the state park agency for the park.[1]
South DakotaForest Service, 2.0 million acres (federal land 5.4% of state)Not confirmed. Ask the state agency that manages state trust, school or forest land.Not confirmed. Ask the state park agency for the park.[1]
TennesseeForest Service, 725,299 acres (federal land 4.7% of state)Not confirmed. Ask the state agency that manages state trust, school or forest land.No removing a natural feature or "non-renewable natural resource" without a scientific specimens permit, but "small quantities of pebbles or small rocks by hand for personal use" are allowed, never for sale; no mineral or metal detectors (0400-02-02-.18)[1][55]
TexasForest Service, 756,953 acres (federal land 1.9% of state)Not confirmed. Ask the state agency that manages state trust, school or forest land.Offense to remove any "rock, earth, soil, gem, mineral, fossil" except by permit issued by the director[1][27]
UtahBLM, 22.8 million acres; Forest Service, 8.2 million acres (federal land 63.1% of state)Paid Trust Lands rockhounding permit required; up to 25 lb per day and 250 lb per year per permit; no commercial use, no vertebrate fossilsNot confirmed. R651-620-1 says offenses against natural and cultural resources "will normally be handled through the Utah Criminal Code"; no park rule naming rocks was found. Ask the Utah Division of State Parks[1][14][38][39]
VermontForest Service, 414,099 acres (federal land 8.0% of state)Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation lands: rock, sand, gravel or minerals only by special written permit, except "personal collection of small stones for educational or hobby collecting purposes" unless they contain fossils or are historically significant; gold panning by hand pan onlyThe same rule applies in state parks: small stones for hobby collecting allowed, fossils excluded[1][61]
VirginiaForest Service, 1.7 million acres (federal land 9.1% of state)Not confirmed. Ask the state agency that manages state trust, school or forest land.No removing or gathering any "rock" or "mineral in any park" unless "a special permit has been obtained for scientific collecting" (4VAC5-30-50)[1][57]
WashingtonForest Service, 9.4 million acres (federal land 28.6% of state)DNR page says personal collecting is allowed on state and federal lands and also lists State Trust lands where rockhounding "is not permitted"; gold panning not allowed on State Trust landChapter 352-32 WAC prohibits damage to park resources; no section on rocks by name was found. Collecting not confirmed[1][15][16]
West VirginiaForest Service, 1.0 million acres (federal land 7.4% of state)State forests and wildlife management areas: the same rule as parks, no removing any "natural object, material, substance" without written authorizationNo removing any "natural object, material, substance" from state parks, forests or wildlife areas without written authorization of the Chief of Parks and Recreation[1][28]
WisconsinForest Service, 1.5 million acres (federal land 5.3% of state)DNR-managed land: rocks, minerals or fossils for noncommercial use, by hand or hand-held rock hammer, with the property manager's written permission; 5 pounds per day per property, 50 pounds per year; none on state trails, Havenwoods State Forest or posted noncollection sites (NR 45.04(1s)(b))The same DNR rule applies: written permission from the property manager, 5 pounds per day, 50 pounds per year; state natural areas need a scientific collector permit[1][46]
WyomingBLM, 18.0 million acres; Forest Service, 9.2 million acres (federal land 47.7% of state)Trust land open for "general recreational use" where legally accessible; off-road driving, camping and fires prohibited; rockhounding not addressedNo removing "any soil, rock or mineral formation" or petrified wood "without prior permission of the superintendent"[1][17][18]

Patterns in the rules that were confirmed

State parks are closed by default. Nearly every park regulation read for this page, from Florida's ban on removing "rocks, stones, minerals" [20] to Texas, where it is an offense to remove "any rock, earth, soil, gem, mineral, fossil, or other geological deposit except by permit" [27], starts from no. The permits these rules mention are mostly for scientific or educational collecting, not for hobby collecting [9][20][23][26].

The exceptions are written, specific and posted. California opens only units posted for rockhounding, with 15 pounds per person per day per unit and gold pans as the only tool [5]. New Mexico allows collecting only in posted areas of one unit of one park, for souvenirs, with hand tools whose handles are 12 inches or shorter [12]. Hawaii lets you gather "small quantities of pebbles or small rocks by hand for personal use," except in posted areas, never for sale [21]. Arkansas regulates what you may carry out of the Crater of Diamonds search area by the gallon of processed concentrate [19]. Tennessee allows "small quantities of pebbles or small rocks by hand for personal use," never for sale [55]. Vermont exempts "personal collection of small stones for educational or hobby collecting purposes" unless they hold fossils [61]. Oregon lets you take small quantities of agates and other rocks as souvenirs from park property unless the department posts a ban [37]. Michigan caps hobby collecting on all department land, parks included, at 25 pounds per person per year [42], and Wisconsin allows 5 pounds a day and 50 pounds a year, but only with the property manager's written permission [46]. Outside those written allowances, the default in each state is no.

Trust land rules differ more than park rules. Utah sells a rockhounding permit with a weight limit [14]. Colorado keeps most trust land closed to the public [6]. Montana and Idaho open their land to recreation but carve out "valuable rocks or minerals" [8][10]. New Mexico and Wyoming regulate access and say nothing about rocks [11][17]. Washington's DNR page contradicts itself [15]. Arizona's only published statement on rockhounding there comes from BLM, not the State Land Department [2][3]. Where a state has little trust land, the natural resources department's rule governs state forests: Pennsylvania and New York ban removing rock from state forests without a permit [48][51], and Connecticut calls collecting on state land vandalism [60]. Alaska's general state land allows recreational gold panning and prospecting with light portable equipment without a permit, and says nothing about other rocks [29]. Where a rule is silent, treat it as no until the agency answers.

The boundary decides which rule applies. A state section inside BLM or Forest Service land follows the state's rule, and the federal allowance stops at the section line. Check which you are on before you collect; finding out who manages a parcel shows how. The federal rules themselves are on where you are allowed to collect.

What this table does not cover yet

Several things that vary by state were not confirmed from official sources for this edition, so no figures are given:

What to ask the agency

When a cell says "not confirmed," or when you plan to collect on a specific parcel, write to the agency and ask:

  1. Is rock or mineral collecting allowed on this parcel or in this park (give the name, or the township, range and section)?
  2. Is there a limit by weight, volume or number, per day or per year?
  3. Which tools may I use?
  4. Do I need a permit, and what does it cost?
  5. May I sell or trade what I collect?
  6. Are fossils, petrified wood or artifacts treated differently?

Keep the reply with your field notes. A written answer is your record if a ranger or a buyer asks later.

Western states with their own pages

Eleven western states, where public land makes these questions matter most, have a full page each: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming. Elsewhere, the surest legal ground for keeping what you find is usually a fee-dig site or private land with written permission; see fee-dig sites.

References

  1. Congressional Research Service, *Federal Land Ownership: Overview and Data*, R42346, updated September 14, 2026 (data as of September 30, 2024), Table 2. https://www.everycrsreport.com/files/2026-09-14_R42346_c4220347ac982efb0aebb44f2a7db48e961ec900.pdf
  2. Bureau of Land Management, Arizona, *Rockhounding in Arizona*, BLM/AZ/GI-14/009 (no printed date; web file dated 2018). https://BLM.GOV/sites/default/files/documents/files/2014%20Rockhounding_14_web_2018.pdf
  3. Arizona State Land Department, *FAQs*, read October 2026. https://land.az.gov/faqs
  4. Cal. Code Regs. tit. 14, section 4307, Geological Features (Justia, current through Register 2025, No. 26, June 27, 2025). https://regulations.justia.com/states/california/title-14/division-3/chapter-1/section-4307
  5. Cal. Code Regs. tit. 14, section 4611, Rockhounding (Cornell LII, read October 2026). https://law.cornell.edu/regulations/california/14-CCR-4611
  6. Colorado State Land Board, *Public access on trust land*, read October 2026. https://slb.colorado.gov/public-access
  7. 2 Colo. Code Regs. 405-1-100, Parks and Outdoor Recreation Lands (Cornell LII; amended effective January 1, 2025). https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/colorado/2-CCR-405-1-100
  8. Idaho Department of Lands, *Recreation Policy*, read October 2026. https://www.idl.idaho.gov/endowment-land-and-recreation/recreation-policy
  9. Idaho Admin. Code r. 26.01.20.175, Public Behavior (Cornell LII, effective March 18, 2022). https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/idaho/IDAPA-26.01.20.175
  10. Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, *Recreational Use Rules*, ARM 36.25 subchapter 12, February 2025 edition. https://dnrc.mt.gov/_docs/Trust-Land/Recreation/Recreational-Use-Rules-2025.02.07.pdf
  11. N.M. Admin. Code 19.2.19.9, Recreational Access Prohibited Without a Permit (Justia, current through June 24, 2025). https://regulations.justia.com/states/new-mexico/title-19/chapter-2/part-19/section-19-2-19-9
  12. N.M. Admin. Code 19.5.2.25, Rock Collecting (Cornell LII, version effective January 1, 2025). https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/new-mexico/N-M-Admin-Code-SS-19.5.2.25_v2
  13. Oregon Administrative Rules 736-021-0090, Cultural, Historic, Natural and Wildlife Resources (Oregon.public.law, read October 2026). https://oregon.public.law/rules/oar_736-021-0090
  14. Utah Trust Lands Administration, *Rockhounding* brochure (no printed date). https://trustlands.utah.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/2023-rockhounding-brochure-new-format.pdf
  15. Washington State Department of Natural Resources, *Rockhounding* (no date; footer 2025), read October 2026. https://dnr.wa.gov/node/457
  16. Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, *Park Rules*, chapter 352-32 WAC (pages dated 2/1/19). https://parks.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2023-10/Park%20Rules%202019_202001161723157904.pdf
  17. Wyoming Office of State Lands and Investments, *Frequently Asked Questions*, read October 2026. https://lands.wyo.gov/resources/frequently-asked-questions
  18. 024-1 Wyo. Code R. sections 1-15, Preservation of Public Property (Cornell LII; amended effective November 16, 2021). https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/wyoming/024-1-Wyo-Code-R-SS-1-15
  19. 013.05.09 Ark. Code R. 003, Rules for the Search Area for the Crater of Diamonds State Park, PD 2205 (Cornell LII; notes dated 12/7/2010). https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/arkansas/013-05-09-Ark-Code-R-003
  20. Fla. Admin. Code Ann. R. 62D-2.013, Park Property and Resources (Cornell LII; last amended December 19, 1999). https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/florida/Fla-Admin-Code-Ann-R-62D-2-013
  21. Haw. Code R. section 13-146-32, Public property (Cornell LII; last amended January 22, 2010). https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/hawaii/Haw-Code-R-SS-13-146-32
  22. 312 Ind. Admin. Code 8-2-10, Preservation of habitat and natural and cultural resources (Cornell LII; readopted 2022). https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/indiana/312-IAC-8-2-10
  23. Md. Code Regs. 08.07.01.13, Plants, Rocks, Minerals, and Animals (Cornell LII; effective October 11, 1993). https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/maryland/COMAR-08-07-01-13
  24. 163 Neb. Admin. Code ch. 5, section 001, General regulations governing state park property (Cornell LII; amended effective October 16, 2024). https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/nebraska/163-Neb-Admin-Code-ch-5-SS-001
  25. N.J. Admin. Code 7:2-2.10, Damage to property/tampering (Cornell LII; last amended effective May 7, 2007). https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/new-jersey/N-J-A-C-7-2-2-10
  26. Ohio Admin. Code 1501:46-3-27, Collecting prohibited without permit (Cornell LII; effective June 30, 2024). https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/ohio/Ohio-Admin-Code-1501-46-3-27
  27. 31 Tex. Admin. Code section 59.134, Rules of Conduct in Parks (Cornell LII; amended effective May 10, 2022). https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/texas/31-Tex-Admin-Code-SS-59-134
  28. W. Va. Code R. section 58-31-2, General Rules Governing Public Use of State Parks, State Forests, and Recreational Areas (Cornell LII, read October 2026). https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/west-virginia/W-Va-C-S-R-SS-58-31-2
  29. Alaska Admin. Code tit. 11, section 96.020, Generally allowed uses on state land (Justia, current through May 30, 2025). https://regulations.justia.com/states/alaska/title-11/part-6/chapter-96/article-1/section-11-aac-96-020
  30. Alaska Admin. Code tit. 11, section 12.170, Disturbance of natural objects (Justia, current through May 30, 2025). https://regulations.justia.com/states/alaska/title-11/part-2/chapter-12/article-1/section-11-aac-12-170
  31. Ariz. Admin. Code R12-8-103, Vandalism, Arizona State Parks Board (Justia, current through Register Vol. 31, No. 25, June 20, 2025). https://regulations.justia.com/states/arizona/title-12/chapter-8/article-1/r12-8-103/
  32. California State Lands Commission, *Prospecting Permit for Minerals Other than Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources on State Schools Lands*, CEQAnet No. 2011048129 (2011), read October 2026. https://ceqanet.lci.ca.gov/2011048129
  33. Mont. Admin. R. 12.8.207, Property Disturbance, Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks (Justia, current through Register Vol. 11, June 6, 2025). https://regulations.justia.com/states/montana/department-12/chapter-12-8/subchapter-12-8-2/rule-12-8-207/
  34. Nev. Rev. Stat. 407.250, Unauthorized removal of timber or property; destruction of property; penalty (Justia, 2017 NRS). https://law.justia.com/codes/nevada/2017/chapter-407/statute-407.250/
  35. Nev. Admin. Code 407.0075, "Division" defined (Justia, current through December 31, 2024). https://regulations.justia.com/states/nevada/chapter-407/general-provisions/section-407-0075
  36. Nevada Division of Minerals, *Mineral Rights FAQ*, read October 2026. https://minerals.nv.gov/faqs/mineral-rights-faq/
  37. Oregon Administrative Rules 736-010-0055, Park Resources, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (Oregon.public.law, read October 2026; amendment date not shown). https://oregon.public.law/rules/oar_736-010-0055
  38. Utah Admin. Code R651-620-1, Applicability of Criminal Code (Cornell LII; amended effective November 22, 2022). https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/utah/Utah-Admin-Code-R651-620-1
  39. Utah Admin. Code R651-104-3, Definitions (Cornell LII, read October 2026). https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/utah/Utah-Admin-Code-R651-104-3
  40. Haw. Code R. section 13-221-23, Geological features, Unencumbered Public Lands (Cornell LII; effective February 6, 1988). https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/hawaii/Haw-Code-R-SS-13-221-23
  41. Haw. Code R. section 13-221-28, Public property, Unencumbered Public Lands (Cornell LII; effective February 6, 1988). https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/hawaii/Haw-Code-R-SS-13-221-28
  42. Mich. Admin. Code R. 299.922, Unlawful acts generally, State Land Use Rules (Cornell LII; 2001, 2004 and 2014 AACS). https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/michigan/Mich-Admin-Code-R-299-922
  43. Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation, *Park Rules* poster IC3003-1 (rules effective January 29, 2014; rev. 03/17/2014). https://www.michigan.gov/documents/dnr/IC3003-1_Park_Rules_Poster_452370_7.pdf
  44. Minn. R. 6100.0900, Environmental Protection (Justia, current through Register Vol. 49, No. 52, June 23, 2025). https://regulations.justia.com/states/minnesota/agency-158/chapter-6100/public-use-of-state-parks-and-other-recreational-areas/part-6100-0900/
  45. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, *Recreational Geology*, read October 2026. https://dnr.state.mn.us/geologyrec/index.html
  46. Wis. Admin. Code NR 45.04(1s)(b), rock, mineral and fossil collecting (Wisconsin Legislature document preview; register date not shown), read October 2026. https://docs-preview.legis.wisconsin.gov/scroll/up/165/exec_review/admin_code/nr/001/45
  47. Ill. Admin. Code tit. 17, section 110.70, Destruction of Property, Flora, Fauna, Man-Made and Inanimate Natural Objects, Collection of Artifacts (Illinois General Assembly; amended effective September 24, 2021). https://www.ilga.gov/ftp/JCAR/AdminCode/017/017001100A00700R.html
  48. N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. tit. 6, section 190.8, General (Justia, current through Register 47, No. 25, June 25, 2025). https://regulations.justia.com/states/new-york/title-6/chapter-ii/part-190/state-lands-generally/section-190-8/
  49. N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. tit. 6, section 190.0, Introduction (Justia, current through Register 47, No. 25, June 25, 2025). https://regulations.justia.com/states/new-york/title-6/chapter-ii/part-190/state-lands-generally/section-190-0/
  50. N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. tit. 9, section 375.1, Activities absolutely prohibited (Justia, current through Register 47, No. 25, June 25, 2025). https://regulations.justia.com/states/new-york/title-9/subtitle-i/chapter-i/subchapter-a/part-375/section-375-1/
  51. 17 Pa. Code section 21.115, Natural resources, State Forests (Cornell LII; effective September 5, 2015, 45 Pa.B. 5493). https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/pennsylvania/17-Pa-Code-SS-21-115
  52. 17 Pa. Code section 11.211, Natural resources, State Parks (Cornell LII, read October 2026; date not shown). https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/pennsylvania/17-Pa-Code-SS-11-211
  53. Kentucky State Parks, *Campground Regulations* (quoting Park Policy Memo 87-11-5), read October 2026. https://parks.ky.gov/parks/regulations
  54. Md. Code Regs. 08.07.06.13, Plants, Rocks, Minerals, and Animals, Use of State Parks (Cornell LII; effective October 11, 1993). https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/maryland/COMAR-08-07-06-13
  55. Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0400-02-02-.18, Preservation of Public Property, Natural Features, Curiosities and Resources (Justia, current through June 26, 2025). https://regulations.justia.com/states/tennessee/title-0400/subtitle-0400-02/chapter-0400-02-02/section-0400-02-02-18/
  56. 07 N.C. Admin. Code 13B .0201, Natural and Cultural Resource Protection (Justia, current through Register Vol. 39, No. 24, June 16, 2025). https://regulations.justia.com/states/north-carolina/title-07/chapter-13/subchapter-b/section-0200/section-13b-0201
  57. 4 Va. Admin. Code 5-30-50, Flowers, plants, minerals, etc., Department of Conservation and Recreation (Virginia Law; amended effective March 2, 2022). https://law.lis.virginia.gov/admincode/title4/agency5/chapter30/section50/
  58. Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 391-5-1-.04, Resource Protection, State Parks and Historic Sites System (Justia, current through filings of June 12, 2025). https://regulations.justia.com/states/georgia/department-391/chapter-391-5/subject-391-5-1/rule-391-5-1-04/
  59. Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-5-.07, Conduct, State Parks Division (Justia, current through Register Vol. 43, No. 8, May 30, 2025). https://regulations.justia.com/states/alabama/title-220/chapter-220-5/section-220-5-07/
  60. Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, *Rock and Mineral Collecting*, read October 2026. https://portal.ct.gov/deep/geology/rock-and-mineral-collecting
  61. 12-009 Code Vt. R. 12-020-009-X, Visitor Conduct and Fees and Charges for State Park Services and Commercial Activities on Department Lands (Cornell LII; amended August 24, 2022). https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/vermont/12-009-Code-Vt-R-12-020-009-X
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