State and federal lands are among our most valuable resources, protecting wildlife, preserving natural landscapes and offering countless recreation opportunities. Public lands are meant to be enjoyed and used by citizens, but that does not mean we can take from them whatever we want. From wildlife and plants to historical artifacts and fossils, different rules apply depending on the area and what you’re collecting.
Here, we outline the key things you should never remove from federal or state lands, as well as what might be allowed with the right permits or under certain conditions. To help you understand what you can and can’t take from state and federal land, we’ve enlisted the help of Cynthia Hernandez of the National Park Service.
What Is State/Federal Owned Land?
These are areas of land managed and controlled for conservation, recreation or financial purposes by various state and federal government agencies. On the federal side, this includes the National Park Service (NPS), United States Forest Service (USFS), Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW). Among the states, management falls to agencies like the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) or the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
The United States government is the largest landowner in the country, controlling almost a third of total U.S. land area. Federally owned land includes national parks, national monuments, national forests, and national historic battlefields, as well as wildlife refuges and military reservations.
The states own and manage about nine percent of the total U.S. land area with state forests, state parks and state wildlife management areas.
What Can You Take From State/Federal Land?
In some areas, you can take quite a lot from state/federal land (if it’s for personal use only), with some activities requiring permits. Public land managed by BLM and USFS, as well as most state agencies, allows the public to remove certain items, but they expect visitors to not damage the land or vegetation.
National parks are a different category, with more stringent rules and regulations. “National parks are some of the most special, treasured and protected areas of our country,” Hernandez says. “In order to preserve these natural and cultural resources for this and future generations, all visitors to national parks are expected to follow park laws and regulations and practice Leave No Trace principles to minimize their impact on park lands.” This includes the Leave No Trace principle, “Leave what you find,” which means not picking plants, disturbing wildlife, or altering the environment during your visit.
Trees and firewood
Tree harvesting for personal use of firewood and Christmas trees is allowed with a permit on designated BLM or USFS land. Rules regulating size and amount limits, as well as harvesting areas, vary from forest to forest. Most state forests also implement similar programs, so check with your state’s DNR for more information.
This does not extend to national parks, though, as “using or possessing wood from within [national] parks is prohibited,” Hernandez says.
Plants, berries and seeds
On most BLM-managed land, you’re allowed to collect a small amount of plants and associated parts like seeds, flowers and berries for personal use only. This includes common plants that are not endangered or at-risk. It’s best to ask first, as rules vary and are more strict in wilderness areas, national landmarks or historic sites.
Collecting plants is not allowed at all in national parks. “According to the Code of Federal Regulations, possessing, destroying, injuring, defacing, removing, digging or disturbing plants from their natural state is prohibited,” Hernandez says.
Fossils and minerals
Hobby collecting of gold, minerals and common insect or mollusk fossils is allowed on most state and federal-owned lands. You can collect rocks, but in a way that does not disturb the surrounding environment. In national parks, these collection activities are forbidden, including removing things like antlers or nests.
Fish
Fishing is allowed, with a permit, in most federal and state-owned land, except for protected areas. Catch and release is encouraged, but it is permissible to keep fish, within regulated limits and rules.
Fishing is also allowed in most national parks with a permit. It is typical for native species to be catch and release only, with non-native species allowed to be kept.
Game
You can hunt within designated areas in most federal and state-owned lands with appropriate state hunting licenses and permits. BLM-managed land is almost entirely open to hunting and fishing. Hunting seasons on federal lands usually follow those of the state, including bagging limits. Contact your state’s fish and game department for more information.
Things You Should Never Take From State/Federal Land?
Some things are strictly off-limits for removal from state or federal land, including irreplaceable species and artifacts.
Endangered plant or animal species
Plant and animal species on the federal endangered species list receive federal protection under the Endangered Species Act. Removing endangered species from public lands can result in heavy fines or even imprisonment.
Archaeological artifacts
Objects of pre-historic or historic significance must never be removed or disturbed on federal or state land. This includes things like Native American artifacts, historical military equipment, items from archaeological sites and fossils. Serious offenses could lead to imprisonment and fines.
Wildlife
Most wildlife, even if not endangered, is protected on federal and state lands. Hunting or removing wildlife outside of permitted activities, is illegal. Violators may face fines and hunting license bans.
About the Expert
- Cynthia Hernandez is a National Park Service Spokesperson, based in Washington, D.C. Prior to her work with NPS, Ms. Hernandez worked for the Bureau of Land Management.
Sources
- United States Department of the Interior: America’s Public Lands Explained (2023)
- Property and Environmental Research Center: State-Owned Lands in the Eastern United States: Lessons from State Land Management in Practice (2018)
- United States Forest Service: Know Before You Go – Tree Cutting
- Bureau of Land Management: Can I Keep This?
- United States Fish and Wildlife Service: Endangered Species Act, Section 11. Penalties and Enforcement
- Bureau of Land Management: Hunting, Fishing and Recreational Shooting
The post From Rocks to Flowers, What You Can (and Can’t) Take From Public Lands appeared first on Family Handyman.
