finding meteors on blm land??

[LaPlata]

Hi there
You Have The Right.
Did you forget that the Mining Law of 1872 has not been changed yet and you have the right to prospect and collect samples from any and all public lands that have not been withdrawn from mining and mineral use. The Meteroite is a locatable mineral containing Nickel and other precious metals. So is any of the rear earth group. You need not aske them just aske if the area you wish to hunt is withdrawn from mineral exploration or not . If not withdrawn go for it.

 

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[hvacker]

I know one of life's lessons is it's best not to ask a question if you suspect you might not get the answer you want. So...Just do it.
And like my lawyer says, never ask a question you don't already know the answer to. As far as the BLM goes, they give everything away to the powerful. ranchers, corporate mining, Haliburton etc. If I found something and I'm chalanged I will place the burden of proof squarly in BLM's lap.
On the good side, where I live I see few people on BLM land and have never seen an officer outside their office.

 

[Tom_in_CA]

reply

So...Just do it....

Well, you/we could certainly ask "can I?". But the problem then becomes, you'll often times get a "no", simply because that's the safe answer. In fact, if there is any current verbage saying "no you can't", I bet you $100 it ONLY came about, d/t people who made themselves a big red bullseye asking "can I?". And then ...... "Gee, I guess we need to answer this *pressing* question". So of course, they're going to say "no". Sheesk, it's as if people can be their own worst enemy, eh? I mean, isn't that a little like asking if you can pick your nose? For pete's sakes, just do it, and odds are no one cares! (till you ask).

 

[hvacker]

Many have a compulsion to obey rules. Or create them. I like the cowboy way. Not sure all what that entails but it seems to fit my head.

 

[MrLee]

From BLM regarding the Old Woman Meteor: "Since the meteorite was on public land administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the prospectors filed a mining claim on the site. To their disappointment they learned that meteorites were not a locatable mineral as defined by the mining law. Instead, under the provisions of the Antiquities Act, meteorites found on public land were considered objects of scientific interest and therefore should go to the Smithsonian Institution."

Links here:
rockhounding

 

[Terry Soloman]

The BLM is formalizing a policy on collecting meteorites found on public lands because confusion and misinformation has been created by recent media attention. In addition, recreation by the public has steadily increased on public lands. Therefore, the BLM would like to educate the public about meteorite hobby collecting and the scientific values of meteorites.

• What is the BLM's policy on meteorites found on public lands? Meteorites found on public lands may be collected by recreationists and hobbyists with some limitations. Meteorites can be collected for scientific and educational purposes, and can also be commercially collected.
  
• What are the authorities that govern collecting meteorites from public lands? The courts have long established that meteorites belong to the owner of the surface estate on which meteorites are found. This premise is based on the common laws of property as amended by the courts. As such, the BLM is responsible for the management of meteorites under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA) of 1976 as amended, including casual and commercial collection. In addition, the Ninth Circuit Court determined that scientific collecting is authorized by the Antiquities Act of 1906.
  
• Can a mining claim be located for meteorites? No, a mining claim may not be located for meteorites. Meteorites do not meet the definition of a mineral resource under the general mining and mineral laws. The extraterrestrial origins of meteorites have made them unique and of extreme commercial and scientific value. Therefore, because of their origins they are not subject to the mining and mineral laws.
  
• Can meteorites be collected free of charge and without a permit? Yes, meteorites may be casually collected, i.e., for free and without a permit, under FLPMA. However, in accordance with the BLM's regulations at 43 CFR 8365.1-5 (1) collection is limited to certain public lands, (2) only specimens up to ten pounds may be collected per person per year, and (3) only surface collection with the use of non-motorized and non-mechanical equipment is allowed; metal detectors are okay. However, specimens that are casually collected are for personal use only, and may not be bartered or sold for commercial purposes.
  
• How can meteorites be collected from public lands? Meteorites found on public lands may be casually collected by recreationists and hobbyists. The limit on the amount that may be casually collected is meteorite specimens up to ten pounds that can be easily hand-carried and transported, per person per year. Collection is from the surface only. Motorized and mechanized equipment is not allowed; however, use of metal detectors is permitted. Meteorites may be collected without a permit or collection fee. Casual collection is for personal use only, and therefore, cannot be bartered or sold for commercial purposes.
  Meteorites may be collected for scientific and educational purposes under a permit issued under the authority of the Antiquities Act. The applicant must be a qualified researcher, and any property collected under this type of permit remains the BLM property. The meteorite collected under permit must be curated in an approved repository that conforms to curatorial standards provided in 36 CFR 79.
  Meteorites may also be commercially collected under a permit issued under the authority of FLPMA. The applicant must pay an application fee, a purchase price based on a unit price or the percentage of fair market value on the amount of material to be removed, and a reclamation fee, as appropriate. A permittee must also comply with all environmental laws and regulations for surface disturbing activities on public lands.
  
  
• Are there any limits to what amounts of meteorites may be collected from public lands? For casual collection, there is a limit of ten pounds of meteorite specimens per person per year. There is no limit for scientific or commercial collection.
  
• How does this policy affect collecting of meteorites by rock hounds and other hobbyists? The BLM policy clearly outlines how rock hounds and other hobbyists may casually collect meteorites from public lands. No permit is required and no charge is assessed when collecting for personal use. There are limits on how much may be collected – only ten pounds of meteorite specimens per person per year. Collection is only from the surface, and motorized and mechanized equipment is not allowed. However, metal detectors are okay. Meteorites collected for personal use and cannot be bartered or sold.
  
• Where can the public casually collect meteorites on public lands? Meteorites may be casually collected from open public lands. Public lands that are closed to casual collection of meteorites include: (1) developed recreational sites; (2) certain units of the National Landscape Conservation System (NLCS) where the units have been designated for their natural and scientific resource values, including national monuments and national conservation areas; (3) areas that may have been withdrawn from casual collecting by a land use plan, such as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) and some wilderness areas; and (4) closures by supplemental regulations. Those interested should contact the appropriate BLM office to learn details for their area of interest.
  
• Can meteorites casually collected from public lands be bartered or sold? Casual collection of meteorites from public lands is only for an individual's personal use. Sale or barter is considered commercial use. A permit must be issued for commercial activities and fees will be collected, including a purchase price based on a unit price or the percentage of fair market value, and a reclamation fee, if required.
  
• Can meteorites be collected for commercial use and/or sale? Yes, meteorites may be collected from public lands under authority of an approved permit unless otherwise prohibited by other laws, regulations, land use plans, or closures. A permit is required for commercial use or sale, and fees will be collected. These fees may include application and permit processing fees, the purchase price, and reclamation fees.
  
• Where can I get a permit to collect meteorites for commercial use or sale? A permit application for commercial collection of meteorites may be obtained from and filed with the local BLM field office with administrative jurisdiction in the area you wish to collect.

 

[MrLee]

Thank you for setting me straight. Sometimes it's pain navigating the BLM rules.

 

[Philvis]

Just saw this update on meteorite hunting on BLM lands. Thought some folks may be interested.

New rules for meteorite hunters unveiled | Fox News

 

[Tuberale]

Just saw that as well, Philvis. The catch is in the term resale. While it seems collecting up to 10 pounds of meteoritic material per person per year is allowed, it is strictly for personal use. Any attempt at resale will require a more expensive permit for commercial collecting. The cost of said permit is to be determined by the local BLM. Who knows how much that permit will be for?

I admit to more than casual interest in this. I am aware of at least 3 meteorites on BLM land which would come under this new permit feature.