Rocks From the Wash

[TimG]

Is it legal / advisable to take rocks from the washes?  I wanted ring a small flowerbed with rocks, and while there are plenty of them in my yard already, they're mostly too large.  If I took a bucket or two for a walk up there, I could bring back what I needed, and I notice rock hunters in there from time to time.  But I don't want to do anything that's not allowed or might be accumulating damage.  Does anyone know?

[tcaarabians]

I have no idea about it being legal to take rocks from the wash.. but I have plenty of rocks here you could come collect. The prettiest ones are in the West Cajon. Those seem to have the golden colors in them. Here, in PH, I have the granite ones.. and I have a ton of them. You just let me know.. and bring your truck.  cheryl o7o

[snwbnny]

I'm not sure of how technically legal it is as we didn't ask but that's where all the rocks along the Wrightwood Trail came from - and continue to come from  . I don't think anyone would notice some rocks missing, since I see people dumpng rocks in there all the time.

[SkierBob]

with storms refreshing the wash with rocks just about every winter I can't imagine anyone having a problem with it

I get my rocks from Mt Emma road and littlerock wash when I want granite.   

[SoCalGal]

If they're in the wash, especially the graded part - that is probably OK; it's Flood Control land.  They aren't crazy about people being in flood channels, but they don't take any strong measures against pedestrian traffic.  Just watch for flash floods, and don't drive in, even if the gate is open.

On National Forest, Wilderness, or National Park/Monument land, no natural materials are to be removed.  Seeds, flowers, rocks, or anything.  Exception being wood removed by registered permit, or purchased souvenirs at a ranger station or visitor center.  At least this is my understanding.

[SkierBob]

This information is from the wrong forest but I've heard of similar permits on other forest.


Sand, Gravel, and Decorative Rock Permits may be obtained from various pre-approved areas on the Forest with a personal use permit. These permits are free, however, material may only be removed from specific areas.

Permits are not generally required for non-commercial personal use (recreational) metal detecting, rock collecting (hounding), gold panning (dry wash or manual pan, not using any type of powered equipment, such as a sluice or dredge).

http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c4/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gjAwhwtDDw9_AI8zPwhQoY6BdkOyoCAPkATlA!/?ss=110306&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&cid=FSE_003759&navid=160110000000000&pnavid=160000000000000&ttype=main&pname=Forest%20Service%20-%20Forest%20Products%20Permits

[Nolena]

Nobody really cares if you get rocks. Get some nice actinolite while you are at it. And I didn't say any of that.

[TimG]

Thanks, everyone!