Is it legal to take rocks/boulders from public land?

Question

Just looking for a few for my landscaping, but too cheap to buy.

Answer 1

To Julie.........The key word here is "PUBLIC"
the other key word is"GOVERNMENT" That would be the citizens of the country. US! as in WE as in U.S. as in United States. That gives us some enaliable rights with that title. Just as the First Amendment gives you the right to think we are "ALL " stealing!!! and to say such........

I suppose it depends on the state and ordinances of the state, city and counties. Everyone does it. Especially from the roadside.
I have even had the sheriff's department watch me and nothing was said or done. It's called "Public"
Here is the way I see it. If you are allowed to hunt on public land and in the national forests then you should be able to take a few rocks. Which is more import the animals taken or the rocks?
I'm not a lawyer but I'll just bet as long as you aren't dredging the rivers or backhoeing a rock pile no one will say anything and if they did you would probably win in court. After all "You are "John Q. Public". I even take them off of the roads where the state dumps them for country roads.
Good Luck in you quest for rocks!

I have a couple of links you might want to reas.
public land
http://education.yahoo.com/reference/encyclopedia/entry?id=38854
in U.S. history, land owned by the federal government but not reserved for any special purpose, e.g., for a park or a military reservation. Public land is also called land in the...... public domain............( I think this is key) public domain is just that and we are the public.
Except in Texas

Public Domain
http://www.answers.com/topic/public-domain?cat=biz-fin

Earth Justice
http://www.earthjustice.org/our_work/issues/public_lands/
1. All lands and waters in the possession of the United States, and all lands owned by the several states, as distinguished from lands possessed by private individuals or corporations.
Approximately one third of all the land in the U.S. is managed by the federal government, theoretically for the use and benefit of all the public. Too often, however, it is managed for the benefit of private interests, which have little if any concern for the public or for the future, causing pollution, erosion, and other problems.

Answer 2

I take rocks from roadsides, but it is illegal to remove anything from public or private parks. That includes lakes and nature trails. But country road sides, I don't think anyone cares. At least I hope not ;)

No one is a "cheapskate", Julie. Have you priced landscape rocks? If there is a rock laying on the side of the road , I'm not talking boulder, then it is fair game. It's not like I take them from someplace they are needed. I'm sure no one else does either.

Answer 3

Yes, it is illegal.

If you are looking for free rocks, try talking to a local farmer. Around here they have to clear rocks out of their fields every year, as they are always surfacing through tilling and planting and such. They'd probably be happy to pass them on. If you don't know any farmers, try your local farmer's market. The people there are usually very friendly and helpful!

Answer 4

If you take anything from public land, it is in fact stealing. The article is owned by the government and as a result, those who pay taxes.

The chances that anyone will be prosecuted for taking a couple of rocks from the roadside are pretty slim, but if you remove rocks, plants, etc. from state or national park land, the fines can be pretty steep.

Taking rocks and boulders can destabilize the grade in fragile areas, so it's not a good idea.. it can also be dangerous.

Don't be a cheapskate- buy your rocks from a quarry or a dealer. Besides, I, as a taxpayer own part of those rocks- and I do not give you permission to take my portion of the rock for your own personal gain!

Answer 5

yes if its from national parks and state and city parks and such but you could go to homes under contruction and ask if they will give you leftover landscaping rock. I knew a lady who landscaped her yard this way

Answer 6

The question isn't are you able to plant a blind, that is are you able to plant in any respect. right here in PA you are able to no longer. yet, while you at the instant are not easily caught planting it, no thank you to teach you probably did it. No regulation against "looking" a great place interior the fall.

Answer 7

We went down to the bridge where they repaved it and took a bunch of the rocks they laid down so we could put it in the pond. But yea I believe its illegal.

Answer 8

I think so, when my family goes down to texas, we always get some of the swiss cheese limestone, because its good for aquariums, it buffs the ph and the holes provide hididng spots for the fish

Answer 9

well in different states its different i mean there are rocks everywhere so i dont see why it would be illegal it just depends what state your in and where

Answer 10

i hope not because thats how i created my rock garden.