Michigan

Rockhounding Regulations

General Rules

  • • State lands: 25 pounds annual limit total
  • • USFS lands: Small reasonable amount for personal use (about 10 pounds)
  • • No limits on private property with permission
  • • Hand tools only

Permits & Licenses

  • • No permits for casual collecting on federal lands
  • • State lands don't require permits for 25-pound limit
  • • Commercial collecting requires permits

Restrictions

  • • State Parks and Scientific/Natural Areas prohibit collecting
  • • Cannot collect artifacts or shipwreck materials
  • • Prohibited from historical sites
  • • National Parks prohibit all collecting

Contacts

  • • Michigan DNR: (517) 284-7275
  • • US Forest Service Eastern Region: (414) 297-3600
  • • Michigan Geological Survey: (517) 241-1548