[meteorite-list] Arizona fall

From: cdtucson at cox.net <cdtucson_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Sun, 5 Jul 2009 17:44:21 -0700
Message-ID: <20090705204421.7NORH.189031.imail_at_fed1rmwml41>

Jeff, This area is overwhelmingly state land. It is fenced entirely and at every gate it is clearly posted No Trespassing and entry requires a permit. Very serious and scary signs. And lots of Border patrol in area. I would say that a border patrol passes every two minutes on all of the roads in southern AZ. If nothing else these signs keep law abiding citizens like me out. Is there a way around this? Carl

--
Carl or Debbie Esparza
IMCA 5829
Meteoritemax
---- Jeff Grossman <jgrossman at usgs.gov> wrote: 
> I am skeptical that this covers meteorites, even if a BLM employee 
> thinks it does.  Very skeptical.
> 
> jeff
> 
> Adam Hupe wrote:
> > Dear List,
> >
> > A question came up about who owns meteorites found on federal land.
> >
> > Below is a link that can be cut and pasted into a browser that discusses removal of minerals from federal land.  I was told by a BLM officer that 150 pounds can be removed a year for non-commercial/hobby purposes.  The BLM will issue free non-commercial use permits if requested. I found that they will even mail them to you free.  If you are caught removing minerals without one, the fines can be as great as $100,000.00 or a year in jail.
> >
> > If a meteorite weighs more than 150 pounds, it will have to be cut in the field and the rest recovered during subsequent years or the Smithsonian may claim it. The BLM can and will come after you if profits from any object including meteorites are taken from the sale of minerals from federal land. I was told that eBay is monitored all of time and notes taken.  I made some poor agent spend more than an hour on the phone explaining what is and isn't acceptable to them to avoid future problems.
> >
> > The good news is that you can keep the meteorites!
> >
> > I think Jack,s approach of keeping the press out of this fall is well thought out. The first thing the press will do is mention there is monetary value in meteorites and then "Gold Fever" will set in. I have seen people do strange things and come up with poorly thought out plans when "Gold Fever" takes hold. People with this affliction are usually the ones that relentlessly chase the press instead of looking for meteorites themselves. They will stab fellow hunters in the back and forget all about long-forged friendships. They are best avoided all-together. 
> >
> > Here is a link that will explain mineral laws in simple English:
> >
> > http://www.blm.gov/pgdata/etc/medialib/blm/wo/MINERALS__REALTY__AND_RESOURCE_PROTECTION_/non-energy_minerals.Par.48557.File.dat/sand.pdf
> >
> >
> > By the way, Congratulations Jack, excellent job all around!
> >
> >
> > Best Regards,
> >
> > Adam
> >
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> >
> >   
> 
> 
> -- 
> Dr. Jeffrey N. Grossman       phone: (703) 648-6184
> US Geological Survey          fax:   (703) 648-6383
> 954 National Center
> Reston, VA 20192, USA
> 
> 
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Received on Sun 05 Jul 2009 08:44:21 PM PDT