[meteorite-list] Confirmed September 2012 BLM Regulations.

From: hall at meteorhall.com <hall_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Thu, 7 Feb 2013 16:00:12 -0500
Message-ID: <331a5f7cfb79a8c48a597b516889c51d.squirrel_at_emailmg.ipage.com>

   Just how does the casual collecting of meteorites differ from the
casual collecting of gold? Gold is selling for over $1,600.00 per troy
ounce, far more then most meteorites sell for. There are many thousands
of causal gold hunters. Both gold and meteorites are difficult to find.
Why should the regulations be different?
   The United States science community stands to lose, not gain, from the
new regulations. Before the new regulations, anyone finding a 25 lb.
meteorite on our Federal lands (as a very few have) would want a
classification of said meteorite. That may no longer happen.
   Now, if the BLM had come to a positive approach to sharing meteorites
over a ten lb. limit, say, as an example, split between the finder and
the BLM, which could then supply the Smithsonian (or other appropriate
museum) with the BLM's half. The finder could then do as they please
with their share. The Smithsonian would get the meteorites classified,
they would be happy, the meteorite hunters would be happy (at least
much happier then with the current regulations). The meteorite finder
would no longer have to pay for a classification, though they could if
they so desired. Good regulations work for both our government and the
people of the United States!
   Perhaps the IMCA should contact the Gold Prospectors Association of
America, to find out how to stop unfair regulations before they are set
in stone.
What the meteorite collectors and hunters need, alas, is a lawyer to take
the BLM to court.
Regards, Fred Hall








> Date: Wed, 6 Feb 2013 10:48:27 -0800 (GMT-08:00)
> Subject: Fw: Meteorite Instructional Memo
>
> Hi All,
>
> In the process of planning new collecting trips in Arizona, Utah and
> Nevada, I confirmed with BLM the latest regulations concerning the
> collection of meteorites on Federal Land. (Private property and State
> owned land are subject to different law and regulations.). The attached
> message has a link to the current, nationally implimented, Federal
> regulations sent to me by Dan Erbes, Nevada Lands Manager, Carson City,
> Nevada - BLM.
>
> Metal detectors and magnets are an allowable device for aid in the casual
> collecting of meteorites. A limit of ten pounds PER PERSON annually. I was
> told that if you find a thirty pound individual, or individuals, just make
> sure you have three people involved. Permits are available for scientific
> collection and commercial activities. Amendments have already been
> discussed, but not approved, to take care of the obvious unworkability of
> some aspects of the commercial permit regs, especailly the fee based on
> the estimated value of the land to be hunted.
>
> http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/info/regulations/Instruction_Memos_and_Bulletins/national_instruction/2012/IM_2012-182.html
>
> Good hunting,
>
> Count Deiro
> IMCA 3536
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Received on Thu 07 Feb 2013 04:00:12 PM PST