[meteorite-list] Fwd: Arizona regulations

[cdtucson at cox.net]

> 
> CD,
> 
> Are you from Arizona? Do you have experience with the desert? Even this time 
> of year it is very hazardous so follow all recommendations about desert 
> travel and preparedness.
> 
> Include in your 'all but' list: petrified wood, fossils, prehistoric 
> artifacts and historic site artifacts. Oh, and feathers or parts of all rare 
> and endangered critters. There are also some cactii and cactii parts and 
> pieces on the list.  The feds, USFS included, are really stiff on 
> enforcement and prosecution of prehistoric pot hunters and professional 
> artifact operations. Don't get caught with anything mechanical to dig with.
> 
> Having worked for US Forest Service, I have an answer but it may be dated. 
> The best bet is to call a FS office anonymously and ask what the policy is. 
> The Coronado National Forest headquarters is in Tucson. Here is the link to 
> the directory http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coronado/forest/contact/contact.shtml. 
> Call the Santa Catalina Ranger District in Tucson and just ask about rock 
> hunting, metal detecting and if you need a permit. The less specific you are 
> the better.
> 
> If a law enforcement officer checks up on you in the field, just tell him 
> you are hunting for rocks or looking for gold. Claim ignorance if he tells 
> you, you are doing something wrong. Most often the officer will stop you to 
> check for drugs or to caution you about illegal aliens and drug runners.
> 
> The USFS sells a map on a scale of 1/2" to a mile that shows FS roads, 
> campgrounds, land ownership, wilderness areas, etc.  There is also an 
> Arizona Atlas & Gazetteer which has detailed maps of the whole state of 
> Arizona. It is sold at Wal Mart, K Mart, and book stores. As a minimum, you 
> need the Gazetteer to identify Federal Lands, Indian reservations, State 
> trust lands and private land.
> 
> DO NOT get caught hunting on the Indian reservations - they are considered 
> sovereign nations and have their own laws and penalties. They will 
> confiscate your finds and equipment. They do not give out permits. Don't 
> bother to ask.
> 
> State Trust Lands have signs that say something to the effect of 'This is 
> Arizona State Trust Land. You must have a permit to be in this area.' It's 
> mostly a bluff. Stay on the roads and have a camera handy. If anyone asks, 
> just tell them you are taking pictures. A permit means you have to be a 
> rancher, land custodian, researcher or have a hunting permit. There are 
> other permits issued but it is a long and complicated process. I've lived in 
> Arizona for 35 years and have never seen an enforcement officer on State 
> Trust Lands.
> 
> CAUTION:  If you see a group of people walking single file, unless they are 
> easily identified, they are probably illegal immigrants or involved with 
> drugs: do not approach them, do not stare at them, do not take pictures, do 
> not let them see you make a cell phone call. If possible go hunting with 
> several friends. If you have a pistol - carry it. Arizona is a 
> right-to-carry state but you must have your pistol fully visible on your 
> person or in your vehicle.
> 
> Wish I was there. We're north of Tucson 160 miles at Show Low.  6000' 
> elevation in the White Mountains and dealing with lots of snow.
> 
> 
> I hope this has helped.
> 
> Be careful out there and have fun.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Barb
> 
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