This Instruction Memorandum (IM) establishes policy governing the collection of meteorites found on [US] public lands.
Policy/Action: The policy provides guidance to managers for administering the collection of meteorites on public lands in three use categories: casual collection of small quantities without a permit; scientific and educational use by permit under the authority of the Antiquities Act; and commercial collection of meteorites through the issuance of land use permits.
Casual Collection: Meteorites may be casually collected (i.e., free and without a permit), pursuant to BLM's regulations at 43 CFR 8365.1-5. I
Scientific and Educational Use: Individuals or institutions intending to collect meteorites for scientific research or educational use must obtain an Antiquities Act permit through a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) State Office, in accordance with 43 CFR 3.
Commercial Collection:
Unless otherwise prohibited by laws, regulations, land use plans or closures, meteorites may be commercially collected by individuals possessing a land use permit issued under the authority of the Federal Lands Policy and Management Act (FLPMA). Land use permits are issued by the local BLM office in accordance with the regulations in 43 CFR 2920.
The applicant must pay an application fee, a purchase price based on either a unit price or a percentage of the fair market value of the removed material, and a reclamation fee as appropriate.
The permittee must comply with all environmental laws and regulations for surface disturbing activities on public lands.
Collection amounts allowed for commercial use are specified in the permit and are not subject to the limits (ten pounds) established for casual collection.
