When most people think about collecting rocks and minerals, the first thing that comes to mind is a jumble of rocks along a track. You see these piles when you’re driving by on a highway or train, so their existence is pretty commonplace.
But just because everyone knows that there are rocks along railroad tracks doesn’t mean it’s legal to take them away. In fact, it’s only illegal if you try to take some from the site of a historic event or building. This article discusses what makes something historic and how you can tell if something counts as one.
It is illegal to take rocks from railroad tracks if it’s a national historic site.
- The only time it is illegal to take rocks from railroad tracks is if it’s a national historic site.
- National historic sites are protected by the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), which requires that these locations be treated with respect and protected from any damage.
- Most national historic sites are marked by signs, so you should look for them before collecting rocks. If you see one, don’t collect any railroad track rocks until you get permission from an official or representative at that location!
- You can get a permit for collecting rocks if you’re a hobbyist—not just for money or profit—but the NHPA still applies here too: Don’t take anything away from a national historic site unless you have permission from someone who works there!
It’s not illegal to take rocks from railroad tracks unless it’s a national historic site.
Most of the time, it’s not illegal to take rocks from railroad tracks. There are a couple of exceptions, though: if you have a permit or are collecting for research purposes, or if it’s on a national historic site.
Conclusion
So, you can collect rocks from railroad tracks as long as it’s not a national historic site. And if you’re worried about getting caught by the police, just call them up first and ask for permission.
