The U.S. Forest Service is considering issuing permits to pick up a rock in the forest around Aspen, Colorado. Really.
The Aspen Times reports that the Aspen/Sopris Ranger District is seeking public comments on a program to permit the collection of small amounts of rock for home decorative project with fees to cover the cost of running the program, but permits would also be required to pick up an interesting rock you might see along along the trail. Collecting rocks for commercial purposes would not be covered.
The Forest Service would regulate where rocks can be picked and how many. [right, Sabino Canyon, Coronado Nat'l Forest. My photo, 2006]
They are doing an environmental assessment of this proposal. Public comments are invited by May 1 in writing to:
Aspen/Sopris Ranger District
c/o Kevin Warner
P.O. Box 309
Carbondale, CO 81623
or to: kwarner@fs.fed.us