California State Parks doesn't want you collecting sea glass or agates at the beach
Although the state has a rich history of rockhounding, and allows beachgoers to collect a limited amount of rocks or minerals per day, California State Parks is encouraging the public to 'leave no trace.'
'California State Parks' mission is centered on the protection of the state's natural and cultural resources for the enjoyment of current and future generations,' California State Parks told KRON4. 'As such, we encourage visitors to 'leave no trace,' and generally do not promote the collection or removal of natural resources, including items like agate or sea glass, from park lands.'
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Rockhounding regulations, which are listed on the California State Parks website, permit collecting up to 15 pounds of 'mineral material' per day, at approved locations.
'Tools and equipment may not be used in rockhounding, except gold pans,' the California State Parks website reads. 'Rocks or minerals gathered may not be sold or used commercially for the production of profit. One person may gather no more than 15 pounds of mineral material per day. Historic and prehistoric or archeological specimens may not be gathered. In state recreation areas, rockhounding is limited to beaches which lie within the jurisdiction of the department and within the wave action zone on lakes, bays, reservoirs, or on the ocean, and to the beaches or gravel bars which are subject to annual flooding on streams.'
Although rockhounding is promoted at specific California State Parks beaches, like Agate Beach in Humboldt County, the hobby is strictly prohibited at protected sites like Glass Beach in Mendocino County. A spokesperson with California State Parks told KRON4 that the department does not recommend any specific beaches for collecting agates or sea glass.
'State Parks cannot recommend any beaches for finding sea glass or agate hunting as the natural scenery are integral parts of the ecosystem and natural community,' the State Parks spokesperson said. 'Disturbance or destruction of these resources is strictly forbidden as they are protected by federal and state laws. The department encourages the public to take only pictures and memories.'
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California State Parks manages 280 parks, 5,200 miles of trails, 15,000 campsites and more than 11,000 known prehistoric and historic archaeological sites. More than 68 million people visit California's State Parks annually.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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