Beachgoers risk $1,000 Fines for this popular activity—"15-Pound" Rule doesn’t always apply
- Replies 0
You might think you're just taking home a pretty souvenir—but it could cost you.
State park rangers in California are cracking down on beachgoers who collect sea glass and stones.
Despite common confusion, this isn’t a harmless hobby everywhere.
In protected areas, it’s illegal—and fines can hit $1,000.
California State Parks says the issue comes down to preservation.
“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,” a spokesperson told KRON.
Visitors are urged to “leave no trace,” meaning no agates, no glass, no souvenirs. “We encourage and generally do not promote the collection or removal of natural resources, including items like agate or sea glass, from park lands.”
The rule especially applies at iconic spots like Glass Beach in Mendocino County, where signs now warn against taking anything.
Though it might seem minor, rangers say the act of collecting depletes natural beauty that belongs to everyone.
“Disturbance or destruction of these resources is strictly forbidden as they are protected by federal and state laws,” the agency said. The public is instead told to “take only pictures and memories.”
There are places where limited collecting is allowed—like Agate Beach in Humboldt County.
State law lets visitors take up to 15 pounds of “mineral material” per day at designated locations. But there are strict boundaries:
no tools beyond gold pans, and absolutely no commercial use. The rule is clear: if it’s for profit, it’s prohibited.
Even locals are pushing back against the crackdown. “It is perfectly legal to collect here in Fort Bragg and there is no ticketing going on,” said Captain Cass Forrington of the Sea Glass Museum.
He told SFGATE, “Everything saying it is illegal is a lie put out by the city and park rangers.”
Officials disagree, with one parks superintendent clarifying, “Sea glass should not be removed from the site” and doing so could result in a citation.
Read next:
Would you pay $1,000 for a handful of sea glass? Should California draw clearer lines between what’s legal and what’s not? Drop your thoughts in the comments—we want to hear if you've ever brought home a banned beach souvenir.
State park rangers in California are cracking down on beachgoers who collect sea glass and stones.
Despite common confusion, this isn’t a harmless hobby everywhere.
In protected areas, it’s illegal—and fines can hit $1,000.
California State Parks says the issue comes down to preservation.
“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,” a spokesperson told KRON.
Visitors are urged to “leave no trace,” meaning no agates, no glass, no souvenirs. “We encourage and generally do not promote the collection or removal of natural resources, including items like agate or sea glass, from park lands.”
The rule especially applies at iconic spots like Glass Beach in Mendocino County, where signs now warn against taking anything.
Though it might seem minor, rangers say the act of collecting depletes natural beauty that belongs to everyone.
“Disturbance or destruction of these resources is strictly forbidden as they are protected by federal and state laws,” the agency said. The public is instead told to “take only pictures and memories.”
There are places where limited collecting is allowed—like Agate Beach in Humboldt County.
State law lets visitors take up to 15 pounds of “mineral material” per day at designated locations. But there are strict boundaries:
no tools beyond gold pans, and absolutely no commercial use. The rule is clear: if it’s for profit, it’s prohibited.
Even locals are pushing back against the crackdown. “It is perfectly legal to collect here in Fort Bragg and there is no ticketing going on,” said Captain Cass Forrington of the Sea Glass Museum.
He told SFGATE, “Everything saying it is illegal is a lie put out by the city and park rangers.”
Officials disagree, with one parks superintendent clarifying, “Sea glass should not be removed from the site” and doing so could result in a citation.
Read next:
- Avoid a financial nightmare: This couple's $14,100 fine reveals a shocking rule you didn't know
- Avoid a $250 fine! The high-tech parking crackdown that could cost you
