Hello everyone,
I am a little confused about the precise legality of fossil hunting with the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation area.
I have collected fossils here numerous times in the past, and have never had any issues in the past. However, it has recently come to my attention that are now plenty of laws restricting the collecting of fossils. So I have done my research, and that has only resulted in a great deal of confusion.
So I have encountered a great number of online webpages that state that fossil hunting along road-cuts is illegal. I have personally done this in the past, specifically along Mullholland highway, and have never had any issues. I am aware that fossil hunting along the road is a safety issue, and can contribute to rock slides. But what about collecting along hiking trails?
When I read the official law code in Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, I did not encounter any prohibitions about collecting fossils with the park boundaries. But perhaps I did not encounter the correct clause.
Does anyone have any input/advice? Thank you in advance.