# 43 CFR § 6302.15: When and how may I collect or disturb natural resources such as rocks and plants in wilderness areas?

> Federal · Regulations · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-43-6302.15

## Section

- **Citation:** 43 CFR § 6302.15
- **Heading:** When and how may I collect or disturb natural resources such as rocks and plants in wilderness areas?
- **Jurisdiction:** Federal
- **Kind:** Regulations
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** September 22, 2026
- **Source:** Publisher's official text
- **Location:** Title 43—Public Lands: Interior > Subtitle B—Regulations Relating to Public Lands > CHAPTER II—BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR > SUBCHAPTER F—PRESERVATION AND CONSERVATION (6000) > PART 6300—MANAGEMENT OF DESIGNATED WILDERNESS AREAS > Subpart 6302—Use of Wilderness Areas, Prohibited Acts, and Penalties > Use of Wilderness Areas

## Text

(a) You may remove or disturb natural resources for non-commercial purposes in wilderness areas, including prospecting, provided—
(1) You do it in a manner that preserves the wilderness environment, using no more than non-motorized hand tools and causing minimal surface disturbance; and
(2)(i) Your proposed activity conforms to the applicable management plan; or
(ii) You have a BLM authorization if one is required by statute or regulation.
(b) Where BLM allows campfires in a wilderness, you may gather a reasonable amount of wood for use in your campfire.

## Nearby sections

- [43 CFR § 6302.11 § 6302.11 How may I use wilderness areas?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-43-6302.11.md)
- [43 CFR § 6302.12 § 6302.12 When do I need an authorization and to pay a fee to use a wilderness area?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-43-6302.12.md)
- [43 CFR § 6302.13 § 6302.13 Where do I obtain an authorization to use a wilderness area?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-43-6302.13.md)
- [43 CFR § 6302.14 § 6302.14 What authorization do I need to climb in BLM wilderness?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-43-6302.14.md)
- [43 CFR § 6302.15 § 6302.15 When and how may I collect or disturb natural resources such as rocks and plants in wilderness areas?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-43-6302.15.md)
- [43 CFR § 6302.16 § 6302.16 When and how may I gather scientific information about resources in BLM wilderness?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-43-6302.16.md)
- [43 CFR § 6302.17 § 6302.17 When may I use a wheelchair in BLM wilderness?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-43-6302.17.md)
- [43 CFR § 6302.18 § 6302.18 How may American Indians use wilderness areas for traditional religious purposes?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-43-6302.18.md)
- [43 CFR § 6302.19 § 6302.19 When may BLM close or restrict use of wilderness areas?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-43-6302.19.md)
- [43 CFR § 6302.20 § 6302.20 What is prohibited in wilderness?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-43-6302.20.md)
- [43 CFR § 6302.30 § 6302.30 What penalties apply if I commit one or more of the prohibited acts?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-43-6302.30.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-43-6302.15. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.