Permits & rules
BLM vs Forest Service in Utah
Both are federal. They do not share a collecting memo. BLM ordinary ground starts from casual use. National forest ground runs on Forest Service policy instead: forest Service policy generally allows small amounts of rocks and minerals to be collected for personal, noncommercial use on most national forest land without a permit. There is no forest-wide weight limit; some forests define “small amounts” more tightly. Check the local forest and ranger district, current closures, and wilderness or other special areas before you collect. The BLM 25-pound numbers do not carry over, and commercial collecting needs authorization (36 CFR 261.9 still bars removing natural features without it).
Dixie, Fishlake, Manti-La Sal, Uinta-Wasatch-Cache, and Ashley each have districts. A ridge can change agencies with no sign you will notice from the truck. Southern Utah version: Dixie National Forest vs BLM.
Informational only — not legal advice. Confirm with the managing agency before you dig or hunt.