Is It Illegal To Take Sand Home From Michigan Beaches?

Every time I visit the beach in Holland or Grand Haven with my wife Lindsey we have a great time taking in the beauty of Lake Michigan and it's beaches.

I always end up taking some of the beach home with me with sand getting in my butt crack and crocs.

While there's no sand police making sure I shake it all off, I sometimes wonder if you're allowed to scoop some sand up and take it home.

Is It Illegal To Take Sand Home From Michigan Beaches?

In Michigan, the rules regarding the removal of sand from beaches are specific and vary depending on the location and purpose of the removal.

For public beaches, Michigan law permits individuals to collect up to 25 pounds of sand, rocks, minerals, or invertebrate fossils per year for personal use.

This regulation applies to state-managed lands, such as state parks and dunes, and aims to prevent significant environmental impact while allowing visitors to take small keepsakes home.

However, this collection must not involve commercial purposes, and exceeding the legal limit can result in fines up to $500 and expulsion from the park.

On private property, the removal of sand is contingent upon the consent of the property owner.

If the beach is privately owned, you must seek permission from the landowner before taking any sand.

Unauthorized removal from private property is generally considered illegal.

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In designated Sand Dune Areas and Critical Dune Areas, which are protected under Michigan law, the removal of sand is highly regulated.

These areas require a permit from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) for any sand removal activities intended for mining, construction, or protection of structures.

The permit process ensures that such activities do not adversely affect the environment or public trust.

Additionally, for inland lakes and streams, a permit is required for placing sand in the water to create swim areas, as this can impact local ecosystems by eliminating aquatic vegetation and reducing water quality.

If you follow these rules you should be good to go without breaking any laws.