The glass on Spectacle Island in Boston MA, is not allowed to be taken because Spectacle Island is controlled by the National Park Service. Removing anything "natural" from a National Park is considered a federal offense and is punishable by law. Spectacle Island actually has signs posted and rangers monitoring the beaches. :(
I got into a conversation once with a ranger about how sea glass was originally man-made and therefore how could it be considered natural when it's basically trash that nature has thrown around for a while? (I'm an avid collector).
The consensus also seems to be that the glass and pottery on the island is very old (back to 16-1700's), considered to be of historical significance, and they want you to leave it there for future generations to enjoy.
I believe Glass Beach in CA has the same rules. Still, it does kinda suck.
Sep 02, 2011
Spectacle Island seaglass by: Pookie
The island used to be a city dump. Then they covered it with dirt and grew grass and trees. The glass comes out of the ground when it rains and washes out into the harbor and back again onto the island.
Jun 23, 2011
Spectacle Island by: Anonymous
I might add that the photos I have seen of Spectacle Island show very poor quality sea glass. It is hardly tumbled at all and barely frosted. It is basically glass shards that have been sitting in the sand and mud for awhile.
Jun 23, 2011
Boston MA by: Anonymous
Spectacle Island in Boston harbor has sea glass that you can look at and take pictures of but, NO taking the glass of the island.
Jun 10, 2011
Horror Film(insert the voice of the guy that does intros) by: K. Johnson
Sounds like an intro to a glass picker's horror film... :)
Jun 02, 2011
island by: Anonymous
is this a nightmare you are having??
Jun 02, 2011
Sea Glass Island by: Sue
Just where might that island be? And why can't any be gathered?
