Where to see this pudding boulder that was stolen from public land

Published: Friday, February 20, 2026 at 4:46 pm

Pudding Boulder Recovered, Now on Public Display

EVART, MI - A sizable "pudding boulder," a geological formation measuring nearly five feet tall and wide, has been recovered after being stolen from public land in Osceola County, Michigan. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) confiscated the boulder following a complaint from a hunter who reported its disappearance.

DNR Conservation Officer Kevin Bunce, responding to the complaint, investigated and located the boulder at a nearby residence. The resident, who had allegedly used a backhoe to move the rock approximately ten miles from its original location, claimed ignorance of the law prohibiting the removal of large rocks from public land.

The DNR, with assistance from its Forest Resources Division, subsequently confiscated the boulder. The recovered formation is now on public display in front of the DNR's Evart Field Office. DNR spokesman John Pepin noted that returning the boulder to its original location would have presented logistical challenges. The current display location allows the DNR's Forest Resources and Law Enforcement divisions to monitor the rock.

The incident highlights the regulations surrounding rock collecting in Michigan. While rock collecting is permitted, it is limited to 25 pounds per year. The case has been submitted to the Osceola County Prosecutor's Office for review.

BNN's Perspective: This incident serves as a good reminder of the importance of respecting public lands and understanding the regulations that govern their use. While the individual involved may have been unaware of the law, the act of removing a large geological feature from public land is a clear violation. The DNR's response, including the recovery and public display of the boulder, is a reasonable approach that balances enforcement with public education.

Keywords: pudding boulder, rock theft, Michigan DNR, public land, rock collecting, Osceola County, Evart, conservation, law enforcement, geological formation

Full Story