Howdy all,
A few months ago I was asked to stop detecting in one of our city parks. There are no ordinances against MDing in the parks, but it's a small town, and after talking with the park manager, some MDing will be allowed. He's working on a proposal, and I told him I'll come to the city council meeting and comment. So far, the new ordinance hasn't appeared on any of the published proposed agendas, so I may have to call and see what's up! The good that has come out of this so far, is that I've been driven off into the mountains, which is where a retired woodsman should probably be anyway. The Finds haven't been anything to get excited about, but the environment is second to none. I thought I'd share a few facts about MDing on federal lands. If everyone already knows this, I apologize.
First of all, if you're over 62 you can get a lifetime access pass for $10. A yearly pass for others costs $35, and day permits usually run $5 to $7. Around here, passes are required at trailheads, boat launches and many other day use facilities. The pass will also get the holder and 3 other passengers, and their vehicle into any (I think any) National Park - free. The pass is good for US Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management lands. It's a super deal. For more information, just google USFS senior pass.
I've read posts in the past that said you can't MD on USFS land, and this just isn't true. There is a huge difference between National Parks and lands managed by the Forest Service. On USFS and BLM land, the land is open to MDing unless 1) otherwise signed, and or 2) sites of historical significance are involved. In the latter case, the federal archeological and cultural laws kick in. (I guess I can see where some states may have large tract of federal land off limits because of the many civil war battles that were fought there.) If archeological or cultural items are found, you're supposed to stop digging and notify the USFS/BLM. I also read a USFS publication that mentioned 50 years old as a starting point for archeological significance, but the item must also be significant to the value of the site. Coins and Jewelery, regardless of their age, have no archeological significance on a developed recreational site. (This from a conversation with the local USFS office.) For the most part, sites where MDing is not wanted are posted, but that's not true in all cases. I know of 2 sites on the local forest that are listed on the National Register of Historic Sites, and they are not posted. I just stay away from these sites. I should probably stop rambling before I stick my foot in my mouth. Try googling 'metal detecting on USFS land'. If you do google, don't go to the forums and listen to people like me for your decision. Anything you read should be put out by the US Department of Agriculture. On our local forest, I've talked to a lot of people driving USFS vehicles, and so for nothing even close to negative. There's a lot of potential out there - but it may not be for everyone.
