permits

[higrade]

what agencies do I need to get permits from to recover lost and abandonded property in a fresh water lake ? Its a moderately big job or i would just go get it.

 

[wildgoose]

Depends where it's at and who owns the lake bottom. Here in Illinois the State has laid claim on all Lake Michigan lake bottom. There's been fights that they lost (Lady Elgin), but it's still hard. I'm in the real estate division of the county and the ownership of the property is what determines who you need to talk to.

 

[scubadetector]

It really depends on what state your in.

Here in Michigan EVERYTHING in the great lakes is protected. You can take anything out of the St. Clair River between two of them though because they consider it international waters. The inland lakes are a different story altogether. Although state parks and the lakes are open. Each homeowner OWNS a pie shaped piece of land to the center of the lake. So if I go into the water at the state park and dive along the dropoff or edge in someones backyard, I am technically on their property. However I have NEVER been bothered, and I don't feel I need to ask permission. Boaters can use the top but the homeowner owns the bottom, it is strange.

Contact your state if you feel you must. BUT give general questions. Don't tell them you found a safe, they will either claim it or tax you to death!!