The day has finally come....

[JimmyCT]

My City ran an article in the local paper explaining the adopted rules for all our parks. There was language already on the books, but they really clarified with this adoption. Sure enough they are now cracking down on park "damaging" offenders. So sad, as I have hunted in these parks for many, many years. I am sure the idiot up on the Federal Green with his metal detector had something to do with this. I am driving to work one morning and see this young kid, ( in his 20's) using a full-size shovel on our Federal Green. If I wasn't already late for work, I would of spun my car around and gave him a stern lecture. As I look in my side mirror, I see him jumping up on the shovel to cut a gigantic hole in the lawn. Perception folks that is all can say and now my city is another statistic of this growing trend. Time to find another hobby. This is the second city / town lost for me.

Adopted by City Council on 11/10/2015
Effective date 11/27/15

Encroachments. No person shall in any way alter, damage, remove or
deface any facility, feature, vegetation, man-made object or equipment in a
park; nor erect or store personal property, plant vegetation or deposit debris
or refuse in a park or extend any use on adjacent property to park property.
(2) Excavation. No person shall remove or dig up any dirt, stones, rock or
anything whatsoever; make any excavation, quarry any stone, or lay or set
off any blast, or cause or assist in doing any of such things, within any park.

 

[Southwind]

And this is why I tell people not to argue when someone tells you to leave even if it is public property.

A real shame!

 

[togg77]

Another example of why"World's Dumbest" is my fav tv show.It reinforces my belief that many people should be on chain gangs.

 

[bootyhoundpa]

There goes the neighborhood !! Sorry for your loss of privileges. ..

 

[D&P-OR]

Jim------Aren't you from Louisville?----I was thinking you said they closed all the parks to metal detecting there a couple years or so ago.-----In any case---remind me never to move to your area!---Sounds like they are paranoid & overly fussy.-----These clowns going into parks & certain other areas with shovels aren't helping our cause/hobby one bit either.----Even without turf damage---perception is everything.------I've "preached" proper target recovery for so many years & for the most part to no avail.-----The problem is: the very ones that need to hear it (and learn) never do.-----And it's "killing" this great hobby---we're loosing hunt areas every day because of the careless actions of a few.----------Del

 

[sprchng]

If you google search the quote you get Bristol , Ct. Who in the world wants to lives there?
The quote never mentions a single word about metal detecting. Push back ......... go detecting!!!

 

[JimmyCT]

Hi Del,
I am in Bristol, Connecticut. I hear you on "perception." Others may take risks to still hunt our local parks but not me. I do not need this type of aggravation / threat of arrest. Couple years back (couple towns over) I was threatened by the responding officer that should I return to the location, I would be placed under arrest. So so sad to see this happening all over the country.

Jim------Aren't you from Louisville?----I was thinking you said they closed all the parks to metal detecting there a couple years or so ago.-----In any case---remind me never to move to your area!---Sounds like they are paranoid & overly fussy.-----These clowns going into parks & certain other areas with shovels aren't helping our cause/hobby one bit either.----Even without turf damage---perception is everything.------I've "preached" proper target recovery for so many years & for the most part to no avail.-----The problem is: the very ones that need to hear it (and learn) never do.-----And it's "killing" this great hobby---we're loosing hunt areas every day because of the careless actions of a few.----------Del

 

[mrwilburino]

Sounds like pretty standard park rules that probably most cities have in one form or another. They were likely put it place to deter vandals, garbage dumpers, homeless squatters, midnight landscapers, and those who would tear the heck out of historic sites looking for something valuable. Not really aimed at the average weekend hobbyist looking for coins and jewelry, but gives the law enforcement officer justification to give someone the boot if they're being a knucklehead........ or, as sometimes happens, if the leo is being a knucklehead. We have those same rules in place where I hunt. Never had an issue with police, park workers or rangers. Even in areas where a permit is (unfortunately) required I've been asked to show it and everything was fine. Until the law specifically says "No Metal Detecting," I'll be swinging my coil.

 

[Phillip_in_NM]

Might be just the push you need to start knocking on doors and hunting private property. I'd much rather get an occasional "No" from a property owner and make some really cool finds than detect elbow to elbow in the parks in an increasingly cashless society.

It is so easy, so addicting and so productive. Right now, I'm guessing I get permission 85-90% of the time. I still do the occasional park, but only when I've seen a big event there recently or when I visit small towns.

 

[GroundScanner]

Sorry to hear this happen Jim. You can always comes up my way and we can go to a few places here. GS

 

[sprchng]

Hi Del,
I am in Bristol, Connecticut. I hear you on "perception." Others may take risks to still hunt our local parks but not me. I do not need this type of aggravation / threat of arrest. Couple years back (couple towns over) I was threatened by the responding officer that should I return to the location, I would be placed under arrest. So so sad to see this happening all over the country.


----------


Fear is paralyzing and courage is liberating. No matter what is put in front of you, there is always a way to make it work.

Dreams are just dreams, goals are dreams with deadlines. The desire to succeed comes from within. Stay focused on your goals, and if people say that you can’t do something, get them out of your life and move on.



*******
To me , your post and your tag line are in conflict.

 

[JimmyCT]

sprchng,

I see where you are coming from however this isn't fear/ courage, this is me not wanting to pay a $90.00 fine. New management has taken over the parks and they are looking to create a poster child. No thanks, I'm good. Also, when an officer of the law explains that the next time around they will arrest me for damaging town property, I take that as a hint. Hope you have a nice Thanksgiving.

Fear is paralyzing and courage is liberating. No matter what is put in front of you, there is always a way to make it work.

Dreams are just dreams, goals are dreams with deadlines. The desire to succeed comes from within. Stay focused on your goals, and if people say that you can’t do something, get them out of your life and move on.



*******
To me , your post and your tag line are in conflict.

 

[GeorgeinSC]

I have noticed that there is always some one that will tell you to go ahead and break the law. Of course it isn't them paying the fine if You get caught.

Get a fine and Lose your detector Etc.

In my area of South Carolina there is one county that does not allow detecting in any of their parks. Except for the beach in front of three of their parks. The State says the Beach is Public and the city, County have no control over detecting on the beaches. One City that does not allow detecting on any City Property. They spell it out quite clearly and they will definitely take $50.00 of your hard earned cash if they catch you.

 

[skookum]

Hi,
I live in Germany and while detecting is legal - digging is not unless you apply for and then buy a permit.
Even with this permit your digging area is well defined - city parks are most always out of bounds.
A person learns to live with this fact and starts looking for other places to pursue his/her hobby.
It is not as hard as it sounds.
hh
skookum

 

[sprchng]

GeorgeinSC , "They spell it out quite clearly" is all one needs to look at to determine if your post is even germane to the OP.

Perception is indeed important and , NOT detecting an area because of some nebulous wording related to various activities creates the perception to the unelected bureaucrats who pass regulations and restrictions on the masse's activities , that detectorists are a bunch of limp wristed panzy a$$e$ who will subjugate their activities at the slightest hint of resistance. It also creates the mindset that you restricted your activity because you are indeed engaged in that type of activity when you go detecting.........you are guilty of the specified "infractions" because you stopped doing what you were doing before.
As much as sloppy recovery hurts the hobby and unthinking dealers and detectorists with video cameras encourage more and more unhelpful rookies into the hobby, the detectorists who roll over to imagined authority figures , who measure their success by the number of restrictions and the amount of revenue those restrictions create , hurt the hobby more . Detectorists , by allowing their right to enjoy public land like everyone else to atrophy away from not exercising it , become easier and easier to push aside.

If you are afraid of being unjustly accused then go somewhere you know you're in the right and set the L.E.O. up with a video. Defeat them in the courts .
Win one for the hobby!!

 

[GeorgeinSC]

You are more than welcome to come to South Carolina and detect in those county parks that have "NO METAL DETECTING" signs at the entrance. I will watch as you get arrested and after your argument with the Police I will watch them take you to jail.

You many have the financial wherewithal to pay an Attorney tens of thousands of dollars to defend "Your Right" to metal detect those parks but I am just an Old Poor Retired Sailor and I can not even afford the $50.00 dollar fine.

Like I said come on to South Carolina. I will watch. after I Make Certain that you will be observed by proper authorities while violating the law.
Then you can hire that attorney and see what happens when you get to court.

 

[sprchng]

George
Clearly you don't understand the difference between a nebulous , boilerplate generalized statement like:

"Encroachments. No person shall in any way alter, damage, remove or
deface any facility, feature, vegetation, man-made object or equipment in a
park; nor erect or store personal property, plant vegetation or deposit debris
or refuse in a park or extend any use on adjacent property to park property.
(2) Excavation. No person shall remove or dig up any dirt, stones, rock or
anything whatsoever; make any excavation, quarry any stone, or lay or set
off any blast, or cause or assist in doing any of such things, within any park"

which no where even inferes the act of metal detecting and a specific law making an act illegal and resulting in a sign that says NO METAL DETECTING.
BTW , have you taken the time to see if that sign is actually codified? If it is , check the wording to see if it REALLY prohibits the activity. Almost all city ordinances are available on-line now.

We have nearly the exact same wording in our city and county ordinances and detecting is essentially , wherever you want within the hours the parks are open.
They even have a specific section controlling "geo caching" if you can believe that!!! Do you think if they are going to make a regulation applying to something of that nature , that they wouldn't also mention detecting.

Inferring a ban on detecting from the above wording is a sad mistake that will give the city of Bristol nothing but latitude if it's not challenged. If they want to ban detecting at least make them say it officially. Cooked frogs anyone?

 

[Elton]

I'm with you fine SIRS........... " No person shall remove or dig up any dirt, stones, rock or
anything whatsoever; make any excavation, quarry any stone, "

Sounds like it would cover digging items we all detect. So if one ignores those rules..Their asking to be arrested.
Of course some people do not feel the law/rules is in place for them to honor..it is for someone else. It couldn't possibly mean them..
I guess that is why we have courts and judges. .. for people who ignore, and break local ordinances..and or rules.

 

[sprchng]

All I can say do is attempt to speak your language
BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!

 

[GeorgeinSC]

When I know folks that have gone on those properties in the City of Charleston SC and been fined $50.00 for metal detecting. Yes it is the Law and it is on the books.

My problem with Sir is that you are urging other to break the law but are you actually violating laws so that You can make a point with a Judge. I seriously doubt that you are.

End of Conversation.