What the scoop on Detecting in Town Parks? Village Greens? Etc?

[Reverend B*IKE*]

I am sure each town is different! And I will ask the proper authority.
But Seems like the playground parks are open.
But I think if your digging in a village green on Sunday you may get some Funny looks?
What about state parks? National ?

[jeff of pa]

STATE PARKS

Connecticut http://dep.state.ct.us/stateparks/



STATE OF CONNECTICUT

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

BUREAU OF OUTDOOR RECREATION, STATE PARKS DIVISION



POLICY/PROCEDURE #312 October 31, 2002

SUBJECT: METAL DETECTION - COLLECTING GUIDELINES

SECTION INDEX: I. USE OF METAL DETECTION DEVICES



I. USE OF METAL DETECTION DEVICES



The use of metal detection devices is permitted on land under the jurisdiction of the Department of Environmental Protection under the following conditions:



1. The activity shall be limited to surface collection except at beach areas where digging is permitted in sand areas devoid of vegetation. However no collecting or digging will be allowed in areas of sand dunes adjoining the beach area proper. Digging must be done by hand with all motorized devices prohibited. All holes dug must be refilled immediately before the collector leaves the site.



2. The use of metal detection devices will only be permitted when the beach is not being used by the public for other purposes.



3. Persons using a metal detector are required to use a trash apron to store all materials found. The collector may retain articles found, except items of a personal nature such as jewelry and watches, which must be turned into the manager in charge. Any material the collector does not wish to retain shall be placed in a waste receptacle.



4. No specific permit is required at this time.



5. Staff may close any area to this activity for purposes of maintaining visitor safety and/or preserving significant artifactual remains.




The use of metal detectors is prohibited at the following state park areas:



· Continental Army Hospital Memorial - West Hartford

· Dinosaur - Rocky Hill

· Ft. Griswold Battlefield - Groton

· Ft. Trumbull – New London

· Gay City – Hebron

· Gillette Castle – East Haddam (prohibition includes all of the park property adjacent to the CT River.)

· Industrial Monument – North Canaan

· Macedonia Brook – Kent

· Mashamoquet Brook – Pomfret

· Putnam Memorial - Redding

__________________________________
Pamela Aey Adams, Director

National Parks are Off limits

& A Detector in your Trunk with the Batteries in can get you arrested.

[Reverend B*IKE*]

Thanks For the prompt and accurate response!
So I guess all the rings and watches everybody finds was not found on a beach?

Now , What about town ordinaces? check locally I guess ....I will call the mayor!

[jeff of pa]

Thanks For the prompt and accurate response!
So I guess all the rings and watches everybody finds was not found on a beach?

Now , What about town ordinaces? check locally I guess ....I will call the mayor!

Do yourself as favor.

Metal detecting is not against the Law unless there is a sign.

IF the Park is not in the middle of the town square or Fenced in with a gate.

& you intend to Respect the grounds,

Don't ask. IF you feel you must.
ask someone in the park.
Grounds Keeper, or ask a cop.

This is not Legal advice.

This is how I Handle it around here.

after I found out asking people
who Think they have power like Mayors
and the Dept. of recreation
sometimes gets you a No even if there is no law

Town squares, you do need to go through the local Government.

Of course you would probably be better taking
advice from somone in your area.

[ctjed]

Many village greens are considered to be historic places which may make them off limits to MDing. If you ask local officials for permission, you may be told no, even if there is no such law exists! If you ask for specifics, you won't get an answer,but it may find its way on the agenda at the next town meeting. Check this link for some examples from Connecticut.

http://metaldetectingforum.com/showthread.php?p=140122

Damed if you do, damned if you don't.

As far as returning personal items at state parks, if there is a clear indication of ownership (high school ring with name or initials, engraved watch, or a list of missing items provided by the park ), I turn it in. If not,I keep it. Mr. Ranger Sir's wife is not getting what I found.

[Connecticut Sam]

Many great comments.