My first denial of Permission

[blackbird939]

I found what I thought was a good spot. After 2 days of inquiries and several emails, I got all the way to the correct person to speak to. Within an hour or two I got a very nice reply stating that relic hunting was not allowed in Shenandoah County on public property. The odd part of the letter states that anything found would be their property. How could anything be found if you are not digging?

My detector might stay in pristine condition forever if this keeps up.

Are you sure it's not easier to ask for forgiveness than permission?

[BuckleBoy]

Are you sure it's not easier to ask for forgiveness than permission?

GET PERMISSION!

Problem number one is that you're asking about PUBLIC lands--lands owned by towns, cities, states, or the Gov't. You'll find that you're quite likely to get a "No" on many of these lands, depending on the state you're in.

Private land is where it's at--so work on your "people skills" and get permission there. That's where the goodies are, anyhow. I've never found much worth a whit on public land.

-Buckleboy

[mastereagle22]

I agree with BB for a couple of reasons.

1. Most of the time the public land has already been detected by someone who either didn't know or didn't care to get permission. Ruining it for the rest of us.

2. A lot of private homes go undetected because people are afraid to ask permission, figure nothing is there to be found or a various number of other reasons.

You will be told NO a lot more so it is something you just have to get used to.

[blackbird939]

I said:


>
> I have been doing a lot of historical research in Shenandoah county
> and surrounding areas. Looks like there are some old barns in the
> tract which are possibly going to be torn down. I was
> wondering what the policy is for metal detecting around those barns
> might be? I would sign any waiver and pay any permit to allow me
> access. Please keep in mind that I take out any trash that I find and
> I leave the site with virtually unnoticeable evidence that anyone was
> ever even there. I see that this area is used mostly for feeding
> livestock at this point in time. I would respect the livestock and
> property as though it were my own.
>
> Thanks for your time,

I got this in return:

"Hello , and thank you for your inquiry. At this time,
Shenandoah County Parks and Recreation does not allow metal
detecting/relic hunting on county-owned property; furthermore, the
tract is a leased parcel to a farmer who does pasture his cows
at this location, and the property is not open to the public. This
tract will be developed into a park in the future and will also be part
of the Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park. Any items
found on the property fall under the ownership of Shenandoah County and
would be interpreted as part of the park's history and become part of a
permanent collection.

There is an old barn and old house on the property, neither of which are
in good condition. The barn is already partially collapsed and the
house is extremely deteriorated.

I appreciate your inquiry and hope this answers your questions. Good
luck with your continued research."

[BuckleBoy]

You could word a second letter and offer your services to help them build their "permanent collection" of artifacts for display.  That would be my next approach.  Sounds like you got a "no" but not a stern "No."  You might see what this type of letter, and giving them your contact number would do. 

Tell them that if the land ever becomes open to the public--instead of being leased--in its progression from farm field to "park," that they can feel free to contact you.  That'd still potentially be some great hunting--whether or not you got to keep anything, and you could leave the letter open-ended.  If they call, they call.

Keep this letter VERY lighthearted in tone.

Regards,


Buckleboy