Metal Detecting in TN wildlife management areas

[Jonathan James]

I have recently stumbled onto some old maps that show several homesteads located inside a wildlife management area near my home. I scouted the area and found a set of stone pillars with an old road in between them. None of the old homesites I believe are still standing and I did not take the time to locate them. Instead I figured that I better try to gain permission from the TWRA before devoting too much time on this venture. Needless to say, I contacted the TWRA office and spoke with the area manager on this matter. I gave him the spill on our code of ethics and assured him that no visible damage will be left and even offered that if any significant relics were found that I would donate them to our county historical society.

The answer was NO. He stated that there would be a conflict of our natural resources.

He stated that no metal detecting is allowed in any Tennessee wildlife management areas.

[TN_MD]

I have recently stumbled onto some old maps that show several homesteads located inside a wildlife management area near my home. I scouted the area and found a set of stone pillars with an old road in between them. None of the old homesites I believe are still standing and I did not take the time to locate them. Instead I figured that I better try to gain permission from the TWRA before devoting too much time on this venture. Needless to say, I contacted the TWRA office and spoke with the area manager on this matter. I gave him the spill on our code of ethics and assured him that no visible damage will be left and even offered that if any significant relics were found that I would donate them to our county historical society.

The answer was NO. He stated that there would be a conflict of our natural resources.

He stated that no metal detecting is allowed in any Tennessee wildlife management areas.

it is not listed on the web site http://www.state.tn.us/twra/
i don't see where any MD is going to do any more damage than an ATV does. and they are allowed.
I will do some further research.
Karl

[Jonathan James]

I could not find the law myself, but have to take into consideration that "the man" was being honest with me.

[CWnut]

here's all it sez about it-------


WMA Property Conservation
No person shall damage or remove any trees or other plants, dirt, gravel or sod from any Wildlife Management Area or other Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency-controlled lands without specific authorization.

[TN_MD]

So again we are left up to getting permission,

I still don't see where metal detecting will leave any more damage than horse back riding or atv trails. IMHO.

Karl

I will write the director an email here in the next few weeks and see what he says.

[Jonathan James]

I was told by the area manager that detecting inside the boundaries of the questioned property was not permitted PERIOD. He stated that it was a "conflict of our natural resources". Whatever you can get from that.

But would really like to know why there are a set of stone columns in the middle of the woods.

I will try and go back and get a few pictures ASAP.

[TN_MD]

plz do would like to see the pics.

Karl