Re: Permission to metal detect in Parks
kgunn, let's dissect what you're saying:
"
theres nothing stupid bout being respectful... "
Who said sandman's stance is "dis-respectful"? On the contrary, if someone checks the rules FOR THEMSELVES (as sandman advised for those who are skittish), and if they find nothing prohibiting their activity, then presto, they've been respectful. "Dis-respectful" would be if a person violated rules. And thus if you've checked the rules, and found them to be silent on the subject of metal detecting, then .... how is a person being "dis-respectful" to not grovel at city hall begging for "no's"?
"when u do somethg 'out of the ordinary...."
Sure. Metal detecting is "out of the ordinary". (draws the stares of the curious folk, etc...) I fail to understand why this means we need permission to do it (where there is no prohibitions). To me it simply means to keep a lower profile, and don't wear a big red target on yourself. I mean, for pete's sake, can't we just pick low traffic times, and avoid these lookie-lous? I mean, so too is picking one's nose odd and offensive. So what? You just be a little discreet, and no one cares when they don't see you.
"take the extra steps needed 2 preserve our ... sport"
On the contrary kgunn: it's more often those persons thinking they need sanction, permission, etc... to metal detect, that end up GETTING PLACES PUT OFF LIMITS. Then ask yourself: who's the one doing a dis-service to the hobby, in that case? I can give you multiple examples of this happening, where a place (park, school, beach, or whatever) was detected, and it was just sort of a grey area (not addresssed, or only questioned if you were being a nuisance, etc...). But then lo and behold someone takes it upon themselves to waltz in to city or county hall somewhere, and ask if they can metal detect. Sure as heck, some desk-bound clerk looks too and fro through their rule books, and decides you might harm the earthworms, or leave holes, or..... whatever. They tell you "no". Presto: rule essentially created, where none existed before your "pressing question".
