Urgent Call to Action!!! There is a situation in Mason City, Iowa

[Tom_in_CA]

Jeff, thanx for the update.

And I suppose that some people would see this new "permit" system that evolved out of this, as a happy ending. Ie.: "better to have a low cost permit, than no detecting at all". But the devil is always in the details when "permits" come into the picture:

a) they are invariably riddled with silly things like "yes but you can't dig", or "sand boxes only", or "digger tool shal not exceed 4"", or "no within 20 ft. of any tree", or "turn in all finds to city hall", blah blah blah

b) The mere fact that it is now something with a "permit" needed, means that it is up for PERPETUAL REVIEW always ever-more hereafter (at annual meetings where they review all their fees, etc....). And then sure as heck, at some point in the future, it gets revoked altogether. Because some future pencil pusher is thinking "gee, do we really want all these yahoos out there digging in the park?". Why ? Because it's always there for their "pressing attention".

Thus "permits" are rarely a good thing. Much better if it is simply silent on the subject, not addressed either way.

 

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[jeff of pa]

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Good news! Because of the overwhelming support of the detecting community in contacting the Mason City, Iowa parks department about the proposed ban on metal detecting, progress had been made.
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Flood buyout lands are restricted, and they are working on rules for a yearly metal detecting permit.​

That is all that can be confirmed at this time. More information will be posted as it becomes available.​

The following excerpt is from the minutes of the Mason City Parks & Recreation meeting held on October 13th, 2015:​

“New Business Metal Detectors – discussion – Flood buyouts are restricted due to Grant Agreements. Board unanimously agreed to have Mr. Easley & Mr. Binnebose work with Bill S. & Bob B. to write up a yearly Permit (rules) that anyone doing metal detecting on City Property will have to apply for. That will give the City acknowledgement of who will be doing so.”​

The full minutes are available at: Mason City, Iowa - Official Website​

To all those who responded to the Call to Action, and contacted the city regarding this issue, the Task Force thanks you for your support.​

Together we can make a difference!​

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