Massachusetts Metal Detecting Laws

If you`re planning a scavenger hunt vacation, then Nickerson State Park should be at the top of your list. The campsite consists of more than 400 yurts and chalets. This, of course, makes it perfect for a metal detection weekend. And trust us, you`ll need a weekend. The park covers nearly 2000 hectares. At each stage, a new possibility of metal detection arises. If you`re lucky, you might even dig up something left behind by the area`s first settlers in the 1600s. Revere Beach is located about 5 miles north of downtown Boston. This beach has a long history. In 1875, a railway link was built nearby. The southern end of the beach has strong tides, so you can look for newly stranded or newly discovered objects here. Check the area after storms and in the evening when people leave. The area is usually not too crowded on weekdays, so it is perfect for exploring! Almost everywhere you go in Maryland, you`ll need a permit before you can use your metal detector to search for hidden objects.

State law prohibits metal detection by individuals in state parks, with the exception of public swimming beaches — and even then, you`ll need to ask permission. Cities and counties usually require you to ask permission before searching on their property. And of course, you should never detect metal on private property without permission. Metal detectors are not approved for use in North Carolina state parks unless they are used to locate personal property. In this case, the user of the metal detector must be accompanied by a park staff member. This regulation does not apply to North Carolina`s ocean parks. The main law governing metal detection in Massachusetts is the National Historic Preservation Act. This law prohibits the extraction on state land of objects suspected of being 100 years old or more. Nickerson State Park is located in Brewster. This is a great place to look for campsites. I found amazing treasures in metal detection in campsites.

People drop all kinds of objects while camping. Nickerson State Park is a 1900-acre park with over 400 campgrounds. The area is filled with forest trails and ponds. Be sure to speak to the park attendant before testing for metals to make sure you are approved. The Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 contributes to the potential illegality of metal detection in North Carolina. The law states that you can`t dig up anything you have reason to believe is an artifact or something that looks more than 100 years old. Since the age of an object or the identification of an object as an artifact is also subject to interpretation, extreme caution is recommended when excavating objects from metal detection. The best metal detector for soil type in Massachusetts is the Minelab Equinox 800 (check it out here on Amazon!).

This machine is loaded with technical specifications and interesting features. The best and most distinctive feature of this device is that it offers a multi-frequency mode. This makes it a very efficient, sensitive and stable machine. Metal Research Tip: Belt pockets are one of the most convenient tools for a detector. Use one to keep those dirty finds safe while keeping dirt out of your pockets. A belt bag is practical, lightweight, insulated and above all an effective tool in your treasure hunting arsenal. For more good advice, see this article: metaldetectingtips.com/metal-detecting-tips/ City of Gloucester: Chapter 13 – Article II. Articles 13.5 to 23. Use of electronic metal detectors. No person shall use an electronic metal detector in a public park or recreational facility unless the property is displayed with that permission or permission is granted in writing by the Superintendent. The County retains ownership of all of the following items discovered or located on this property: human or animal remains over 100 years old; items valued at more than one thousand dollars ($1,000.00); and artifacts over 50 years old, unless ownership is assigned in writing by the Director.

Revised source June 1, 2010 – Meeting of the Board of Supervisors Always check with local city or village officials before making a decision. Keep in mind that private property is exempt from federal and state law. They can only be used for metal detection on public or private land. You only need written permission from the landlord or tenant to detect metal on private property. Newport News:Chapter 29 – Article II. General regulations for parks, squares, beaches, golf courses, etc.* §§ 29-49. No person may use an electronic metal detector in a recreational facility without first obtaining written permission from the Superintendent, with the exception of the sandy portion of the beaches of Huntington Park, Anderson Park and King-Lincoln Park. (This Code does not apply to parks, recreation and tourism employees who work in an official capacity.) Several forests in Massachusetts are excellent areas for metal detection, including Barnstable, Berkley, Erving, Georgetown-Rowley, Ludlow, and Pittsfield. Metal detection at historic sites is strictly prohibited. This is the case in most parts of the United States. You cannot discover metal on historic battlefields, historic farms, historic parks, monuments, monuments, graves or historic beaches without permission (which is rarely granted in some areas).

Contact state park officials for permission if you want to spot metal on the state`s swimming beaches. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources allows metal detection on all beaches in the state except Point Lookout and Calvert Cliffs. But first you need to get permission from the officials on the beach you want to search. While you can then use a metal detector during normal parking hours for most of the year, metal detection is prohibited on beaches between 9am and dusk. Park officials also have the discretion to suspend metal detection at other times, such as: at public events and festivals. Williamsburg: Chapter 13 Parks and Recreation – „Article III. Ordinances §§ 13-117. (f) No person shall appropriate, excavate, injure, excavate, remove or destroy ruins, monuments or historic areas or ancient objects situated in a recreational facility, and no person shall use any type of electronic metal detector on park grounds without the prior written permission of the Superintendent of Parks and Recreation. If convicted, these tracking devices will be confiscated for the benefit of the city and may be confiscated by an official as confiscated, and if they are necessary for historical purposes, these devices must be dedicated for this purpose. The state of Massachusetts is stricter about its metal detection rules, so I made sure to call each park ahead of time and speak to the park superintendent to get permission to detect metals.

See the section later in the article for details of metal detection laws in the state. First, let`s start with my seven favorite parks in the state where I got permission to detect metal. There are hundreds of metal detection clubs in the United States. Some of them are located in the state of Massachusetts. There are many benefits to joining a metal detection club. You can get information about the hobby, including the laws and rules associated with it. You can get help choosing a metal detector and other equipment. Alabama Code Title 41 – State Government Chapter 3 – Aboriginal Mounds, Earthworks and Other Antiquities Section 41-3-1 Reservation of the State`s Exclusive Right and Privilege to Explore, Excavate or Study Aboriginal Mounds, Earthworks, Burial Sites, etc.; State ownership of objects found or found therein. The State of Alabama reserves the exclusive right and privilege, through its authorized officers, agents or employees, to explore, excavate or survey any Native American mounds and other antiquities, earthworks, ancient or historic forts and burial sites in the State of Alabama, subject to the rights of the owner of the land on which such antiquities are located. for agricultural, domestic or industrial purposes, and the property of the State is hereby expressly declared in all objects therein or may be therein.

Article 41-3-2 Non-residents may not explore or excavate remains or take away government objects, etc. found therein. No person who is not a resident of the State of Alabama, personally or through an agent or employee or any other person acting on his behalf, may explore or excavate the remains described in Article 41(3)(1) or take away or send from the State any objects discovered therein or that may be removed or found in the vicinity. Article 41-3-3 Exploration or excavation of remains shall not be carried out without the consent of the owner of the land and shall not damage crops, houses, etc. No exploration or excavation may be carried out on these remains without the consent of the owner of the first existing and preserved property, unless such work is carried out in such a way that no crops, houses or improvements on the adjacent property or any part of these remains are damaged. Article 41 (3-4) Exploration or excavation with a view to not destroying, damaging or despoiling; Restoration of remains after explorations or excavations. No exploration or excavation shall be carried out which destroys, disfigures or permanently injures these remains; and after such explorations or excavations, they must be restored to a state identical or similar to that before such explorations or excavations.