Metal detecting tips

Where can you use your detector?
by Keith Wills, East Texas Metal Detectors Vice President fo FMDAC

National forest and federal lands - Metal detecting is not allowed! Only by special permit acquired from the federal government. Each area has a district office.

Corps of Engineer lakes, shorelines, and lands - Permission has been granted only on pre-distrurbed sites, such as beaches and attached swimming areas. New corps lakes and lands must be ok'd by main office of the Army Corps of Engineers. Each area has a district office.

State parks and lands - Some state parks are open to metal detecting, yet some are not. We suggest that you check with the Park Ranger before attempting to use your detector.

BLM - Bureau of Land Management Lands - Some areas of thier lands are open for use of metal detecting, and some are not. We suggest you contact their district office first.

City or County Park Land - Most all are open to metal detecting unless notice is given by a sign or city ordinance. This can be checked by contacting the parks and recreation department in the city you wish to use your detector.

Public school grounds - Most all are open to metal detecting [after school hours] unless notice is given by a sign, city ordinance, law enforcement, or school employee. You can check at the school office first.

Private schools, colleges and academies - Must acquire permission! You can check with their office first. Should be viewed the same as private property.

Private owned lands [private property] - Must acquire permission! Permission is best gotten from the landowner. Also it is best to have the permission in writing.

Historically marked lands or sites - Metal detecting is not allowed. This site has already met what is necessary to become historically significant and is marked so to preserve its history. Must acquire permission from owner, in special cases only.

Remember, permission is always the best way. Learn proper digging techniques and clean the area of debris, so those that follow may also get permission and won't find the same area closed to metat detecting! Be a good metal detectorist and help those that need your expertise.