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June 2021 |
Metal Detecting Hobby Talk News Brief
Volume 11 Number 135 |
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Support The Hobby
I would like to point out to the News Brief readers that there are a number of organizations taking on the challenge against various
types of legislation dealing with metal detecting and gold prospecting. MDHTALK's recommendation is to visit their website and
give strong consideration to joining the fight. In some cases your support may be to send emails and / or write a letter to specific
legislators or to provide funds to help with the fight. Here are the organizations and a link to their website.
Go to the Join The Fight MDHTALK Webpage to read more about each of these organizations
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MDHTALK
News Pages
U.S. & W.W. News
U.K. News
U.S. Archaeology
U.S. Legislation
W.W. Meteoritic
Other Media
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Event Calendar
June
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What is a News Brief?
The news brief provides a brief look into any news event. The intent of the news brief is to provide you, the reader, with news clips on
what was taking place in the hobby last month. To read the whole story select the Article Link or go to MDHTALK.org.
There are more news stories placed on the MDHTALK website for May the news stories listed in the MDHTALK News Brief are just a portion
of all the hobby related news reported the past month. The news Brief is now available in Adobe PDF format, there is a link at
the top of this webpage. The news brief is no longer emailed; it is only available on the MDHTALK website and can be downloaded.
The Website's featured article for this month is: Banned:
by Lee Wiese
Download this Article
- I was told in a gruff kind of way by a parks and recreation
worker to leave the park, that all parks in city were
 being
banned to metal detecting. The park employee said someone in the
past had created holes in the park ground while metal detecting
and the city had banned future use of metal detectors.
- I was told last year by a park worker that I could not metal
detect in their part. But I had called the park director before
I went and he told me it was ok. I told the park employee that
if he didn't believe me call the park director. He then said ok.
- I was told that metal detectors may be used on DNR land or
waters only for locating specific lost personal items. A special
permit is required.
- I was camping at my favorite state park for a few days. I went
metal detecting and pulled up a lot of clad, on the 2nd day I
was just filling a hole when one of the rangers came up. He
asked me what I found, I showed him, he took a pause and asked
if I had the park managers permission to metal detect. I know
the rules, I read everything about metal detecting state parks.
I have been metal detecting this park every summer for years. I
said I did not and he took another pause and said that he would
consider giving me permission to metal detect there but only at
the beach. The next day I looked in the park store and there was
a sign posted on the
 door that read "Metal Detecting is
Prohibited in this State Park and Legal Action Will Be Taken."
- I was detecting for about a half hour when a police officer
walked up and exchanged pleasantries. I said I was just
detecting for a few coins. The officer said, "I know I've been
watching you for a while, and I like what I saw. You made two
trips to the trash can and I can't tell where you have been
digging. Just wanted to say thanks, and keep doing what you are
doing. The problem is that someone from the Parks and Recreation
Program may run you off. They don't even allow tent pegs in the
ground." About a half hour later the Parks and Recreation guy
shows up and I was tossed out of the park.
- People will call the police on you just for having a detector.
You have not broken any laws or dug any unsightly holes. You are
just enjoying the hobby. The cops come over and usually say you
need to leave or just move along. Sometimes the police are open
to metal detecting and after a few questions leave you alone.
However, if a park ranger comes to check out the complaint be
prepared to leave immediately or get a ticket
These comments are because almost every state, county, city,
and town have rules / regulations that create comments like those above and
these rules / regulations put restrictions on metal detecting which result
in banning.
Metal Detecting Early Years
A very early Federal act AAA-American Antiquities Act of 1906
is a very broad Federal law that addressed historical sites. However, it had little to no impact on metal detecting before the ARPA act in 1979.
In the early years, 1950s - 1980s, there were few detectorists in the hobby and no local or state laws against metal detecting. The hobby was pretty much a
user’s choice of where and how to practice metal detecting on most public lands.
How Did Change in Law and Attitude Come About?
The change in attitude towards metal detecting started to take place with the passing of the Federal
ARPA-Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979.
This act set the stage for the establishment of federal, state and local agencies to identify and define
archaeological sites as protected and making these sites off limits to many people related activities including the hobby of metal detecting.
The Federal
NHPA-National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 as amended in 2000
was passed before the ARPA-Archaeological Resources Protection Act. The 1966 Act set in motion the requirements to identify
structures and surrounding grounds that could be or are of historical significances and should be protected for future generations of Americans.
Following are two major Federal acts were passed after ARPA:
Each of these acts are more specific in their protection of certain human remains, lands and sites.
The adoption of these five acts at the Federal Government level put in place the ability for states and local governments to
follow suit and either adopt these acts in whole as their state law or to write their own regulations and laws to complement the Federal Acts.
Examples of direct regulations against metal detecting may be worded similar to the following:
- Metal Detectors: No person shall use a metal detector or similar device on parklands, except as provided in a written permit granted by the General Manager of the District.
- It shall be unlawful to use a metal detector or similar device in any District Facility or Parkland without a permit.
- Use of a metal detector in our parks is strictly prohibited.
Examples of indirect regulations that can be applied to make metal detecting illegal may be worded similar to the following:
- Prohibited Activities Defacing or Destruction of Property: No person shall injure, deface, cut out, displace, remove, fill in,
raise, destroy, excavate, tamper, or create any disturbance to property contained within the Park whether it be natural or manmade.
- No artifact or any other organic or inorganic material may be removed from any historical area of the park.
- No artifact or any other organic or inorganic material may be removed from any area of the park, via metal detecting or any other form of excavation.
- It is our goal to provide as many positive recreational
opportunities for park visitors as possible, andthe use of metal detectors, or "treasure hunting," in the park
system is not illegal. City code does not prohibit it however, it is our obligation to protect the park's resources and to
ensure that damage to the park by visitors is minimized, and it is illegal to dig in any park area with any tool. Violators are subject to citation.
With this concept in mind, park visitors with metal detectors are welcome in the parks so long as they do not do any digging.
Park staff have been directed to politely ask treasure hunters to leave all digging tools outside of the park and to inform
them that sifting through the top few inches of sand or fir bark in play areas is acceptable so long as they do not use any tools
or inconvenience playground users. The City is, in fact, grateful for any assistance treasure hunters might render with
regard to the removal of any trash or debris they might find during their hunt.
- Treasure hunters observed digging in the park or otherwise damaging park resources will be informed that they are breaking
the law. If they continue to break the law, park staff will contact Public Safety.
Today’s Metal Detecting Situation:
 Today, the result of these five Federal acts is that more and
more local cities, towns, schools and counties are closing their public land to metal detecting. The type of regulation that is
being put in place against metal detecting can be either directly related or indirectly related to the metal detecting hobby.
Since the adoption of the ARPA-Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 archaeologist have been hired at almost
all levels of government to identify archaeological sites and to get regulations and laws passed to protect archaeological sites.
During the past 20 years this has taken place at a rapid rate in the U.S. Archaeologist have also contributed to a negative
attitude toward detectorist that has permeated all levels of government and the public at large.
Keep in mind that metal detecting hobbyist do not have a voice in Federal or State governments. There is not a strong
metal detecting association in the U.S. that can represent metal detectorists. However, there have been cases of hobby support by
local metal detecting clubs in some communities. This is rare but it does happen.
Another contributing factor is that many detectorists do not practice good target recovery methods on public
grounds. This has caused many cities, towns and counties to create laws or regulations that impact metal
detecting on non-related archaeology sites. (parks and beaches in general)
Never bring shovels, spades or any digging tool that should only be used in a garden to recover a coin target in a park.
Tools of the trade to recover a coin target are: 10 inch- ¼ inch shaft screw driver, 6-to-8-inch
knife, a drop cloth and an electronic pin pointer.
Also carry a bag or apron where you can place trash that is recovered while metal detecting.
What Can Be Done?
Manufacturers, distributors and dealers must step-up and provide hands on training for every new detector sold
before it is taken into possession much like when you purchase a fire arm. In most states to purchase a fire
arm you must first go to a class on safe and proper operation. Strong manufacture involvement is a
requirement not just a pamphlet but hands on how to practice the hobby correctly and safely. Individuals who
metal detect must take ownership for their behavior and practice
Responsible Metal Detecting while out detecting.
Responsible Metal Detecting is to:
- Know and Follow the Law.
- Gain Permission.
- Apply the Metal Detecting Code of Ethics.
- Join a Metal Detecting Club and National Metal Detecting Association.
- Understand the Potential Cultural Value of Your Find.
- Volunteer Your Services to the Hobby.
Here are links to a self-certification metal detecting class:
These small steps will not do away or improve the
current metal detecting environment in the U.S. but may slow the change that is currently taking place which is
to eliminate the use of metal detectors on public property.
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General U.S. and World Wide Hobby News
- Going to the Myrtle Beach-area beaches this summer? Here are some rules you need to know.
Article Link
- Beginner’s guide to using a metal detector.
Article Link
- Mount Pleasant woman discovers 8,000-year-old stone blade while metal detecting.
Article Link
- 7-year-old finds mystery item at North Shore beach.
Article Link
- Barnhart woman finds World War II Japanese explosive in yard.
Article Link
- These treasure hunters found an old mortar. They took it to a Nimrod, Minn., bar to show it off.
Article Link
- Old house site yields one old penny.
Article Link
- Man digs in most unlikely places to find treasures.
Article Link
- Minnesota's magnet fishers seek sunken treasure, be it antique tools or guns.
Article Link
- Lane County’s Treasure Hunters.
Article Link
- Bombshell discovery: Missouri couple finds World War II-era Japanese mortar in yard.
Article Link
- A woman who lost three rings of sentimental value on a beach in Co Kerry.
Article Link
- Iron Age treasure: Man's metal detector to be destroyed over coin theft.
Article Link
2nd Article Link
- Metal detectorists from several states hunt for history in Boyertown.
Article Link
- Stewartville teacher's new hobby leads to discovery of a piece southeastern Minnesota sports history.
Article Link
- How to use a metal detector.
Article Link
U.K. News
- Silver Medieval Seal Featuring Engraved Roman Gem Unearthed in England.
Article Link
- Stolen treasure including Roman and Viking jewellery discovered by amateur metal detectorist in Worcestershire field.
Article Link
- El Of A Find: Mystery Of $120,000 Mayan Treasure Found Under A Farm Basement.
Article Link
- Newark: 220 weapons handed in during knife crime amnesty week in Nottinghamshire.
Article Link
- Metal detectorists help police drive to crackdown on weapons.
Article Link
- Husband who lost his wedding ring while holidaying on a remote island is surprised to learn a snorkeller spotted it around the body of a mullet fish - and his wife is desperate to get it back.
Article Link
- Treasure discovered in north Shropshire 'key' to understanding region's medieval history.
Article Link
- Gang of five 'nighthawkers' are banned from metal detecting at all Britain's historic sites after raiding castles and looting priceless artefacts including gold coins and bronze axe heads.
Article Link
- Metal detecting gang who targeted Beeston Castle sentenced in court.
Article Link
- Metal detectorists fail in bid to search on council-owned land.
Article Link
- Legal-Ease: Property lines and property line markers.
Article Link
- Nighthawkers took coins from historic South Yorkshire abbey.
Article Link
- Metal detectorist discovers Bronze Age axe head near Nelson.
Article Link
- Chadwell Heath woman fined after not reporting Iron Age coin find.
Article Link
- What’s the pull? Magnet fishing proves a catch in pandemic Scotland – a photo essay.
Article Link
- 'Nationally important' 2,000 year old hoard found in Ryedale to go on public display.
Article Link
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Other News Sources
- American Digger Relic Roundup. For diggers and collectors of history. An hour long program every Monday Night at 9:00
PM eastern standard time. Join your hosts Butch Holcombe, Jeff Lubbert and Heath Jones as they explore the past. Learn more
about Metal Detecting, Treasure hunting in all it's forms, and the preservation of history.
May Pod Cast Link
- Archaeology and Metal Detecting Magazine present the BIG metal detecting podcast. A weekly show bringing all areas of history together with our guests, news and much more.
May Pod Cast Link
- Coin World - Numismatic and Coin Collecting
May News
- Garrett Searcher
April Searcher
- Gold Prospectors Assn of America (GPAA) - News on legal issues for the gold prospecting community
May News
- Mel Fisher
Salvage Update
- PLP
Press Release
- Prospecting and Mining Journal (IMCJ)
May News
- The Archaeology and Metal Detecting Magazine The Archaeology and Metal detecting magazine are one of the lead online sites in their genre. Offering multiple platforms for Archaeological, Historical and metal detecting news, articles, research areas and much more.
May News
- 1715 Fleet Society
June Newsletter
Jewelry Returns
- Returned ring sparks preservation of family history.
Article Link
- The universe works in funny ways' - Influencer reunited with lost ring.
Article Link
- Metal detecting Leeds boy, five, found lost wedding ring in overjoyed couple's anniversary year.
Article Link
W.W. Meteorite News
- Where do meteorites come from? We tracked hundreds of fireballs streaking through the sky to find out.
Article Link
- Minnesota geologists identify rare meteorite impact site in Dakota County.
Article Link
- Brilliant fireball spotted over Minnesota by doorbell cameras.
Article Link
- Asteroid warning! Space chiefs flag Earth’s defence - powerless to stop impact.
Article Link
North America Archaeology News
- Vets Help Researchers Pinpoint The Site Of The Bloodiest Battle In Texas History.
Article Link
- As Part of $3 M. Initiative, Researchers Document Ancient Murals at U.S.-Mexico Border.
Article Link
- Listen: Have aliens already visited us?
Article Link
- Archaeology project underway at historical Utah railroad town.
Article Link
- U.S. Government Seeks Forfeiture of Roman Statue That Was Allegedly En Route to Kim Kardashian.
Article Link
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Hello Friends,
Public Lands for the People (PLP) is proud to announce that Suction Dredging
will resume in most of California in a form bypassing most of the CA Fish &
Wildlife and CA Water Board's red tape! Last year PLP released its strategy for
a path for legally re-starting suction dredging in 2021. In researching that
path, we made a rather significant breakthrough. Our researchers that helped to
provide the winning arguments for PLP members in the federal Godfrey and
Osterbrink CA state court decisions have decided it's time to release to the
public the fundamental reasons why those decisions were won in our favor when
all other well-meaning miners have failed in court challenges. Both Mr. Godfrey
and Mr. Osterbrink deserve praise for standing up and successfully fighting the
CA Regional Water Quality Control Board (EPA) experts, the CA Dept. of Fish &
Wildlife, and the Forest Service to help give us that path to legally resume
suction dredging in California. The substance of this path revolves around how
the federal and state law defines pollutants and discharge along with the
intended activity. PLP is preparing to release materials that the CA Water
Quality Control Board and the CA Fish & Wildlife Service may not want you to
know about. These online materials (take 4 steps and a few minutes to perform)
along with a simple guide that can be shown to be quite effective when persons
carry out the guide, and seriously adhere to its documents and principles
outlined on the card. These materials and guidelines are not only an effective
deterrent from citation but a gold mine of legal research that has eluded many
until now. Thanks to our PLP member and donor support, our trips to Washington
D.C. have netted us an inside track to data on the environmental agencies that
we are now prepared to release to our members.
PLP believes that after a year or two it could be possible to modify this CA
Suction Dredge Guide for application in other states such as Oregon, Washington
and Idaho. Please be aware that PLP does not tout "Mining Rights" without
promoting reclamation, as there is no such thing as an unfettered right to mine
without responsibilities. Please also be aware that those misusing the CA
Suction Dredge Guide may run the risk of citation and dredge confiscation;
including those that following individuals that promote the Army Corp 404 dredge
discharge system while trying to replicate the CA Suction Dredge Guide.
PLP members who are renewing online and by mail will start receiving these new
guide cards, along with our member card and orange challenge card. PLP members
already in good standing who provide their member number can just request the
"CA Suction Dredge Guide" on the PLP info line by voice or email submission and
it will be mailed to you.
PLP can say with confidence that the agencies will never treat responsible PLP
members the same again. As you probably know, knowledge is power and a highly
effective tool against your enemies who wish to deprive you of your rights!
Join or renew today to know how to effectively and professionally counter the
agencies while making Prospecting, Mining and Reclamation Great Again!
Join/Donate | Public Lands For The People
Your PLP Board of Directors
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Metal Detecting & Gold Prospecting Events.
Now is the time to start planning and getting your club's 2021/22 hunt information on the web. The sooner it is out and available to the metal
detecting community the greater the chance for people to see it and give your event some consideration.
Select here to View the Complete Event
Add Your Event Information Here
Check out your event before going it may have been postponed or canceled.
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- June 01, 2021 (Five Days)
Scott River, California
2021 Diggers Dirt Party at Scott River
LDMA-Lost Dutchman Mining Assn
- June 05, 2021 (Two Days)
New Concord, Ohio
9th Annual Silver Seekers Open Treasure Hunt
Sponsored by Don Hayes & Ed Burke
- June 12, 2021 (One Day)
Richmond, Kentucky
Digging the Blue Grass
- June 12, 2021 (Two Days)
Galesburg, Illinois
Swing into Summer
(IITHC) llinois & Iowa Treasure Hunters Club
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- June 12, 2021 (Two Days)
Bellville, Ohio
Invitational Fossick
Ohio Buckeye Chapter of the GPAA
- June 18, 2021 (Three Days)
Athol, Idaho
49th Annual Treasure Hunt
Northwest Treasure Hunters Club
- June 18, 2021 (Three Days)
East Durham, New York
Lost Treasue Weekend
Blackthorne Resort
- June 19, 2021 (Two Days)
Tishomingo, Oklahoma
Red Dirt Treasure Shoot Out
- June 26, 2021 (Two Days)
Seymour, Indiana
Indiana Open Treasure Hunt
Wrays Treasure Shop
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