To Lordmarcovan...

heavymetal

If you don't mind telling, what are the legal issues regarding metal detecting along public lands. For an example, I live near the route of the old Morris Canal in NJ which had it's heyday transporting coal across Northern NJ to NYC in the 1830's and often wondered what treasures may lie buried near the partially intact canal and old mule trials and old houses still standing along the way. Is there a protocol or good practice to follow when metal detecting or is this not a real concern? Good Luck on reaching your donation target for the adventure in Ye Olde Country. HM

Morris Canal via Wikipedia

lordmarcovan

Thanks for the well wishes.

I'll bet there are goodies along that old canal!

One obvious protocol is to never go where you're not invited, without permission. Now, you asked about public lands. I don't reckon there is any hard and fast rule there- it's bound to vary by municipality and from state to state. When in doubt, ask. Sometimes it is hard to find who to ask, though. I'm fortunate here in that our city issues permits for metal detecting and they don't really care much one way or another- our city cops have been really friendly 99.9% of the time. And on county property, nobody has ever hassled me (there is no formal permit procedure for our county, as far as I know). Make some phone calls to your local government regarding public lands, to see where you stand. It might take several tries to find somebody who knows the answer. Don't forget to cultivate friendships with private property owners on land that adjoins that area, too!

You might try the forums at treasurenet.com for more detailed info- there's a good chance there are some members there from your neck of the woods (or close by) who can weigh in on that. (The Treasurenet forums are to treasure hunting what the Collectors Universe forums are to numismatics- i.e., the biggest and best Internet site for that particular interest.)