Detecting on Conservation and town owned land.

[Rob L]

Hi all. I thought I'd let you know what is going on in N central MA. I Went to the town hall in a small town to inquire about metal detecting a couple of fields that have a sign on them saying that the conservation comm, owns the land and it is monitered. I attended there meeting today to ask if I could md. They asked me a lot of questions. there were 4 people or officers there. Most were ok with it, at least it seamed that they were. One woman had concrens though. They were , If I found something valueable then what? Also ,If others saw me detecting would it bring a lot more there without asking? I explaned how I dig and they seamed ok with that. The woman that had concerns seamed to be very suspicious . Just my feeling. I told her that if they wanted they could put a stipulation on that if I found something valueable I would turn it in to them to find the owner. She smiled in a way that said she didn't believe that I would. I told her that if I wasn't honest I wouldn't be here in the first place. I gave them references of somebody that they know, that I've been detecting his property for about 10 years.They took my tele number and said they would call me. I have my doubts that they will let me detect. When I get the call I'll post what they said. the land is owned by the town and the conservation comm.

[Fire Fighter 43]

Dealing with the goverment and people that do not understand our hobby can be frustrating. I would be persistent in at least getting an answer from them one way or another.
I joined my local historical society a few years ago mainly to support what they do and to receive there news letter. I have made some good contacts through volunteering with them. I also like to mention that Im a member when asking permission from a goverment office or an organization. I let them know if I find anything of historical significance that I will work with the local society to do what is best with the find. I feel it gives me a little more credability. So maybe you can try that route. Good Luck and HH.

[plehbah]

Do they realize that the mainstays of our finds are junk and pennies?

Remind them that if they do find something, like a musketball, that it costs money to record, analyze, and conserve something like that. If they did not set aside that land as an archaeological or historic site, then they should stick to their original mandate. They do not need to think about every what if? scenario. If there is something valuable out there, like a crusty old large cent, will they need Department of Homeland Security onsite 24/7 to monitor it?

Go detecting , my son. It will keep you off of drugs and out of Satanism!

[Rob L]

Sometimes when some people get a little authority, they want to use it.