PA Rules and Regulations

[KoenigPain]

Does anyone have a resource for detecting in Pennsylvania? I understand through the grapevine that State Parks and State Gamelands are off limits for our hobby. There are a couple of ghost towns within a 90 mile radius of where I live that have been gobbled up by the woods with only foundations visible. The sad part is, these now fall under State Game land auspices.

In my research to try and find this myself, I have found that other states are not as militant in keeping MDs out of the State Parks. I guess Michigan is a good example.

I am looking for some on-line documentation to verify what it/isn’t permitted in the Commonwealth of PA.

Thanks!

[KenPa]

I wish I could tell you what the actual laws are but I hunt a state park in Pa. but I went and got permission from the Park Manager first. He said that technicaly you are not allowed to dig but as long as I didn't leave any holes or do any serious damage it was ok with him. He also said that if they see someone detecting that did not ask they will chase them. He gave me a business card and said if anyone questioned me to show them his card. The Manager did specify that there would be no detecting from Memorial day to Labor day because that was there busy season. I think it would be best to go to the park office as I did and ask first. Good luck

[KoenigPain]

Ken,

Thanks. That is an excellent idea. Just out of curiosity, did you contact him via phone or in person?

What part of the state are you in? I am just outside of Harrisburg myself.

[KenPa]

I went there in person. I think it's better that way. I'm in eastern Pa. between allentown and Easton. The park I'm talking about is Beltzville State park in Lehighton. Good Luck

Here are two good examples of replies I have recieved with just an email

Yes, metal detecting is permitted in the park.

There are some basic guidelines that must be followed.

No holes may be dug that would damage any vegetation. It is recommended that an instrument such as a screwdriver or ice pick be used to uncover items.

Metal detecting on the beaches is not permitted during the hours that they are open to swimming.

Any found items of significant value should be turned in to the park office or ranger staff as found property. If the park staff are unable to locate the true owner the item will be returned to the finder.

Any objects that may be of an historical artifact must be turned in to the park office or ranger staff.

If you have any further questions, please let me know.

Dorothy M. Krupa
Assistant Park Manager
Presque Isle State Park

and

Forest Service policy does not prohibit the use of metal detectors.
However, the excavation and/or removal of any prehistoric, historic, or
archaeological resource is prohibited by the 1906 Antiquities Act. Some
examples of LEGAL activities include, collecting contemporary coins,
jewelery, and other metal objects that are less than 50 years old. A
special use permit from the Forest is required for mineral or archaelogical
surveys, or searching for treasure. I hope this answers your question and
let me know if you need further assistance.

Greg Bickings
Information Asisstant
Bradford Ranger District
814-362-4613

The latter was from the Allegheny National Forest. I always refer to MDing as RESPONSIBLE metal detecting when corresponding with these offices.
Hope this helps some.

HJ

[KoenigPain]

Excellent. Thanks for following up HJ. It looks like there is hope that you can hunt on the State Parks after checking with the local park rangers. In conjunction with these replies in the affirmative, did you have other park rangers that said responsible MD’ing is not permitted? Also, if you don’t mind, I would love to see a sample of the email you sent to get an affirmative answer. There might be another buzzword or two in there besides “responsible” that gets the request green lighted.

Have you had any similar dealings with anyone regarding the State Game Lands? I believe these are patrolled by wardens and would imagine that they report to a bureaucratic office in Harrisburg.

No problem at all on the follow up. I am a newbie here, therefore I typically don't have alot to offer as far as advice. Glad it helped.

I am on my work computer right now, but I sent the Presque Isle email from here. It was short and sweet and as follows.

I just wanted to check to see if there were any park regulations concerning responsible metal detecting. Are you even allowed to detect in the park? I have seen detectoristsin the park in the past, I just wanted to make absoloutely sure. I do understand the limitations of the Antiquities Act.

Thanks very much in advance,

That's all it took and I got a response in 15 minutes. I hunted Presque Isle yesterday. The other letter was sent from home, I will post it later if you like.

As far as State Game Lands are concerned I am not sure. I have heard in the past that the Game Commision is the most powerful law enforcement entity in the state, and I'm sure that there is burearocracy involved. But I also do geocaching and there are plenty of caches hidden in SGLs. I'd give it a shot.

HJ

[Harry(PA)]

Hey Guys;

You are allowed to metal detect in all Pennsylvania State Parks.

However each park has it's own manager and he makes all decisions & rulles for his park. Some have no metal detecting, some have certain hours, others allow detecting during normal park hours with no restrictions. There are too many different rules so to protect your butt please go to the office and check in.

You must go to the park office and check in so they know you are there. You will also be required to fill out a form and register with the park office. Some will require you to have your copy of the form on your person if the Ranger asks to see it.

If you want to water hunt the swimming areas you better make darn sure you stop in the office and register. These areas especially have restrictions in most State Parks.

One reason I know is that I live here in PA and I do metal detect in these state parks.

Harry Niemeyer - President
Mid-Atlantic Chapter - FMDAC

P/S
If someone tells you different just remember it is your equipment & vehicle that they can confiscate not his.

[KoenigPain]

Thanks HJ and Harry. Sounds like sage advice.