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Metal Detecting On Federal Land


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I know of a great location spot for relic hunting. The only problem is that it's on federal land. I think it's also part of a federal national park or recreation area. However, the location used to belong to my spouse's grandmother and was the place of her birth and childhood. About 50 years ago, the land was taken through imminent domain. 

Due to this family connection, is there a legal process or procedure that would allow me to metal detect there? And if so, would there be special rules concerning any finds? 

Any advice would be appreciated.

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If the land is now a park and detecting is illegal I don’t see how a past family connection would be of use legally in getting an exemption. All you can do is contact the specific land manager and give it a try. If you had specific reason to believe a family “treasure” had been purposefully concealed there for future recovery, treasure trove law might be used to prove ownership. Getting permission to do the recovery would be the fun part. 

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