laws

[mikesand]

hey, i live in southeast bucks county and was wondering about any laws against detecting in township parks. i checked the township website and spent hours finding nothing on the subject. any help would be much appreciated.
thanks, mike

 

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[Rich in Central PA]

Hi Mike, although I am from Northumberland County, I cannot truely answer your question simply because every township/city has their own rule/ordinances for detecting.

Based on experience here in my county, public parks are permitted for detecting BUT like I said, check with the police, city hall, or your local chamber of commerce for the rules in your area..................Rich

 

[mikesand]

thanks rich, i'll give those options a try.
mike

 

[KenPa]

I can tell you Bucks county parks require a permit, there is no fee but a form you have to get from the park office.

 

[mikesand]

thanks ken. you are just talking about the parks controlled by the county right?

 

[KenPa]

Yes County parks. I don't know about any others in your area. Local parks here I have never had any problems but i have always asked first. I live in Northampton county.

 

[lawman0210]

Does Pa State offer a permit that would be good at any park in any county? If a park is small with no office do you still need a permit?

 

[KenPa]

Lawman, I don't think they have such a permit. State parks in Pa require permission from the park manager. If there is no office I don't know but I would think you would still need permission. The Pa. state parks I've been too have always given me permission but they always tell me you can't dig. I just make sure I dig very neatly. I've had a few park rangers come and ask me what I've found but never asked if I had permission. I'm not sure what to tell you about the parks with no office but if it were me I would probably try it until someone tells me differant. I always stop and read the rules that are posted, and they always say it is unlawful to disturb any vegetation. Sorry I can't answer your question any better than that.
Ken

 

[jeff of pa]

I started out asking in person, then Calling The nearest State Park office to the Park I wanted to search. They always just said Go ahead.

I finally decided to Ask.

"Do I need to call you Every time I want to go There or can I just go Do it ?"

The answer I got was.

"Just go ahead and Have at it." "Have Fun !"

Digging tools to use Were never Mentioned & I didn't Press my Luck by
asking.

The only other comment given to me was on my First
Request for permission, which was in person.

I was told There are historical sites there & there is a Chance I
may find something Historical. And he requested, that IF I do find
something Historical, He would like to see it.

Of course I doubt all DEP (Department of Enviromental Protection)
Officers think the same.