Legal definition for "damaging grass"

[CalReg]

I have been in contact with the local city parks and recreation director regarding MD'ing in parks in the city I live. Her response was "metal detecting in this city is officially illegal". When I asked her what law states that, she pointed me in the direction of the local municipal code. Within that code, there is NOTHING that says using a metal detector is illegal, but what she added was that "damaging the grass" was a municipal code violation. I guess digging is illegal (I'm thinking using a large shovel), but what if the digging is done in a thoughtful manner (a plug done with a hand trowel) where the grass can recover, and there is little if any evidence that I even dug a hole when I'm finished? What happens if people playing a sport that requires cleats (soccer, baseball, etc), dig up the grass? Wouldn't they in theory be in violation of the municipal code? Sorry for the rant, but I'm trying to do the right thing. If I need to buy a permit and pay a fee, fine, I'm willing to do that, but if there is no law against using a metal detector, I'm at a loss for words...

 

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[A2coins]

Then when are they going to ban dogs in parks. You pay for these parks with your Tax dollars I had a park maintenance person tell me the same 3 times I contacted the Uo f M police and the person in Charge of the Arboretum where I detect he gave me written permission Police said there was nothing illegal about it. She doesnt have a clue what shes talking about IMO.

 

[Digger_O'Dell]

There's many towns and municipalities in my area of SE Wisconsin that ban detecting either outright, or veiled by the "disturbed grass" routine. I agree that the latter is the one that really burns me too.
So many people I've also contacted about this a while back had the same response about detecting. But they always backpedaled when asked about activities like sports, or even walking on the grass that are technically illegal by their definition.
In Milwaukee for example, the code reads that anyone that disturbs the grass, trees, plants, etc etc...is guilty of valdalism... unless a permit is acquired. ( this is in reference to construction projects actually) Theres even a specific ban on picking fallen fruits...its crazy.
Yet, many people detect these parks without issue, and I've even chatted with several police over the years without a problem. The only issues I've ever had were isolated to one specific park manager who kicked me out of "his" park, and one school teacher who was grossly misinformed about what detecting entailed and wanted to stay that way.

 

[CalReg]

There's many towns and municipalities in my area of SE Wisconsin that ban detecting either outright, or veiled by the "disturbed grass" routine. I agree that the latter is the one that really burns me too.
So many people I've also contacted about this a while back had the same response about detecting. But they always backpedaled when asked about activities like sports, or even walking on the grass that are technically illegal by their definition.
In Milwaukee for example, the code reads that anyone that disturbs the grass, trees, plants, etc etc...is guilty of valdalism... unless a permit is acquired. ( this is in reference to construction projects actually) Theres even a specific ban on picking fallen fruits...its crazy.
Yet, many people detect these parks without issue, and I've even chatted with several police over the years without a problem. The only issues I've ever had were isolated to one specific park manager who kicked me out of "his" park, and one school teacher who was grossly misinformed about what detecting entailed and wanted to stay that way.

It's kind of like laws against making turns with your car and not using your signal light, or tinted windows on the driver side. They are both illegal, but are rarely if ever cited. Frustrating...

 

[MPRVVA1]

I was detecting in a town in SE Minnesota when someone called the police. A cop came and told me apologetically that someone had complained about hurting the grass. I had not even dug yet. I pointed to the untouched grass and he said, " I know". But he said he would give me a ticket for damaging public property if I didn't leave. Oh well. Won't be back there or spend any money there.

 

[Samanthy]

Maybe the best time to go hunt in the parks is when there is rioting going on! Don’t have to worry about cops and the criminals are busy looting stores ! Just a thought....