National Forest treasure

[Nocturnal]

As we've all heard and I'm sure the people here can understand perfectly, loose lips sink ships. I'll try to be as clear as possible while giving away as little as possible. If you need more info than given below, just say so and I'll provide what I can.

I've seen several posts regarding metal detecting/treasure hunting in national/state parks/forests. The general concensus seems to be that metal detecting is usually forbidden and digging always is. I've done a little research on the General Mining Law of 1872 and mining claims on locatable minerals on public domain land. Some park land is public domain and some is acquired domain. From what I've found it seems that metal detecting and digging aren't allowed but if a mine were found nonintrusively it would be possible to acquire a claim if it's on public domain land.

I also read a section of law which now I can't locate. The gist of it was that the supervisors and caretakers of federal/state land are required to report any treasure finds over 50 years old. Private individuals finding caches and relics on public or private land are basically requested, but not required to stop excavation and wait for archaeologists and government supervision.

I know of one National Park that actually gives instructions and regulations for mining and filing claims on National Forest land. I haven't found any others that even seem to imply that they allow any sort of treasure hunting.

Rather than asking for general laws, I'm looking for resources that would give me additional info. Any amendments to the General Mining Law that would affect national forests or a guideline of where to look for state laws regarding treasure hunting activities in a National forest. I will talk to the ranger in person when I get there but I prefer to wait until then to avoid piquing any local interest before I have to chance myself.

My area of interest is in a National Forest but not part of a state or national park, a wild and scenic river, or a wildlife area, if that makes any difference.

Before any real work begins I will have a lawyer check and make sure all my bases are covered. I'm just trying to get a preliminary idea of how many hoops I'll have to jump through.

I applogize for not providing more detail, but I'm sure you understand why I can't.

 

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[Jeffro]

I dig and hunt in the national forest all the time. As you have already stated, it is the National historic parks that you would need to be careful.


It would depend on the scope of your project. If you are talking about anything more than a shovel and hand digging, it would be wise to check into permits, etc. You will probably have a few hoops to jump through, including posting a reclamation bond.

Best place to start would be to check land status and go from there. See which agencies you'll need to deal with.

http://www.geocommunicator.gov/NILS-PARCEL2/map.jsp?MAP=MC

Under "base maps" on the right, you'll see "surface management agency". Click the button next to it, and zoom in on the map to your area of interest. Its a place to start, any ways.


If the site is anywhere near water, you may have to deal with state agencies as well. Fish and wildlife, DEQ, and DSL all want to know whats going on here in Oregon, even if it is federal land.


If you want to be a little more specific without giving away too much, PM me and I'll try and help as best I can.

 

[Nocturnal]

Thanks for the link! It's proven to be an excellent resource and I'm sure I will use it often.

Here's what I found: Half of the potential area is federal land, half is private. About a fourth of the federal land is acquired domain, the rest is public.

Now to solve the problem of approaching a land owner with the possibility that his land could be worth millions and I want it. Anyone have thoughts on how to survey legally and negotiate shared profits or offer to buy without the land owner knowing why?

Hopefully it will turn out to be on the federal land....

 

[Jeffro]

Wouldn't worry too much about surveying, a good topo map is usually pretty accurate. Check the legal land description of the private property and plot it out by hand, thats what I usually do.

Look for the 15 minute quadrangle topo of the area you are interested in.

As far as approaching the land owner, perhaps using a real estate agent would be the best way to go? Don't give out any info, just say you are interested in purchasing this particular lot and what a good offer would be.


I would say however, that you should really narrow down where you want to dig first, if its at all possible. Even 20 acres is a pretty hefty chunk to tackle, if you don't have a precise location.

 

[Nocturnal]

Narrowing down my search is what I meant by surveying. I have fairly decent clues as to where to look so I will know exactly where to dig before I start. The area I'll be searching is a few miles long and I definitely don't want to dig that many holes!

I think you're right that the real estate agent would probably be the best bet if I do end up purchasing a plot of land. I live a few states away and that would probably simplify the process and allow me to buy it without making constant trips there.

Thanks for the helpful replies. They've helped get some new wheels turning in my head.

 

[Jeffro]

Good deal, glad I could help out a bit. Best of luck!