Federal Metal Detecting

Federal Metal Detecting Rules

National Parks: prohibited. National Forests: varies by district. ARPA protects archaeological sites.

National Parks: metal detecting prohibited except designated beaches. Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA) prohibits disturbing artifacts on federal land - felony with significant fines. National Forests: policies vary by forest/district - some allow in designated areas. BLM lands: check local office - some areas allow non-archaeological detecting. Army Corps lands: some beaches/recreation areas allow. Fill all holes, respect closures.