Great information here gentlemen! Can see this being a great resource and possibly keep me from learning the hard way about regulations on land. Being a GPAA / LDMA member now - it will be hard to visit all the claims available out west.
I am confused about the National parks - since I thought FED LAND WAS available to pan and sluice but State parks are not. For example - there is a great historic town Halifax, NC where all ships docked since it was the furthest navigable (my own word) part of the river. Many Spanish soldiers and George Washington stopped here for a beer at the taverns and concerts. An important Temple was built here also. This area is UNTOUCHED!
Granted - they rebuilt the buildings but some are original with wood floors that still have the markings from the kegs they set down and laid wood across for a table. 1700's folks. Have been here multiple times and each time it amazes me - why? Because the regulations and red tape have blocked any progress of discovery in the culture and history of the area. - and development. As you walk down the brick road (from period) that leads to the river - the same road they carried all the cargo and town goods by carriage - cast a glance to either side and you will see wine bottles from years ago / dishes / silverware / like a 300 yr old time capsule. Oh - didn't mention the sign that says any digging will result in a 10,000 fine and jail..
Talking with the museum gal - very nice - she showed me the boundaries for this map and said NO METAL DETECTING NO DIGGING. I asked here about sponsored digs or group efforts to discover more of the history stored in the ground. She said there is no government money allocated to sustain an effort - and if those funds would be available - it would have to be a sponsored university with Master this and PHD that...I joked and said they would have plenty of money when they discover the amount of gold buried around here..WHY? Because the area was undiscovered when the colonials and Spanish camped here and there was a great flood that would rise quick and without warning every few years. Each time they would build the town further and further from the river. Which means you have a gradual timeline of relics / treasures and the same.
Now I've been keeping this place to myself for some time (though many of you may have already been) even with the 100+ locals who carry on every day life unaware to their surroundings.
In viewing google earth - you can see how this town was the furthest point for shipments from overseas...UNTIL the Railroad which then extended the boundaries of trade and made the l9cation of Halifax irrelevant.
The river has changed course and now wondering if the areas (islands) that have been formed in the river are public access and if metal detecting the bottom river bed is allowed? If you are planning a trip or live near the area - let me know and we can survey and discuss.
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Has anyone formed a group that abides by the laws but at the same time granted access to agreed area with the sole purpose of discovering items and then selling to the government all items found and the group gets paid for the work and the public gets a better understanding of life and history of that area - like in the UK? A group effort in discovering them - not one single person trying to MAKE IT RICH. They would be contracted for the government.
Instead of institutional support alone which comes with restrictions from the start.