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Dear Ms. Garrett, Most of the BLM lands in Southern California are part of the California Desert Conservation Area (CDCA). While much of the CDCA is open to use of metal detectors, many of the areas that may be attractive to history buffs are also "historic properties" and may have overlying protective measures. For example, much of the BLM managed desert land in Riverside County is part of the World War II era Desert Training Center and removal of artifacts, though less than 100 years old, is prohibited. That said, that only leaves the scattered parcels of public land in the middle of the Coachella Valley (and outside the Coachella Valley Preserve) as generally open to use of metal detectors. Before scouting these lands, one should be sure to acquire one of our maps and make sure of the ownership. These scattered parcels are unfortunately often used for dumping and target shooting, so they would not be very attractive for metal detecting (or maybe very attractive!). I am also forwarding your message to our archaeologist, Wanda Raschkow. She has the latest information on rules and regulations for cultural resources on public lands. You may also want to look at the following website, which has information on our cultural resources program: http://www.blm.gov/heritage/use_pdf_manu.htm I would emphasize that each BLM office will have different resources and information on where and where not to use metal detectors. Our response will not be the same as another office in a different area. Thank you for your interest in the public lands and please contact us if you have additional questions. Greg Hill
-- Hi Greg: You don't know me, but I am the person whom Brian Coppinger
of the UK asked for assistance in where he could lawfully use a metal
detector in the Palm Springs, California and Las Vegas areas. I have
copied below both his request for information to you and your response,
which we in the hobby appreciate very much. Metal detectors are sometimes used to look for historic artifacts. Historic artifacts are protected on all federal and state lands. Metal detectors are strictly prohibited in all National Parks (and all areas managed by the NPS), National Wildlife Refuges, and State Parks. Metal detectors may be used on public lands managed by the US Forest Service and the BLM, but may not be used in or around historic sites, archaeological sites, or other areas as posted, or to look for historic artifacts. Typically, public use of metal detectors is ok in campgrounds and picnic areas to look for lost coins, jewelry, or other recent items. But you must remember, all items over 50 years old are protected under federal (and state) law and cannot be removed from their original sites. There are many Treasure Magazines and books that fail to mention that taking artifacts from public lands is against the law (and has been for nearly 100 years). Most people enjoy using metal detectors at public beaches where they can find lots of recently lost coins. Metal detectors can also be used to search for natural minerals, gold, etc., but that is pretty difficult. Anywhere that gold was found, and mined, is generally private land which was claimed by miners from the government years ago. Most of the gold mining sites around Julian are all on private land. There have been extreme cases of the land owners shooting at visitors that looked as though they were "prospecting" on their property. Finding new gold deposits on public land is very rare. If you are lucky enough to find a new gold mine on public land (except in National Parks, wilderness, refuges, etc.) there is a process to file a claim. You can get more information on mining claims at any BLM office, or request the information in the mail. There are some BLM areas that have public gold panning sites, where you could still find gold, but cannot stake a claim, allowing the public to have a recreational gold mining experience. I believe the BLM Yuma, Arizona office and the BLM Folsom, California office have such areas. You can check their websites, or other BLM offices by going to the national BLM website and using the links to local offices, www.blm.gov I hope that answers some of your questions. Please give us a call for more information. Greg Hill -- Hi greg, i have visted palm springs twice in the last 5 years. i intend
coming again in september, but would like to bring my metal detector.
here in england all land is owned by somebody, meaning permission is
required to detect. Please can you advise me if there would be any land
that i could detect on in palm springs area, from springs i will be
driving to las vegas for a week.
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