Q.  I was interested in finding out if the use of metal detectors are allowed within the parks?

A.

I.

It is the policy of the Orange County Parks and Recreation Division that any use of a metal detector by a patron on park property be registered and approved prior to the physical action of metal detecting.  Approval will be given by the Site Supervisor only after the individual who intends to utilize a metal detector has completed the required application form.

II.
PROCEDURE

1. Patron receives a copy of the Application and Policy.  Patron completes Application.
2. Patron submits completed Application.
3. Site Supervisor reviews Application within 14-days of receipt.
4. In the event of a request at any site considered a Partnership property, the Supervisor must contact and receive prior approval from said agency prior to continuing with the process outlined here.
5. Site Supervisor approves the application if it is complete and contacts the user to notify of approval.
6. Agreements expire one-year from the date of issue.  Unless a new Agreement is submitted, the patron will be denied use of a metal detector from any date following expiration of the Agreement.  

Metal Detecting Conditions

• Metal detecting activities should not contribute to trail-blazing and should not be conducted in prohibited areas or areas where activity is discouraged (wetlands, environmentally-sensitive areas, archaeological sites, areas of historical significance or within any facility or structure).
• When metal detecting, the surrounding environment shall not be disturbed.  The cutting of vegetation is prohibited.
• No tools other than a metal detector shall be used.  This includes any digging device.  If an item is discovered deeper than six-inches into soil substrate, said item cannot be recovered.
• Any holes created must be refilled immediately.  Failure to comply with this condition will result in the revocation of the approved user agreement.
• Metal detecting shall be conducted in patron-use areas only and all park structures shall be utilized appropriately during any search.
• Any actions that result in the harassment, endangerment, or death of any wildlife constitute grounds for immediate termination of the Agreement.
• Metal detecting must take place within known park boundaries and cannot be conducted within 1,000 feet of neighboring houses or commercial industries adjacent to park perimeters.
• Metal detecting must take place during established park operating hours.
• All local regulations and ordinances must be followed while metal detecting.
• All Orange County Parks and Recreation Rules and Regulations must be followed.
• Metal detecting is prohibited in construction areas.
• Metal detecting may not be permitted in partnership properties or lands not owned by Orange County.  Approval is contingent upon secondary approval from the principle agency.
• If physical signs of activity are impacting an approved location, management has the right to request that metal detecting activity cease in this area.
• Any person(s) found in violation of the above conditions may be restricted from metal detecting for up to one-year (1) at any Orange County Park or Recreation Site.

Orange County Parks and Recreation is not liable for any damage to personal metal detectors from weather, vandalism, natural disaster, etc. or management activities conducted by the County or its contractors.