Metal Detecting In Idaho?

You Should Know The Law

Metal detecting in Idaho follows the ARPA (Archeological Resources Preservation Act).

Please click on the link below for the ARPA explanation and some of the problems people face who break this law.

ARPA and You

In addition to the above ARPA law, the State of Idaho also follows the strict ruling of the 1966 "National Historic Preservation Act", which states:

"The National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) was enacted in 1966 to protect the Nation’s historical resources from increasing development and expansion pressures by establishing a comprehensive national historic preservation policy. It defines historic properties to encompass a broad interpretation of American history and acknowledges significance at all levels, not just nationally. Furthermore, historic properties are now understood and appreciated as part of—not isolated from—the landscape in which they belong. Implementation of this act is mainly through 36 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part 63, Determinations of Eligibility for Inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places, and 36 CFR part 800, Protection of Historic Properties. The regulations that implement the NHPA and their accompanying guidance documents formulate a proactive national policy on historic preservation. It specifically directs federal government agencies to take historic preservation into account in planning their initiatives and actions. Thus, the federal government is now a full partner and a leader in historic preservation."

MAJOR PROVISIONS OF THE NATIONAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION ACT

"The NHPA defines historic preservation as “the protection, rehabilitation, restoration and reconstruction of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects significant in American history, architecture, archaeology, or culture.”

As confusing as the above laws may seem, if you are metal detecting in Idaho?

Do not dig anything that you believe is an artifact, or anything that is older than 100 years.

Especially if you are on BLM land or any State Lands.

If you want to detect on private property, then be sure you get written permission from the landowner.

For metal detecting in Idaho town, village and city parks, you'll need to check with those local officials.

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Ghost Towns also exist in the east.

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