Metal Detecting In Louisiana?

You Should Know The Law

Metal detecting in Louisiana 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 Below is the expanded definition of the above ARPA law as it pertains to Louisiana.

Code Book: Louisiana Revised Statutes Citation: §41:1603 through §41:1604 Section Title: Archeological Resources: Division of Archeology; state archeologist Summary:

Creates the Division of Archeology in the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism. Creates the position of state archeologist, who shall serve as director of the division. Directs the division to promulgate reasonable rules and regulations concerning the recovery and study of historic and prehistoric archeological remains that relate to the inhabitants, prehistory, history, government or culture, in, on or under any of the lands belonging to the state, including the tidelands, submerged lands and the bed of the sea within the jurisdiction of the state. Includes in the definition of such remains: all prehistoric and historic American Indian or aboriginal campsites; dwellings, habitation sites, burial grounds and archeological sites of every character; all historic sites, objects and buildings; all sunken or abandoned ships and wrecks of the sea or rivers, or any part of the content thereof; all treasure embedded in the earth or underwater; and all maps, records, documents, books, artifacts and implements of culture that relate to such archeological remains. Directs the division also to undertake the following functions: maintain the state archeological site files; function as legal custodian for all archeological artifacts and objects of antiquity that have been recovered from state lands or donated from private lands, except those donated to the Louisiana State Museum or the Office of Parks; implement a program of activities that will make available to the public information about the historic and prehistoric resources of the state; serve as the archeological advisory source for all state agencies by assisting them in evaluating any potential impact of their projects on archeological resources; administer those portions of the National Historic Preservation Act relative to archeology; advise the secretary of the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism and the state historic preservation officer on matters affecting archeology; administer an archeological grants program; and implement for the state the federal Abandoned Shipwrecks Act.

Metal Detecting In Louisiana As Well As Underwater Activity

Primary Topic: Archeological Activities Secondary Topic: Underwater Archeological Activity Primary Topic: State Historic Preservation Entities Secondary Topic:

Remember, there are no laws that specifically state that you cannot metal detect in Louisiana. However, if you wish to metal detect in Louisiana you need to follow these laws about digging and removal of artifacts.

State Archeologist / Archeology Program

Code Book: Louisiana Revised Statutes Citation: §41:1610 Section Title: Archeological Resources: prohibited excavations Summary:

Metal Detecting In Louisiana? Always Ask For Permission

Prohibits a person, without the consent of the owner, from entering or attempting to enter upon the lands of another with intent to injure, disfigure, remove, excavate, damage, take, dig into or destroy any sites or artifacts addressed by §41:1604. Primary Topic: Archeological Activities Secondary Topic: Violation / Penalty / Enforcement Code Book: Louisiana Revised Statutes Citation: §41:1611 Section Title: Archeological Resources: public cooperation; private lands Summary:

Encourages every individual to notify the Division of Archeology at least ninety days prior to knowingly disfiguring, removing, excavating, damaging, taking, digging into or destroying any prehistoric or historic archeological site, American Indian or aboriginal campsites, mounds, artifacts, burials, ruins, historic structures or other archeological remains located in or under any private land within the state and to allow professional supervision of such activities by the division. Primary Topic: Archeological Activities Secondary Topic: Private Funds Private Property

If you plan on getting a permit to metal detect in Louisiana, GOOD LUCK.

Code Book: Louisiana Revised Statutes Citation: §41:1612 Section Title: Archeological Resources: injunctive relief Summary:

Authorizes the attorney general, in the name of the state, or any citizen of the state to bring an action in any court of competent jurisdiction for restraining orders and injunctive relief to restrain and enjoin violations or threatened violations of this chapter regarding archeological resources and for the return of items taken in violation thereof. Requires that such actions shall be brought either in the parish of East Baton Rouge or in the parish

in which the activity sought to be restrained is alleged to be taking place or from which the items were taken. Primary Topic: Archeological Activities Secondary Topic: Metal Detecting in Louisiana Or Any Type Of Treasure Hunting Activity, Follow The Law.

Violation / Penalty / Enforcement

Code Book: Louisiana Revised Statutes Citation: §41:1613 Section Title: Archeological Resources: state cooperation Summary:

Directs the chief administrative officers of all state agencies to cooperate with and assist the Division of Archeology, the secretary of the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism and the attorney general in carrying out the purposes and intent of this chapter. Directs all state and local law enforcement agencies to assist in enforcing this chapter.

Primary Topic: Archeological Activities Secondary Topic: Violation / Penalty / Enforcement

Code Book: Louisiana Revised Statutes Citation: §41:1614 Section Title: Archeological Resources: penalties Summary:

If you are metal detecting in Louisiana and you break this law you can be punished. Please Read Below.

Declares that a person is guilty of a misdemeanor who violates the provisions of this chapter regarding archeological resources and, upon conviction, shall be punished by a fine of not more than $500 or imprisonment for not more than thirty days, or both, with each day of continued violation constituting a separate offense. Primary Topic: Archeological Activities Secondary Topic: Violation / Penalty / Enforcement Code Book: Louisiana House of Representatives, Regular Session 1997 Citation: House Concurrent Resolution No. 47 Section Title: Ancient Mounds Heritage Area and Trails Advisory Commission Summary:

Creates the Ancient Mounds Heritage Area and Trails Advisory Commission to be composed of: four members appointed by the governor who live in the northeast and central areas of the state and who have demonstrated a sincere interest in the subject; the assistant secretary of the Office of State Parks or a designee; the assistant secretary of the Office of Tourism or a designee; the director of the Bureau of Indian Affairs; the state archeologist; and the secretary of the Department of Transportation and Development or a designee. Declares that creation of the commission will facilitate and encourage voluntary participation of private landowners, local and state business leaders, local and state governmental officials, and archeologists to develop fully the potential of the Ancient Mounds Heritage Area and Trails as a cultural, recreational and educational attraction and to enhance the development of tourism in the state. Declares that creation of the commission will establish a means to identify the monumental archeological sites within the ancient mounds heritage area, recognize the significance of those sites and designate historic trails to link, interpret and enjoy the sites. Directs the commission to study, make recommendations and advise the governor and the legislature on appropriate measures with regard to the development of the Ancient Mounds Heritage Area and Trails as a cultural, recreational and educational attraction to help preserve Louisiana’s prehistoric patrimony and to understand the state’s heritage better in order to enhance the development of tourism.

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

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

Especially if you are on any State Lands.

If you are metal detecting in Louisiana on private property, then be sure you have written permission from the landowner.

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

I cannot be responsible for any outdated laws from the time of this posting.