Did a very brief amount of research on this Lord (geez that sounds strange to say):
Metal Detecting Policy
Each San Juan County Park property is subject to thousands of
visitors each year, making it a challenge to manage these precious
properties. Please help prevent further degradation of these park
lands by adhering to the San Juan County Parks prohibition on
metal detecting.
Metal detecting activities are not allowed on any County
Park property.
Several of our San Juan County Parks are located on
culturally sensitive ground. Every effort must be made to
keep these archaeological sites intact and undisturbed.
Anyone observed using metal detecting equipment or digging
on County Park property will be asked to cease their activity
immediately. Those who persist will be asked to leave the
park.
If you observe someone using metal detecting equipment or
digging on
County Park property, please contact the Park
office. Photos, physical description and vehicle description, if
available, are helpful.
You may refer to San Juan County Code Title 12.08 for applicable
sections that protect the resources in our parks for the citizens of San Juan County.
Having only briefly glanced thru San Juan County Code Title 12.08 and not all the ordinances, and having briefly glanced at the Definition section of the code I would say additional research might be warranted to determine if MDing is actually
BANNED under a CODIFIED ORDINANCE or
if this is just an interpretation by a the County Park administrator? Sorry, I just don't have time to research everybody's local codes.
A couple of things I noted:
In section 12.08.020 DEFINITIONS: I did not see the term "Metal Detector" defined. Strange? This is usually the first place I look at to determine if MDing is banned by ordinance. Raises a question in my mind.
As for
"Metal detecting activities are not allowed on any County
Park property" ... they reference 12.08 as their authority to say MDing is banned. However, I did not see 'upon glancing' at 12.08 any wording that does actually ban MDing. HUH? Again, upon a very cursory review of the code they quote as their authority, it's beginning to possibly look like an overreach of interpretation by someone in a position of authority.
Another note: Since the penalty stated is being tossed for 24 hours, not a monetary fine or imprisonment... they know most people would just stay away from the park rather than question their authority
or put in time RESEARCHING and formulating their own opinion.
OK, my disclaimer: Much research is still needed to determine if,
IN FACT, there is a CODIFIED ORDINANCE which would
legally ban MD at any San Juan County park.
This is just my OPINION on what I glanced at and no more. It is not legal advice PERIOD.
Good luck Lord on determining your opinion...[never thought I'd ever be saying this.
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