Maryland
Metal Detecting at McKee-Beshers WMA in Maryland
Maryland WMA rules require prior authorization before digging for relics/treasures, removing prehistoric/historic artifacts or using a metal detector. The governing framework requires Maryland Historical Trust Office of Archaeology authorization and a Service use permit.
Answer first
Can you metal detect at McKee-Beshers WMA?
Authorization required — Office of Archaeology permit plus Service use permit before metal-detector/relic digging activity. Maryland WMA rules require prior authorization before digging for relics/treasures, removing prehistoric/historic artifacts or using a metal detector. The governing framework requires Maryland Historical Trust Office of Archaeology authorization and a Service use permit.
Permit/authorization: Maryland Historical Trust Office of Archaeology permit plus Wildlife & Heritage Service use permit; cooperative landowner conditions may also apply — Verify the exact controlling manager, current posted rules/orders, intended detector use, recovery method, protected-resource constraints and any required written authorization before field use.
Evidence freshness: verified , Grade A, confidence 100/100. Recheck the official source before travel.
Current verified decision
What the current evidence actually allows
Evidence: Grade A · 100/100 · verified 2026-08-29 · freshness Current · revalidation due 2026-12-27 · source conflict none identified.
Map and public access reference
This record has a safe map query. Resolve it on demand to display a temporary provider search match without altering the verified dataset.
The map always renders with state/local context. Use Resolve this place on map to place a temporary provider search match on the map, or use the provider buttons directly. The temporary match is not written into the verified-coordinate dataset.
Legal status and controlling rule
Maryland WMA rules require prior authorization before digging for relics/treasures, removing prehistoric/historic artifacts or using a metal detector. The governing framework requires Maryland Historical Trust Office of Archaeology authorization and a Service use permit.
Permit and digging rules
Permit: Maryland Historical Trust Office of Archaeology permit plus Wildlife & Heritage Service use permit; cooperative landowner conditions may also apply
Verify the exact controlling manager, current posted rules/orders, intended detector use, recovery method, protected-resource constraints and any required written authorization before field use.
Digging: Do not excavate, damage vegetation/facilities, disturb archaeological or historic resources, graves, utilities or protected natural features. Follow exact tool, hole-depth and restoration rules.
Water and artifact rules
Water detecting: Shoreline, beach, reservoir and bottomland ownership can differ from adjacent recreation access. Do not infer detector/recovery permission from swimming, fishing, boating or public access.
Historic/artifact rule: Do not disturb or remove archaeological, historic, burial or culturally protected resources. Maryland cultural-resource law and applicable federal protections remain controlling.
Verification record
This page is published only after its legal and access evidence passes the project verification checks. Its current legal/access record is Grade A with a confidence score of 100/100 and was last checked on .
Map policy: every record has an in-page map plus external map-provider navigation. Verified pins remain canonical; query-only records can create a temporary provider search marker on demand, which is never promoted to verified geometry automatically. No map mode proves permission.
Official legal and place sources
McKee-Beshers WMA metal detecting FAQ
Can you metal detect at McKee-Beshers WMA?
Maryland WMA rules require prior authorization before digging for relics/treasures, removing prehistoric/historic artifacts or using a metal detector. The governing framework requires Maryland Historical Trust Office of Archaeology authorization and a Service use permit.
Is a permit or authorization required at McKee-Beshers WMA?
Maryland Historical Trust Office of Archaeology permit plus Wildlife & Heritage Service use permit; cooperative landowner conditions may also apply Verify the exact controlling manager, current posted rules/orders, intended detector use, recovery method, protected-resource constraints and any required written authorization before field use.
Does the map show where detecting is legally allowed?
Yes. The page provides map context and address/name-based navigation even when an independently verified coordinate pin has not yet been published. Query navigation does not establish detecting permission.
How current is this McKee-Beshers WMA record?
The legal/access record was last verified on 2026-08-29 with verification grade A and confidence score 100/100. Recheck the cited official source before travel because rules and closures can change.
Other verified places in Maryland
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Metal Detecting Near Me · Metal Detecting Map · Metal Detecting in Maryland · Maryland Metal Detecting Laws