robby4570
Member
I don't know how many in here have had the opportunity to Metal Detect in New Orlean's beautiful and history packed City Park, but currently that is no longer permitted.
However, just two weeks later, the park’s website abruptly changed its policy to state: “Use of metal detectors and digging are not permitted on City Park Property.” All metal detecting activities in City Park are now banned with no explanation provided for this sudden and unilateral action.
Attempts to reach the City Park Conservancy (CPC), which manages the park’s daily operations, programming, fundraising and membership, have yielded no response regarding this unexpected ban. Similarly, an inquiry to Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser’s office for clarification has also gone unanswered.
This ban directly impacts a significant community of enthusiasts. Louisiana metal detecting organizations – including Metal Detecting New Orleans (over 1,100 Facebook members), Pelican Relic and Recovery Association Metal Detecting Club (955 Facebook members in Baton Rouge, LA) and Acadiana Past Finders Metal Detecting (444 Facebook members in Lafayette, LA), collectively represent more than 2,500 metal detectorists. Many of these individuals have enjoyed City Park as a permitted location for their hobby. Notably, none of these organizations were consulted for input before the ban was implemented. Furthermore, minutes from recent CPC board meetings showed no prior discussion regarding the prohibition of metal detecting in the park.
The metal detecting community considers this sudden change in park regulations, enacted without prior communication or explanation, to be unreasonable. We believe that metal detectorists who wish to enjoy the park are no different from other visitors who utilize its facilities for exercise, picnics, sports and other recreational activities.
We, the undersigned, urgently request the restoration of metal detecting in City Park. We ask for a direct meeting between representatives from the three aforementioned Louisiana metal detecting groups and decision-maker(s) responsible for halting metal detecting in City Park. Our aim is to initiate a constructive dialogue to reestablish responsible metal detecting practices within the park.
The metal detecting community deserves an opportunity to respond to this ban and offer viable suggestions for its reversal. We are prepared to support a requirement for a permit issued by City Park for metal detecting once it is restored. The three metal detecting organizations are also willing to provide recommendations to City Park administrators for new requirements to ensure responsible detecting practices that protect the park’s environment and assets. Additionally, these groups could conduct scheduled seminars for the park (like hunter safety programs), which detectorists would be required to attend and pass before being issued a metal detecting permit.
So if you could please, go and sign the petition. Share the link with all your friends and urge them to also sign the petition please. I've included a QR code that you can screen shot and save to let others scan if you're out in the field and meet them.
The Issue
For decades, the New Orleans City Park, a 1,300-acre public space, welcomed hobbyist metal detectorists. The park’s website previously outlined clear regulations to avoid trees, gardens, flowerbeds and irrigation lines. As recently as early April 2025, a metal detectorist reconfirmed with City Park staff that the activity was permitted.However, just two weeks later, the park’s website abruptly changed its policy to state: “Use of metal detectors and digging are not permitted on City Park Property.” All metal detecting activities in City Park are now banned with no explanation provided for this sudden and unilateral action.
Attempts to reach the City Park Conservancy (CPC), which manages the park’s daily operations, programming, fundraising and membership, have yielded no response regarding this unexpected ban. Similarly, an inquiry to Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser’s office for clarification has also gone unanswered.
This ban directly impacts a significant community of enthusiasts. Louisiana metal detecting organizations – including Metal Detecting New Orleans (over 1,100 Facebook members), Pelican Relic and Recovery Association Metal Detecting Club (955 Facebook members in Baton Rouge, LA) and Acadiana Past Finders Metal Detecting (444 Facebook members in Lafayette, LA), collectively represent more than 2,500 metal detectorists. Many of these individuals have enjoyed City Park as a permitted location for their hobby. Notably, none of these organizations were consulted for input before the ban was implemented. Furthermore, minutes from recent CPC board meetings showed no prior discussion regarding the prohibition of metal detecting in the park.
The metal detecting community considers this sudden change in park regulations, enacted without prior communication or explanation, to be unreasonable. We believe that metal detectorists who wish to enjoy the park are no different from other visitors who utilize its facilities for exercise, picnics, sports and other recreational activities.
We, the undersigned, urgently request the restoration of metal detecting in City Park. We ask for a direct meeting between representatives from the three aforementioned Louisiana metal detecting groups and decision-maker(s) responsible for halting metal detecting in City Park. Our aim is to initiate a constructive dialogue to reestablish responsible metal detecting practices within the park.
The metal detecting community deserves an opportunity to respond to this ban and offer viable suggestions for its reversal. We are prepared to support a requirement for a permit issued by City Park for metal detecting once it is restored. The three metal detecting organizations are also willing to provide recommendations to City Park administrators for new requirements to ensure responsible detecting practices that protect the park’s environment and assets. Additionally, these groups could conduct scheduled seminars for the park (like hunter safety programs), which detectorists would be required to attend and pass before being issued a metal detecting permit.
So if you could please, go and sign the petition. Share the link with all your friends and urge them to also sign the petition please. I've included a QR code that you can screen shot and save to let others scan if you're out in the field and meet them.