Latest Memorandum from Corps of Engineers...
Memorandum For Record 14 August 2001
SUBJECT: Meeting With Mr. Keith Wills Regarding Metal Detector Use on Corps Lands
1. Darrell Lewis and I met this morning with Mr. Keith Wills regarding metal detector use on Corps project lands. Mr. Wills represents metal detector enthusiasts, nationwide.
2. Several issues were discussed, but foremost among them was the issue of using metal detectors in water areas at Corps beaches.
3. Mr. Wills explained that several Corps lakes are now restricting the use of metal detectors in water vs. on the land at swimming beach areas.
4. We explained to Mr. Wills that when the metal detector policy was developed (1989), we saw no need to differentiation between land and water areas at swimming beaches. Our belief was that both areas were disturbed and, as such, there was no reason to restrict the use in either type of environment. Off-season metal detector use in water and on land at beaches was also acceptable. We went on to explain to Mr. Wills that with the current metal detector policy, local managers have the right to restrict the use of these machines.
George E. Tabb, Jr.
Chief, Recreation Programs Section
Natural Resources Management Branch
Operations Division
Office of the Chief of Engineers