Lower Saucon Bans Metal Detecting at Historic Sites and on Rail Trail

Note: The following news release was recently published on the Lower Saucon Township website.

Due to a concern about potential impacts to township properties such as digging and soil disturbance, especially at historic sites, the township adopted a policy on Dec. 18, 2013 regulating metal detecting on township properties that was based on guidelines for the activity that were recommended to them by the Parks & Recreation Board.

The policy does not permit any metal detecting on historic areas such as the Heller Homestead, Lutz-Franklin Schoolhouse or on the Lower Saucon Township portion of the Saucon Rail Trail.

Metal detecting will be permitted on township park properties with the following restrictions:

—Metal detecting is only permitted from dawn to dusk
—Metal detecting is not permitted on any athletic field or sideline
—Metal detecting must be conducted at least 100 feet away from any building, facility, court, garden, streambank or activity
—Shovels, spades and other similar tools MAY NOT BE USED to dig into or turn over sod and open soil areas
—The only permissible digging tools are screwdrivers, small garden trowels, ice picks and other similar narrow pronged devices such as Lesche digging tools
—Digging may not exceed a depth of 6 inches
—Digging is restricted to sod and open soil areas only
—Sod must be restored to its original condition after digging
—Articles found that are of apparent historical significance or personal value, such as uniform buckles, buttons, jewelry, etc., must be turned into the Lower Saucon Township office.

Persons who wish to use a metal detector on Lower Saucon Township park properties must apply for a permit for this activity at the township office at 3700 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bethlehem, PA 18015 during regular business hours. Permits are good for one year. A $5 fee will be charged for the permit application.

Photo: The historic Lutz-Franklin Schoolhouse in Lower Saucon Township (Patch file photo)