Local proposed rule changes!

Subject: OTTS: Portland Parks proposed rules for metal detecting

Hello everyone,

Portland Parks is proposing a very extensive and restrictive set of rules to govern metal detecting parks. Please read the proposed rules posted here: https://www.portland.gov/parks/documents/proposed-metal-detecting-rule/download

These rules if enacted will fundamentally change and restrict the enjoyment of our hobby in parks. In response to this, I have collected and submitted feedback from myself and some of the board members (attached). I also submitted our 2024 trash report, which is now posted on our website. But a large response from the membership with personal details and photos would be helpful and is the only way we can make ourselves heard. The deadline for comments in April 30th, so we don’t have much time. In anticipation I have created a checklist below, and a response template if you want help getting started in adding your own thoughts. I do not think we have a public forum to debate this, nor even a city council vote to enact these rules. I’ve reached out to the deputy administrator to ask for an in person meeting but have not heard back.

Please also spread this news to others that may not be active club members! The squeaky wheel gets the oil; we need to be extra squeaky. The proposed rule changes are ignoring the multitude of benefits the parks receive from metal detectorists and focuses on what I imagine is a response to damage caused by a few individuals.

Public Comment Submission Checklist

Portland Parks & Recreation – Proposed Metal Detecting Rule (PRK-1.25)
Deadline: April 30, 2025
Comment Portal: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/99d80df49c85443985191b6e1a3da88d

Step 1: Prepare Your Personal Comment

  1. Review and copy the template provided below.
  2. Add your name, and include how long you’ve been detecting and where.
  3. Personalize by adding:
    • A short story about something dangerous or surprising you’ve found.
    • A mention of how you clean up trash or help the community.
    • Any suggestions for rule changes you strongly agree or disagree with.
  4. Be respectful, polite, and informative.

Step 2: Submit Your Comment

  1. Go to the Public Comment Submission Page.
  2. Copy and paste your finalized comment into the submission form.
  3. Fill in your name and select “Metal-Detecting rule.”
  4. Add any photos or files to the upload section.
  5. Click Submit!

Step 3: Help Spread the Word

  1. Share this checklist and template with other club members.
  2. Post a reminder on Facebook, Instagram, or your detecting groups.
  3. Encourage others to add their unique story—don’t just copy/paste the same version.
  4. Volunteer to help someone else write or submit theirs!
  5. Reach out to other detectorist clubs or vendors in our region.

Response Submission Template

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing as a [member/supporter] of Oregon Treasure Trail Society and as an individual who enjoys recreational metal detecting in Portland parks. I appreciate that the city is not banning metal detecting altogether and is working to set clear expectations. However, I am concerned that some parts of the proposed rule could unnecessarily limit a hobby that provides real public benefit while being done respectfully and responsibly.

Public Safety Contribution
Many detectorists remove dangerous items from parks—used needles, live ammunition, sharp metal trash, and broken glass—often in areas like tree groves, planter beds, and near trails. These are exactly the kinds of places the rule would restrict, which may unintentionally reduce public safety.
[Optional: Insert a short story about something dangerous or unexpected you found in a park and safely removed.]

Rule Suggestions
Please consider the following changes:

2.A: Prohibited Zones
We suggest revising several of the proposed restrictions, which we believe are overly broad:

  • I suggest allowing metal detecting in the following parks: Delta Park, Cully Park, Cathedral Park, South Waterfront Greenway, Tanner Springs Park, The Fields Park, and Willamette Park. Detectorists help the city by removing trash, including dangerous items, from these areas.
  • Additionally, I propose allowing detecting in playgrounds, swimming beaches, within 3 feet of paved or soft-surface trails, dog off-leash areas, and near trees (within 15 feet of any tree, 2 feet of visible surface roots, and tree groves). These areas often contain hazardous items like needles and weapons, which detectorists help remove, improving safety. The holes dug around trees are minimal and do not harm the trees, and once an item is removed, there’s no reason for other detectorists to dig again in the same spot. In addition broken and discarded fishing equipment is regularly removed from beaches including sharp hooks. Lead fishing weights are also removed, I know one person in our club who removed over 1,000 lbs of lead from our river system in just the past year alone.
  • We agree with excluding metal detecting in cemeteries and historical sites (a, j, k, l, m, n, o), and would also support explicitly adding known grave sites to the list of exclusions.

2.B – Tools and Techniques

  • Replace “probing” with “three sided plug method” to more accurately describe the responsible practices of modern detectorists.
  • Allow T-handle shovels with blades under 6” wide. These tools cause less surface damage by improving the precision of our work. They are safer ergonomically for older or mobility-limited individuals.
  • Add a clear definition of the plug method and acceptable hole dimensions, e.g., no more than 8″ in diameter and 10″ deep.
  • Emphasize back filling standards and surface restoration.

2.G.1: Terminology
Please update “detectors” to “detectorists” to reflect standard terminology. A “detector” is the tool; a “detectorist” is the person using it.

Community Involvement
Detectorists are not just hobbyists, we’re community caretakers. Many of us collect trash, educate the public, and could be an asset to Portland Parks if given the opportunity. Please consider:

  • Inviting a detectorist representative to help refine future rules.
  • Partnering with local clubs for cleanup events or safety demonstrations.
  • Recognizing the positive role detectorists play in park safety and maintenance.

Thank you for your time and for considering ways to ensure that recreational metal detecting can continue to be done responsibly while helping keep our parks clean and safe.