Archaeological Investigation

Under Michigan law, the state oversees all archaeology performed on state land. The Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, Public Act 451 of 1994, Part 761, requires that a permit be obtained prior to undertaking any archaeological investigation on state land. Applications for permits are available through the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Go to the DNR website for information.

The use of metal detectors on state land is regulated by the DNR. Please consult the DNR web site for information on metal detector use. The use of metal detectors is harmful to archaeological sites because it results in the removal of individual artifacts from their association with other artifacts, and from their association with the soil layer they were in. This results in the loss of important historical information.

Underwater Exploration and Salvage

For information about the exploration of shipwrecks, visit the Department of Environmental Quality's Frequently Asked Questions website.