Can I collect artifacts or dig sites on public land?
It’s against state law to dig or otherwise disturb any archeological site on state lands of any kind. Examples of state lands in Vermont include state parks, state historic sites, state wildlife management areas, state forests, and under state waters. Permits are required for professional archeological investigations on state lands and under state waters. See Title 22 of Vermont Statutes Annotated, sections 762, 764, and 782 at Vermont Legislative Council. It’s against federal law to dig or otherwise disturb any archeological site on federal lands. Examples of federal lands in Vermont are the Green Mountain National Forest and the Missisquoi U.S. Fish and Wildlife Refuge.
