Archaeology - Artifact Collecting & Metal Detecting

Notify the State Archaeologist before you dig

Notifying the State Archaeologist is required by law (OCGA 12-3-621) when the surface of any archaeological site is disturbed for the purpose of investigating the site or discovering artifacts. This code section was amended as of July 1, 2007 to provide for notification to be given through a website and/or a telephone hot line that will be available at all times. The State Archaeologist office is in the Parks and Historic Sites Division of DNR and will receive notification about impacting archaeological sites through this website or by phone. See our Frequently Asked Questions about artifact collecting and metal detecting.

Please include the following information:

• Your name and contact information.
• The county in which you will be digging and other information as to the specific tract of land or location.
• The date(s) on which you expect to be there.

Please be aware that it is prohibited (OCGA 31-21-6) to disturb human graves and associated grave objects. Should you inadvertently encounter anything associated with a burial, please immediately contact the local law enforcement officials for assistance, as directed by this code section.

Remember: Hobbyists and professional archaeologists alike must first determine who owns the land and ask their permission, before undertaking any activity.

Who to contact:

Rachel Black, Deputy State Archaeologist
rachel.black@dnr.ga.gov, Phone: 770-389-7862