On state park land
Permission needed
Written authorisation from the Chief of Parks and Recreation is needed to remove anything at all from a state park, forest or wildlife management area – which in practice is what detecting is for.
1. The rule, in full
West Virginia – W. Va. Code R. 58-31-2
Operative text. The rule prohibits removal of any man-made or natural object, material, substance, plant, animal or historical or archeological relic or artifact from a state park, state forest, or state wildlife management area, except those legally acquired through hunting and fishing or upon proper authorization in writing by the Chief of Parks and Recreation, Division of Natural Resources.
Scope: Series 58-31 is titled "General Rules Governing Public Use of State Parks, State Forests, and Recreational Areas in State Wildlife Management Areas under the Division of Natural Resources".
Determination: DNR state parks, forests and WMAs only. Does NOT reach municipal parks.
The rule targets REMOVAL, not detecting. Sweeping is not what it prohibits; taking anything out is. In practice a detectorist needs written authorisation from the Chief of Parks and Recreation to keep a find, which makes recreational detecting impractical rather than unlawful. The entry should say that plainly rather than flattening it to "prohibited" – it is the Kansas and Colorado shape again, one level down.
Separately, W. Va. Code 29-1-8a bars disturbing ruins, burial grounds, archaeological sites or graves without a Historic Preservation permit.
Source: W. Va. C.S.R. 58-31-2 via law.cornell.edu. Checked 19 Sep 2026.
2. Cities in West Virginia that publish a rule
Awaiting review. None of the city or county rows publishes until its status is set and its quotation chosen by hand.
3. County rules
Awaiting review. None of the city or county rows publishes until its status is set and its quotation chosen by hand.
4. Cities checked — no published rule
Awaiting review. None of the city or county rows publishes until its status is set and its quotation chosen by hand.