South Carolina Beach Sifting

[BellamyBlake]

Hi,

 

I understand SC is pretty strict with using implements to dig around on state lands, like creeks. However, does anyone know how this applies to public beaches? I would like to hunt Folly. Can I dig into the sand with a shovel to sift through with my sieve? If not, can I use my hand to load up the sieve? I'm questioning whether a sieve can be used at al.

[Brett Breakin' Rocks]

14 hours ago, BellamyBlake said:

Hi,

 

I understand SC is pretty strict with using implements to dig around on state lands, like creeks. However, does anyone know how this applies to public beaches? I would like to hunt Folly. Can I dig into the sand with a shovel to sift through with my sieve? If not, can I use my hand to load up the sieve? I'm questioning whether a sieve can be used at al.

Hi There,

 

Officially there is no digging in Public Parks if I am not mistaken .... no tools either. No picking up anything below low tide without a hobby license. Now .. most of Folly beach is public and there is a County Park on the south end. in the rules https://www.cityoffollybeach.com/city-departments-services/public-safety/folly-rules/  

 

DIGGING HOLES deeper than 1ft on the beach is illegal. All holes must be filled before you leave the beach and no metal shovels are allowed.

 

So I would assume a sifter is fine with a plastic shovel.  Again .. remember, if you are in a public park surface collecting only. (ie. Northbridge Park)

 

I would check of course to be sure with the local authorities .... not from this horse's mouth.

 

You may find this helpful for identification:

https://blogs.cofc.edu/macebrownmuseum/2017/02/03/friday-fossil-feature-it-would-be-folly-to-pass-this-site-up/

 

Have Fun.  I have been there once and you will find some luck if the rough cobbles and large black phosphatic rocks are uncovered. Quite a few fossils and bones lying about in those spaces. 

 

Good Luck,

Brett

 

 

[BellamyBlake]

4 hours ago, Brett Breakin' Rocks said:

Hi There,

 

Officially there is no digging in Public Parks if I am not mistaken .... no tools either. No picking up anything below low tide without a hobby license. Now .. most of Folly beach is public and there is a County Park on the south end. in the rules https://www.cityoffollybeach.com/city-departments-services/public-safety/folly-rules/  

 

DIGGING HOLES deeper than 1ft on the beach is illegal. All holes must be filled before you leave the beach and no metal shovels are allowed.

 

So I would assume a sifter is fine with a plastic shovel.  Again .. remember, if you are in a public park surface collecting only. (ie. Northbridge Park)

 

I would check of course to be sure with the local authorities .... not from this horse's mouth.

 

You may find this helpful to for identification:

https://blogs.cofc.edu/macebrownmuseum/2017/02/03/friday-fossil-feature-it-would-be-folly-to-pass-this-site-up/

 

Have Fun.  I have been there once and you will find some luck if the rough cobbles and large black phosphatic rocks are uncovered. Quite a few fossils and bones lying about in those spaces. 

 

Good Luck,

Brett

Hey Brett,

 

Thank you kindly for your informative reply, and for the links you provided. I'll contact local authorities like you noted to be sure, but this provides a great starting point and certainly helps me better understand the nuances around fossil hunting rules for public parks. Hope this hunt for a Megalodon is a fruitful one.

 

Best,

Bellamy