ISO metal detector to borrow

Some members know that this past Spring, with BC Park’s blessing, we posted about 30 temporary trail directional signs at Simson Park. However, most of these were promptly removed by person(s) unknown and for reasons that are unclear (although we have our suspicions). A quick check in summer and fall revealed none of them.

There is a fair chance that they were uprooted and then flung into the nearby bushes. With the leaves off those bushes and with a metal detector to help me find the steel rebar stakes that held them up, there is still some hope of recovering some of them and avoiding a week or two of laborious handwork on cedar boards, with router, stain and paint.

Why so flimsy and temporary in the first place? Firstly, many place names are unconfirmed and if we can collect feedback over 1 or 2 seasons, we’ll be more confident in the names and directions. Secondly, we are not permitted by Park policy to attach signs to trees nor are we  allowed to dig holes for posts unless a reg’d archaeologist observes all digging work for potential FN artifacts. Aargh!

I don’t know the likelihood of finding 1.2 m lengths of 15 mm steel rebar on the surface with a metal detector, but I assume it is quite high if we are within a meter or so. I’m not wanting to recover that rebar, just the cedar sign that might be in the same vicinity (but the detector will be unable to locate).

I plan to go to the Park in early Jan. Maybe this is a futile search…

Advice? nheath(at)sfu.ca