Posted by KH on May 04, 19101 at 07:57:27:
In Reply to: Re: The Law, The DNR, The Truth posted by Steve Harrington on November 14, 19100 at 13:27:31:
!!!WOW alot of law excerpts quoted and a couple of people who think that the State of Michigan, the DNR and Conservation Officers are trying to take something away from Mr. Ehorn...Give me a break! I've read the Michigan Underwater Antiquities law and the ASA and am familiar with Mr. Ehorn's case. Is this decision actually acceptable to you divers out there? The intent of the ASA is to transfer the title of vessels of historical value to the state (read it for yourself, don't just take my word or anyone else's word for it). This makes the wreck OUR property. We divers have suffered a loss from a person who has sole ownership of a valuable historical shipwreck because a judge "decided" what the term "embedded" meant. A person commented previously and implied that the decision was protecting our "freedom", well guess what, we are no longer "free" to dive the Bentley. This issue is not about freedom it's about protecting OUR historic wrecks from being stolen by those who wish to take possession of OUR history for profit and personal recognition. My humble opinion is that if a ship has been abandoned and does not have historic significance and has a salvagable cargo then a salvage permit should be issued upon request. If the wreck has recreational and historical value, all rights should remain with the owners (the public). Who protects the property and rights of the public to access OUR property? Conservation Officers, Sheriff's deputies and the State Police, that's who. Divers must stand together and make it known to those elected officials who represent us that we must protect our wrecks from those who want to steal our Great Lakes heritage.
I have included a couple of links for those who want more information:
http://www.law.emory.edu/6circuit/jan97/97a0038p.06.html
http://www.kentlaw.edu/7circuit/1994/93-1426.html
KH