Missouri § 253.421 - Abandoned materials belong to the state — definitions — rulemaking.
Full text of Missouri Revised Statutes of Missouri § 253.421 — Abandoned materials belong to the state — definitions — rulemaking., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 253.421. Abandoned materials belong to the state — definitions — rulemaking.
1. As used in section 253.420 and this section, the following words and phrases mean:
(1) "Department", the department of natural resources, state historic preservation office;
(2) "Historic shipwreck", artifacts and remains of historic shipwreck sites which are over fifty years in age, including but not limited to a ship's structure and rigging, machinery, hardware, tools, utensils, cargo, personal items of crew passengers, and monetary or treasure trove;
(3) "Lands beneath navigable waters":
(a) All lands within the boundaries of this state which are covered by nontidal waters that are now navigable, or were navigable under the laws of the United States at the time this state became a member of the Union or acquired sovereignty over such lands and waters thereafter, up to the ordinary high water mark as heretofore or hereafter modified by accretion, erosion, river channel shifts, and reliction;
(b) All filled in, made, or reclaimed lands which formerly were lands beneath navigable waters;
(4) "Shipwreck", a vessel or wreck, its cargo, and other contents, reasonably believed to have wrecked or been abandoned at least fifty years prior to any permit application.
2. Under the Abandoned Shipwreck Act of 1987, 43 U.S.C. Sections 2101-2106, all historic shipwreck materials and such objects having intrinsic or historical and archaeological value which have been abandoned on lands beneath navigable waters shall belong to the state with jurisdiction thereto vested in the department for the purposes of administration and protection. The department shall have the authority to promulgate rules and regulations for the acceptable visitation, study, and salvage of such historic shipwreck materials.
3. Any plan of regulated activities submitted by an applicant under subsection 2 of section 253.420 shall include authorized written permission from any affected landowner allowing access both to and from sites on the property and permitting any ground-disturbing activities on such property.
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(L. 2007 S.B. 198)
---- end of effective 28 Aug 2007 ----
Source: official Missouri text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Missouri § 253.421
What does Revised Statutes of Missouri § 253.421 cover?
Section 253.421 ("Abandoned materials belong to the state — definitions — rulemaking.") is part of the Revised Statutes of Missouri, the codified statutory law of Missouri. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Missouri § 253.421?
A common citation format is "Revised Statutes of Missouri § 253.421" (Missouri). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Missouri law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Missouri official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Missouri attorney.
How does Missouri § 253.421 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Missouri can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Missouri.