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It doesn’t seem like they even talked to anyone about this.
http://nps.gov/sacn/new/press_releases.htmlOn the positive side…I saw a spot last night on Geocaching on The Travel Channel’s “Top 10 Best”.
It was on treasure hunting and Geocaching ranked #7. They painted a totally positive and fun picture.It looks like the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway is part of the National Parks Service, which means Geocaching has technically been banned there for a while. I don’t know that getting in touch with anyone would help, but I supose it doesn’t hurt to try………..
I never heard of the St Croix National Scenic Riverway until a cache was placed there about a month ago.
After researching the property and discovering it is adminstered by NPS, I had to archive the cache 🙁
We’ve all known that National Park Service lands have been off limits to caching for a long time.
I guess this is just a public statement indicating what we’ve pretty much, already known.
I think the solution to such prejudice is the ”follow the money” philosophy. While some success may be gained by negotiating with managers, the real gains will be made through the political system. Such areas have budgets approved by politicians. What better way to deal with closed minded managers than through the people who control the purse strings?
That whoever wrote the press release associated geocaching with something being buried does not surprise me. ”The Beast” recently got a reply from a county park manager stating to be sure to replace the soil! Public information and education is indeed needed.
Steve Bukosky
WaukeshaI had a very nice conversation with the GIS Specialist for the St Croix National Scenic Riverway.
I’ve been concerned about some caches located near the Scenic Riverway, and the lack of maps the NPS has on their website. As an approver, it’s sometimes hard to tell if a cache is inside or outside the Scenic Riverway. To complicate issues, there is private property that is part of the Scenic Riverway easement.
I asked the NPS office to send me some maps, and learned they would need to photo copy about 80 pages of documents and mail them to me (a lot of work on their part).
In the spirit of cooperation between their NPS office and the WGA, they’ve agreed to review any questionable coordinates I give them. They will be able to tell me if the spot is under NPS control or private ownership. Since I would need about $1200 in software to review their GIS data, they’ve agreed to review the info I send them. They’ve agreed to do this on an anonymous basis so no one gets in trouble if they submit a cache in a bad location.
It would be best to try to completely avoid the Scenic Riverway. Last year some cachers received citations for looking for a cache on NPS land.
We had a nice conversation about caching. They suggested we include links to the “leave no trace” organization, and try to follow their philosophy when out caching. I pointed them to our April 02 article of the month, on Leave no trace.
It’s good to see cooperation between the NPS and Geocachers
[This message has been edited by GrouseTales (edited 01-30-2004).]
I hope more of us follow the great example you have provided GrouseTales. Unfortunately, is is all too easy to say bad things about the uninformed people and places who ban geocaching. It is vital that we keep in communication with them and show them not only the positive aspects of the sport, but the quality of the people involved.
If any of you get the opportunity, sections of the St. Croix riverway are some of the most beautiful and amazing places I have ever been to. Go there and see for yourself, I think you will agree.
I have decided that from now on instead of hiding my activities from the park service employees, I am going to make it a point to talk to them. Just don’t geocache on NPS land, or risk getting a ticket!
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