Since I took over as the Approver for Wisconsin in March of 2003, I’ve learned of several areas that are off limits to caching. Many of these are not posted, and cachers don’t know about them until their cache is archived.

I’ve put together a short list of areas that have special rules. These are in Addition to the ones already listed on our “hiding a cache” page. I’ve asked our webmasters to update the “hiding a cache” page with some of these items. I’ve included many of the hyperlinks so you can see the data I’m working with.

• State Natural Areas (SNA’s)– Caching not allowed.
• City of Madison CONSERVATION PARKS– Off limits. No caching allowed.
• City of Madison Parks – Cachers need to get permission. Admin will require name of permitter be included on cache page.
• Dane County Parks – Special use permit required, $10.00 fee required. Admin will require name of permitter on cache page.
• Waushara County Parks – Caching not allowed.
• NPS lands – Caching Not allowed. This includes the St Croix National Scenic Riverway.
• FWS lands – Federal Wildlife Refuges are off limits.
• Caches need to be 0.10 mile (528 feet) away from existing caches in the area. The stages of a multi should also be this distance.
• When submitting a multi cache, include the coordinates to all the stages in a note to the reviewer.
• Virtual Caches -Cachers should know that these are under very strict guidelines. Existing, non-conforming virtuals were grandfathered and allowed to stay.
• Other Off limits areas:Bridges, Military installations, public buildings, commercial caches, Dams.

This may be a handy reference if your planning a cache. One common mistake is placing a cache in State Natural Areas (SNA). You can save yourself a wasted cache by looking at the SNA map BEFORE you place a cache, or at least before you submit it.

Hope this info helps,

Admin-Brian
[email protected]

[This message has been edited by GrouseTales (edited 01-07-2004).]