I will need clarification on exactly what their stand is on this matter. I have read several posts on this but would like some official confirmation about exactly what our status is with the DOT regarding this issue.

How do you believe that we best handle the issue of the DOT not wanting to allow geocaches placed in highway rest areas?
Thanks for the clarification Bec.
It sounds like they have set their minds to the fact that this shouldn’t be allowed. Also Becky is already keeping a close eye on this matter…I guess I’d like to see if we (and when I say “we” I really mean Becky as she already has some contacts with the DOT) see if we could get one or two areas allowed on a trial basis…but I’m sure this has been tried already as Bec is a real go getter. While I don’t like to pass the buck on this issue, I feel that too much interference from several outside parties on this matter would actually be counter productive.

I applaud the fact that we didn’t just rush to archive these as doing so would provide us with no opportunity to prove that these hides are not causing any negative issues at some time in the future.

I’m of the opinion that we can just play it as Becky has and poke and prod every once and a while. Face it, while it would be great to have these areas available, we have lots of other areas to play including as Becky mentioned, waysides.

As far as the DOT Is concerned, I feel it is very important that we get out ducks in a line before making any snap decisions. I feel it would be a great Idea to get a presentation group toghether, and show the DOT the good that Geocaching does for the state. We can mention the funds that it brings in for our highways and roads, and also the funds that stay in the state. We have many cachers that do not leave the state for caching. All there texes from fuel stays right here.

I think if we get a good presentation group toghether, that this “Ban” can be reversed, just Like Brown County’s.

Justin

As I mentioned at the get go on this subject I really didn’t have any background on the subject, but as I learn more I’m more inclined to think these should be archived.

If the DOT had asked our reviewers directly to archive these caches I have no doubt that they would have been archived that very day, but from what I see here in this and the other associated thread, the policy was more stumbled upon than anything else which makes me believe that the issue was not really a large concern for the DOT. I wonder how many policy makers in the DOT are actually even are aware of the ruling. You can bet they know these caches are on their lands and if it was a major concern to them they would have given the caches the ol dumpster treatment before the ink was dry on the paper banning them.

As our game progresses I think we need to kinda but the kabash on a few of these “secret” caches. The days of planting these wherever we wish (without permission) I think are at an end. We as a group should take some responsibility for the caches we place and make sure we follow the wishes of the land owners (or managers). To do so helps ensure that our sport continues.