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Sometimes when hiding a cache, it is difficult to get accurate coordinates due to various atmospheric and cover conditions. While a radius of error of varying distance is part of using a GPS, substantial error can cause hunters to disturb an area more than is necessary. It is such damage that many land managers want to avoid and thus are reluctant to readily accept geocaching as another valid way to enjoy the outdoors.
Geocaching.com gives us two tools to help minimize this impact. The first is for the cache owner to provide truly useful clues or hints to enable a frustrated hunter to find the cache. Secondly is when you log your find, there is a checkbox to allow you to enter what you found the coordinates to be, if you feel that you can provide more accurate coordinates. This is good for conventinal caches but don’t use it for multi-caches! Instead, give the numbers to add to or subtract from the coordinates that the stages provide. You may want to use the encrypt feature if you think your log might be a spoiler.
Never have there been so many participants and caches for us to find. Doing what we can to minimize impact to the cache area and keeping with the spirit of ”leave no trace” will greatly help to keep geocaching alive and thriving.
Steve Bukosky
WaukeshaAmen, Steve! I wish all hints were written to do what they are supposed to do, which is to serve as a last resort after you have searched for some time and you’re unable to find the cache. At that time, it does little good to unencrypt the hint only to discover that it tells you where to park, or that the hint says “no hint needed”. For this same reason hints should be as short as possible so we can unencrypt them in the field in just a few minutes. If you write a very long hint, people are more tempted to unencrypt them on their computers before they even try to search without the hint.
I enjoy caches that were meant to be found. The trip to the cache whether it involves driving on country roads or walking along forest paths is a bonus. When a cache introduces me to an area that contains vistas or a nice surprise is another bonus. Clues that enable short safe searches help protect the environment.
Here is a similar thread on geocaching.com http://ubbx.groundspeak.com/6/ubb.x?a=tpc&s=5726007311&f=4016058331&m=83160499
I have no problem with moving a rock or two, but I try not to disturb any plant or animal life. My pet peeve is people that nail or screw into live trees. One nail can kill a 30 year old tree! Don’t do it!
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