Door County Land Trust Properties Closed to Geocaching

[Northwoods Tom]

[Vegas Gamblers]

So with that explaination, they should ban hiking and other activities in the areas.

[huffinpuffin2]

Hard to really see how big of an impact this is, without superimposing caches on off-limits land, but this sounds like a good number of ‘scenic/nature caches’ may be getting the boot. Looking over the properties described in the link, makes it sound quite extensive – and growing.

Geocaching must generate a lot of traffic to these sensitive areas.

Is this an ‘opportunity area’ for the BOD to discuss, take a stance, and then act if appropriate? (‘act,’ likely = dialog)

On the flip-side, pretty sure Peninsula State Park will welcome the placement of geocaches, as long as there are responsible owners willing and able to provide timely maintenance.

[JimandLinda]

I, as an individual on the BOD, fully support the decision by the DCLT. We need to accept the fact that our “hobby” does contribute to the spread of invasive species. We may contribute the most; we may contribute the least…it’s hard to measure.

We can voice our disappointment in the decision and hope it doesn’t lead to other restrictions. It will depend on how geocaching continues to evolve, as more people give it a try.

Thanks for the info, and feel free to comment either way. This is one issue where we may need to “feel the pulse” of the members as a whole.

[CodeJunkie]

Let’s also keep in mind that this is a public forum so any comments noted here are visible to the world as a whole (including the DCLT).

Here’s some things we may want to consider:
1) A CITO in which members volunteer to help pull or otherwise eliminate the invasive species.
2) Ask if there are any areas within these zones where they would allow a geocache (i.e. trailheads, shelters, etc.)

I’ve never visited these areas, so I have no idea what the response would be. I think it would be in geocachers best interest to be proactive in trying to help if possible. With the spread of invasive species throughout the state a little proactive now might set us down a great path for the future when working with other organizations.

[sandlanders]

[beezers958]

Most caches don’t have that high a visitor rate to greatly increase the spread of invasives or contribute to erosion due to geo-trails, etc. IMHO these are all bogus arguments, but I really can’t figure out the logic. Perhaps it makes it easier for the managing groups. If they ban all caches, then they don’t have to use the time to decide if a cache is in an OK spot or not.

So, thanks to the park and nature areas that still allow us to cache AND enjoy them!

[CacheNoTrace]

Actually, their arguments does have some merit. It doesn’t take much for anyone to spread invasive species. A lot of people spread them without even knowing that they are.

Geocachers are not the only ones who help spread invasive species. Everyday hikers, and one can argue even “experts” in the field of invasive species can help spread them as well.

But there is a lil secret tip that can help reduce the spread of invasive species. That is to simply wash the bottoms of your shoes between hikes. When going from one trail to another, make sure the treads of your shoes are clean. Believe it or not, your treads on the bottom of your shoes IS one of the major culprits on the spread of invasive species!

[grandpa_r]

Here is some interesting information…

http://blog.geocaching.com/2010/06/geocachers-guard-nature-as-citizen-scientists-geocaching-coms-lost-found-video/

[BeccaDay]

My first thought was – let’s do a CITO there! They obviously have a need for a mustard pull and while we probably won’t get them to change their mind, they may look upon geocaching as a positive and helpful thing. They could even come and talk to us about invasive species while we were working. We couldn’t get any smilies for caching but we could get an attended icon for a CITO. Which parks are they talking about specifically?

Not all who wander are lost. -J.R.R. Tolkien

[Walkingadventure]

@adam8 wrote:

Budget hotels in and around area provide tourists marvelous accommodation equipped with all modern facilities like television, air conditioning and even Wi-Fi connection. These are the most satisfying and cheap accommodations.

Thanks for the friendly tip! I was just wondering about this.

:gna: :lol2: :no2: :no2: :no2:

Edited by admin to remove link.

Following the signals from space.

[WStemple]

@CacheNoTrace wrote:

But there is a lil secret tip that can help reduce the spread of invasive species. That is to simply wash the bottoms of your shoes between hikes. When going from one trail to another, make sure the treads of your shoes are clean. Believe it or not, your treads on the bottom of your shoes IS one of the major culprits on the spread of invasive species!

This is one of the reasons that many trails are placing boot cleaners at the trailhead parking areas. While not everyone will use them, it has to help decrease the spread of seeds and such. Seems like a wise thing for all land managers to place out there for people to use.

[WStemple]

Are they also then opposed to Earth Caches? If so, do they understand that these are designed to make use of existing trails that take people to features that hikers are already going to? I have only spent one week in DC, but I quickly found that there are many spots that are unique and probably would be great EC’s.

[Kelso]

@beccaday wrote:

My first thought was – let’s do a CITO there! They obviously have a need for a mustard pull and while we probably won’t get them to change their mind, they may look upon geocaching as a positive and helpful thing. They could even come and talk to us about invasive species while we were working. We couldn’t get any smilies for caching but we could get an attended icon for a CITO. Which parks are they talking about specifically?

I think beccaday has a great idea and it’s something worth discussing. As it may not change their minds it allows us to show that we are willing to help out in any way possible. Giving back to the communities as much as we can is such an important thing.

[Team Black-Cat]

Nothing like a little spam to wake up an old thread. 🙂

This looks like a cause that needa a champion.

[Author]

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