Geocache placement

[LugNutParticipant]

I have a question about placing a cache on public lands. I know you have to submit a Geocache Placement Notification form to the DNR manager of that area. It has to be submitted before placing cache. Now does it have to be accepted before placing the cache or does just submitting it allow you to place it? On the form it says you can call in coordinates after placement.

[Crow-T-RobotParticipant]

I do believe you just have to have the form submitted.

[labrat_wrParticipant]

Depending on the land manager, it could take days to weeks to get your forms back in the mail. I have never had one denied so if you are confident that the placement is not in a protected area, it is pretty safe to place it. If for some reason it is denied, shut it down.  Now this is only my personal opinion, mileage may vary.

you could contact our volunteer reviewers to get their take also

Disclaimer : Always answering to a higher power.

[Team Black-CatParticipant]

Keep in mind that not all public land is DNR managed land.

Also, as per the DNR website:

Before placing a cache
Ask permission of the landowner. If the land is managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, do this by filling out a notification form with all proper information and submitting it to the appropriate DNR land manager. Do not place your cache until this step is completed.

http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/OutdoorRecreation/activities/geocache.html

[LugNutParticipant]

Keep in mind that not all public land is DNR managed land.

Also, as per the DNR website:

Before placing a cache
Ask permission of the landowner. If the land is managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, do this by filling out a notification form with all proper information and submitting it to the appropriate DNR land manager. Do not place your cache until this step is completed.

http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/OutdoorRecreation/activities/geocache.html

 

I know I have to submit before placing. Do I wait for approval?

[sandlandersParticipant]

Unless you aren’t sure if where you want to put the cache is OK (in which case, personal contact might be better before the form even gets submitted), in my opinion, go ahead and place the cache without waiting for approval.  It could take a long time or it may never come back to you at all.  We always include a self-addressed stamped envelope to increase the odds of getting a reply, but sometimes that reply can take a while.  If there is definitely something wrong with your placement, the reviewers might catch it before the DNR personnel do.  One major no-no:  No physical caches in state natural areas.

[raslasParticipant]

I send in the DNR notification form but do not wait for approval.  Some times I also mail in the notification form and   depending on the area sometimes I get an email from them with approval-much faster than waiting for approval in the mail.  Only once have I gotten a response saying more information was needed and after that was sent to the DNR land manager I got an all ok from them.

[Team NorthwoodsParticipant]

I always make sure the cache is not in a State Natural Area. Thomas Meyer will not let a physical cache be placed on State Natural Areas. If it is a State Park then it is easy because I just walk in and tell them what I am doing, place the caches and then hand them the forms when I am done. If I am not sure who the land manager because it is just a small parcel somewhere or you just have no idea who runs it; I just place the cache and then mail the form down to

WDNR
101 S Webster Street
PO Box 7921
Madison WI
53707-7921

Sometimes it does take a very long time to get the signed form back on the lesser known parcels.

I always keep a copy of the form. I have been asked for a copy of the form from a land manager in the past.

***Opinions expressed are mine alone and will change based upon new information. ***

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