Geocaching Regulations in Washington County Parks

[Team Deejay]

For those who didn’t notice the change to the wiki (This would include me!), Washington county has established a geocaching policy recently. Basically, it is very similar to Milwaukee County’s policy, requiring a permit, except they haven’t included any extension provisions. You can see the details at http://www.co.washington.wi.us/departments.iml?mdl=departments.mdl&ID=PAR

One note on this. If anyone has knowledge of a parks department considering a geocaching policy, please post something on the forums so that we can get in front of it. This policy isn’t particularly horrible, but there are definitely things about it that I would change, as I’m sure you would as well.

[labrat_wr]

[sarcasm]

here comes a rash of 1.5/1.5 log piles along the trails. wouldn’t want to have anyone not find it…..

I thought that poisonous plants makes the experience so much more fun!

[/sarcasm]

Disclaimer : Always answering to a higher power.

[Team Deejay]

Notice that “close” isn’t defined. (Took me a while to figure out what you were referring to.) This is one of those point where we would have liked to help them with the wording. The “burial” language is very similar to that on the geocaching.com guidelines.

[amita17]

Does this policy affect plans for Cache Ba$h caches? Also I am curious if it affects caches already in place…would some need to be moved or archived? Were the reasons for implementing the policy taking preventive measures, or was it due to problems with disrespectful cachers or negligent owners?

[Mister Greenthumb]

Ask KM Hiker. I think he knows some of the details. From what I heard the caches that were in Lirard Mound lead to the policy. I don’t think the county was happy when they found out that there were caches hidden there. All of the caches at Lizard Mound were removed last fall and it’s now off limits. As for any future caches in Washington County Parks they will need permission. I’m one of the hiders for this years event and am waiting for aproval on some caches that I have hidden in their parks.

[Braid Beards Gang]

I see that they also included that a cache may only be in a location for 2 years. No more tree climbs either, the “no fun police” are at it again. I guess trampling a flower bed has its consequences. All in all, it seems their policy is fairly close to Milwaukee County.

[Lostby7]

Ya not lovin the guidelines…

Geocaching is not allowed in: Lizard Mound County Park, the Washington County Golf Course, or other sensitive areas that the Assistant Administrator determines cannot tolerate human traffic including but not limited to: stream banks, wetlands, prehistoric and historic archaeological sites, unique geological features, steep slopes, areas containing plants that are hazardous to humans or other unsafe areas.

Can’t have those pesky EarthCaches showin off the planet…

The owner / placer of the cache may leave the cache at the permitted location for no more than 2 years. After removal, the owner / placer is responsible for returning the site to its original condition to the satisfaction of the Assistant Admin. for Golf & Parks.

Wow am I glad I don’t live in Washington County….remember folks, these are your tax dollars at work.

[PCFrog]

The owner / placer of the cache may leave the cache at the permitted location for no more than 2 years. After removal, the owner / placer is responsible for returning the site to its original condition to the satisfaction of the Assistant Admin. for Golf & Parks.

You better take photos of the original site before hand — I can see a cool 1k being required by a cacher to make the place “look” like the original condition in the manner how they thought it should look.

[Lostby7]

Is the county park system entry-fee based (I don’t think they are)? If so I’d tell them to take a flying leap and encourage geocachers to avoid the county parks….if there are no entry fees then I guess you just have to deal with it or vote out the folks who made this policy.

Also it seems pretty clear that the parks system and the West Bend Chamber are not going to see eye to eye on this policy….I find it interesting how the “Geocaching Capital of the Midwest”â„¢ is located in an overly restrictive and even cache-prohibitive area.

[LDove]

@Braid Beard’s Gang wrote:

I see that they also included that a cache may only be in a location for 2 years. No more tree climbs either, the “no fun police” are at it again. I guess trampling a flower bed has its consequences. All in all, it seems their policy is fairly close to Milwaukee County.

What flower bed? What county park? ❓ Just curious what you are referring to.

I don’t believe this will increase the 1.5 difficulty and terrain caches. The people who have come to the bash or West Bend in general have found quality caches and I can speak for the group when I say we plant quality hides for that event. Plenty of people also don’t like only 2, 3 or 4 difficulty hides so it is nice to keep things diverse don’t you think?

I think as time goes on and this sport continues to grow, this is going to be an increasing “problem” and will become the norm eventually.

[kmhiker]

I think that the “flower bed” was the one by the WB Police Dept. Thats not a county park. I have a bunce of caches now placed with the new form. Since this is under the DNR and Washington County Use the county form. I asked Jason Quast of the DNR Northern Unit and he said that thats fine. You gotta love county government!

[kmhiker]

Also you can use the State form only but you must send to Fond du Lac parks and land.

[Mister Greenthumb]

I’ve hidden some caches in Washington County Parks for the August Mega Event and had no problems with getting them approved.

[Mister Greenthumb]

I’ve hidden some caches in Washington County Parks for the August Mega Event and had no problems with getting them approved.

[Author]

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