Katrina DeWitt- AstroD-Team

[Astro_D]

I would like to thank you for the nomination to the WGA BoD. It is a pleasant surprise and one I happily accept.

I have been caching for just over two years now. I mostly go out with my family – husband Don and son Jacob. Given the opportunity, I really enjoy getting together with other cachers for a day promising to be full of fun.

As far as what I would like to see from the WGA:

1. WGA sponsored CITO event(s). What better way to show that we really do care about keeping our environment clean and supporting the ‘Leave No Trace’ principles as well as giving back to the communities that have given so much to us than officially incorporating a CITO event(s).

2. Maintaining the high quality of caches in Wisconsin. WGA should think about adopting a limited ‘cache clean up’ policy which will continue the quality of caches found in our state and make cachers look at WI as a state to come to for caching.

3. Continued promotion of Geocaching as a positive activity. Work with WDNR, local law enforcement, park officials and the general public to educate and promote the benefits of geocaching in our communities. The more info that is put out there, the less chance of caches being blown up or cachers reported as being “suspicious activity”.

4. Increase the awareness of and membership in the WGA. While the southeast part of WI has many members and great representation(yeah!), there are some regions of our state that have very few members and almost no representation. Why? Focus should be on promoting the WGA and its benefits to these areas and get cachers living in those areas involved. Down the road, this will produce a more equally represented BoD.

5. The WGA should maintain a ‘low key approach’ in policy making regarding how geocaching is to be done in our state. All cachers have the right to play the way they want – whether a person agrees with it or not. Policies should not be made that would limit or eliminate those freedoms.
A perfect example of what I mean: event caches and how they should be logged should be left up to each individual cacher.

I have cached in several states and I can say that Wisconsin does offer quality when it comes to geocaching! For example:
1. hands-on education – geography, history, culture, nature, geology, etc…),
2. opportunities to meet new cachers and hook up with old friends by the numerous events being held,
3. The ability to get help, seek advice and offer opinions via the WGA message boards.
4. The support of management to place caches in certain areas that may not have been receptive. (Nature preserves, Madison parks etc).

Many of these opportunites would not be available if it wasn’t for the hard work and commitment of the WGA, its BoD and its members. It is this kind of dedication and commitment to the quality of geocaching in our state that I would strive to achieve if elected.

Thank you for your time. If you have any questions/comments please drop a line or two.

Katrina

[This message has been edited by AstroD-Team (edited 01-10-2006).]

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