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Minnesota Geocaching Association - Articles Page 2 of 3 <br /> <br />geocache registrations within the Park District have increased from 15 <br />registrations in 2004, to 20 registrations in 2005. Most caches consist of sn <br />cans, Tupperware containers or plastic bags hidden in hollow trees or logs. <br /> <br />Representative from the Minnesota Geocache Association recently met wit <br />staff to review the Park District's existing guidelines. Staff has reviewed thc <br />request and is recommending two modifications (in bold) to the guidelines: <br /> <br />· Geocaching is allowed in Regional Parks and Park Reserves. <br /> <br />· Individuals wishing to register a cache in our Parks will be required' <br />register on a one-time basis. In the past they were required to re-regi.~ <br />on April I of each year or archive their cache. <br /> <br />· The number of caches allowed in any park is not to exceed 20. Each <br />cache must be at least one-tenth of a mile from another cache. <br /> <br />· All caches must be located within 25 feet from center of a maintained trail <br />Locating caches along trails ensures that they are not placed in ecologicall: <br />sensitive areas, nor in general active use areas such as picnic areas, <br />campgrounds, beaches, golf courses, etc. <br /> <br />· Caches are to be placed in a manner that minimizes the chance of being <br />found by people not seeking them. <br /> <br />· Access to caches will be subject to the Park District ordinance including, I <br />not limited to: parking fees, hours of operation, designated trail uses, <br />maintenance standards, and natural resources management activities. <br />Caches are to be accessed or placed only from trails and must not require <br />disturbance of the park environment. Caches are not to be buried. <br /> <br />· Individuals placing caches are responsible for monitoring and maintaining <br />them to ensure they remain intact, safe, and contain appropriate material. <br /> <br />· Caches found in non-authorized areas will be removed by staff, or by <br />contacting the originator of the cache, if possible, to relocate the cache in ~ <br />authorized area. <br /> <br />If these guidelines are acceptable to Program and Policy Committee <br />members they will be posted on the Park District WebPages <br />www. ThreeRiversParkDistrict. org with a link to www. geocaching.com, and <br />vice versa. Park District program staff may also explore the program poten' <br />that this activity holds including geocaching treasure hunts, promotional <br />caches, and virtual caches. Future changes to this activity will be presente{ <br />the Program and Policy Committee for consideration. <br /> <br />While we only achieved two of our original goals, the increase in permitted caches is a great su( <br />Minnesota cachets! <br /> <br />We would like to note that even though Three Rivers' did not accept our request to increase the <br />from trail requirement, they did mention that it is very important that geocachers adhere to the <br />requirement that geocaches not be placed more than 25 feet from existing trails. <br /> <br /> If you have any questions or comments please post them on the MnGCA hosted Forum's discu.' <br /> <br /> 41 <br />http://www.mngca.org/articles.php?strArtType=12&strArtlD=125 3/2/2006 <br /> <br /> <br />