Geocaching
--that high-tech form of "hide and seek," has been an immense hit among many RVers. It's a natural--out of doors sport that nearly anyone can do, combined with computers and other high tech gadgets like GPS units.But California State Parks folks want to make sure there's not too much of a good thing. Last week the agency released guidelines for geocaching on State Park lands. Here are the latest, "please do and don'ts."
· Caches may be allowed where they do not affect natural, cultural and historical resources, visitor safety or other park users.
· Caches are typically not allowed or encouraged in the following State Park System units:
-State Cultural Reserve
-State Natural Reserve
-State Historic Park and State Historic Monument
-State Wilderness
· Virtual caches are encouraged and must adhere to the applicable requirements used for physical caches.
· Caches may not be buried, nor may vegetation, rocks or other features be marked or damaged in the process of placing, accessing or maintaining the cache.
· Physical caches are not permitted inside or upon any State Park facility or structure.
· Caches may not be permanently attached (glued, bolted, or screwed) to any historic structure, monument, archaeological, natural or geologic feature.
· Caches are not allowed within 300 feet of streams, marshes or sensitive water features.
· Caches may not be placed more than three feet from a designated trail.
Explaining the backdrop of the new guidelines, the state said, “We understand the popularity of this sport and the demand for it to continue,” said Tony Perez, Deputy Director for Operations for California State Parks. “Our concern is that many have secretly hidden such caches in places where repeated searches, successful and unsuccessful, have caused damage to facilities or natural areas. We are asking that visitors follow our guidelines and respect these fragile environments to insure they survive for the benefit of future generations.”
photo: Mat Honan on flickr.com
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