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Wisconsin Geocahing |
What is Geocahing? Geocaching is an outdoor treasure-hunting game in which the participants use a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver or other navigational techniques to hide and seek containers (called "geocaches" or "caches") anywhere in the world. A typical cache is a small waterproof container containing a logbook and "treasure," usually toys or trinkets of little value. Currently over 823,000 geocaches are registered on various websites devoted to the pastime. Geocaches are currently placed in over 100 countries around the world and on all seven continents, including Antarctica. How do you pronounce Geocaching? You pronounce it Geo-cashing, like cashing a check. What is the meaning of the word Geocaching? The word Geocaching refers to GEO for geography, and to CACHING, the process of hiding a cache. A cache in computer terms is information usually stored in memory to make it faster to retrieve, but the term is also used in hiking/camping as a hiding place for concealing and preserving provisions. Rules for Geocaches in Wisconsin For your safety and the safety of other geocachers, the Wisconsin Geocaching Association asks that all geocachers placing caches in Wisconsin abide by the following rules set forth by Geocaching.com and by the local, state, and national bodies which govern public land in Wisconsin. You are responsible for any caches you place, so make sure you know the rules for the area you choose. We encourage you to place a cache in a location that is unique in some way. The big reward for geocachers, other than finding the cache itself, is the location. 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 (PDF, 30KB) with all proper information and submitting it to the appropriate DNR land manager. Do not place your cache until this step is completed. For contact information, consult one of these Web pages: * State parks * State wildlife areas * State forests If you are not sure of the land designation, contact the nearest DNR Service Center. The land manager reserves the right to remove the cache at any time with proper notification to the placer. Cache Locations Caches are not allowed in sensitive areas and never in the following specific properties: * National Parks * National Monuments There are none in Wisconsin. * Wisconsin State Natural Areas * Archaeological or historical sites Do not place a cache in an area that could cause geocachers to cross dangerous or private land during their approach. Consider from where geocachers might approach and how they might hunt your cache. Remember that their GPS readings could easily be off from your posted coordinates by 100 feet or more. If warranted, provide parking coordinates and notes to allow a safe and permissible approach to the cache. When placing a cache, be sure that it is at least 528 feet (0.1 mile) away from any surrounding caches. This includes all waypoints of surrounding multi or mystery caches. Do not place a cache within 150 feet of railroad tracks. The right-of-way along the tracks is private property. Remember the error range of the typical GPS receiver when placing a cache anywhere near a railway. If you place a cache or a stage of a multi-cache hunt within a commercial location, keep in mind the prohibitions against commercial caches. If a fee, purchase, or solicitation (monetary or otherwise) is required to gain access to the cache or waypoint, the cache is not allowed. Caches placed to promote commercial, political, religious, or other social agendas are also disallowed. When placing a virtual cache, the cache waypoint(s) must be a physical, stationary item(s). They cannot be a view, trail, or beach, for example. Finds of virtual caches must be verifiable only by a visit to the location, and not by research in other manners. Emailed photos at the cache site are also acceptable means of verification. Never bury a cache. A cache is considered buried if it must be dug up by hand or by tool. Placing rocks, bark, logs etc. over a cache is not considered burial, nor is placing a cache into a naturally occurring crevice or hole. If a shovel, trowel, or other pointy object is used to dig to hide or find a cache, it's not appropriate. Be responsible for your cache. There is no time limit for placement of the cache, but it is recommended the cache be monitored at least quarterly. Cache Contents Geocache contents must be safe for children. Do not place the following items into caches: * Food of any kind (sealed beverages are permitted, but are not advisable during Wisconsin's cold weather when they may freeze and burst inside the cache container). * Pocket knives or weapons of any kind. * Illegal items such as drugs. * Material restricted from minors: tobacco, adult publications, alcohol, etc. For more information, ask Kate Zurlo-Cuva, (608) 266-7617 WDNR Geocahing Information |