1 The geocachers are coming! But that's a good thing.

2 Introduction What is geocaching? What is geocaching? Who are the geocachers? Who are the geocachers? What are the rules and who enforces them? What are the rules and who enforces them? What are other parks doing? What are other parks doing? How can you prepare for geocaching? How can you prepare for geocaching?

3 What is geocaching? Low-impact outdoor activity for GPS users of all ages Low-impact outdoor activity for GPS users of all ages GPS = Global Positioning System GPS = Global Positioning System

4 Global Positioning System GPS is a system of 27 satellites (24 active, 3 reserve) to calculate your position. GPS is a system of 27 satellites (24 active, 3 reserve) to calculate your position. Satellites transmit their current position down to Earth via radio waves. Satellites transmit their current position down to Earth via radio waves.

5 Global Positioning System

6 GPS receiver Receives signals from GPS satellites. Receives signals from GPS satellites. Determines latitude and longitude of your current position on the Earth's surface. Determines latitude and longitude of your current position on the Earth's surface.

7 GPS receivers

8 GPS receiver Location can be displayed on a map background Location can be displayed on a map background

9 GPS receiver Display of distance, bearing and ETA to a selected waypoint Display of distance, bearing and ETA to a selected waypoint

10 Other GPS receiver features Determining satellite signal strength and margin of error Determining satellite signal strength and margin of error Marking waypoints (latitude and longitude coordinates) Marking waypoints (latitude and longitude coordinates) Keeping a graphical track of your journey Keeping a graphical track of your journey Displaying street and topographical maps Displaying street and topographical maps Automatic route creation and traversal Automatic route creation and traversal Electronic compass Electronic compass Barometric pressure altimeter Barometric pressure altimeter

11 Uses for GPS receivers Hiking and backpacking Hiking and backpacking Canoeing and marine navigation Canoeing and marine navigation Hunting and fishing Hunting and fishing Bird watching Bird watching Search and rescue Search and rescue Exercise progress tracking Exercise progress tracking Traveling via car, motorcycle, bicycle Traveling via car, motorcycle, bicycle Geocaching Geocaching

12 What is geocaching? Outdoor adventure game for GPS users of all ages. Outdoor adventure game for GPS users of all ages. The basic idea is to set up caches (hidden containers) and share the locations (latitude/longitude) of these caches on the internet. The basic idea is to set up caches (hidden containers) and share the locations (latitude/longitude) of these caches on the internet.

13 What is geocaching? GPS users can then use the coordinates to find the caches. GPS users can then use the coordinates to find the caches. The visitor may take something from the cache, leave something, and/or sign the logbook. The visitor may take something from the cache, leave something, and/or sign the logbook. The find is then logged onto the Internet website where statistics about found and hidden caches are maintained. The find is then logged onto the Internet website where statistics about found and hidden caches are maintained.

14 Whats the point? It may sound simple, but many caches are well hidden. It may sound simple, but many caches are well hidden. Many require searching and experience to find. Many require searching and experience to find. Only a few geocaches are accidentally found by non- geocachers. Only a few geocaches are accidentally found by non- geocachers.

15 Whats the point? Sometimes just getting to the cache area can be a big part of the adventure. Sometimes just getting to the cache area can be a big part of the adventure. It's one thing to see the latitude and longitude plotted on a map, but it can be quite a task to figure out how to get from here to there. It's one thing to see the latitude and longitude plotted on a map, but it can be quite a task to figure out how to get from here to there.

16 Whats the point? Geocaching can be thought of in two parts: The journey to reach the cache area. The journey to reach the cache area. The challenge of actually finding the cache container. The challenge of actually finding the cache container. Both can be equally rewarding.

17 Misconceptions about geocaching FACT: Geocaches are not allowed to be buried in the ground. FACT: Geocaches are not allowed to be buried in the ground. Geocaches are buried.

18 Misconceptions about geocaching FACT: Geocaches are not litter or abandoned property. FACT: Geocaches are not litter or abandoned property. Geocaches are litter or abandoned property.

19 Misconceptions about geocaching FACT: Geocaching foot traffic is similar to hiking, trail walking, or bird watching. FACT: Geocaching foot traffic is similar to hiking, trail walking, or bird watching. Most caches are placed near trails. Most caches are placed near trails. Geocaching will damage the land.

20 How Did It Get Started? On May 1, 2000, the GPS signal degradation called Select Availability (SA) was removed. On May 1, 2000, the GPS signal degradation called Select Availability (SA) was removed. The change allowed GPS units owned by civilians to be more accurate – to within 20 feet or better. The change allowed GPS units owned by civilians to be more accurate – to within 20 feet or better. On May 3rd, 2000 someone hid a cache in Oregon and posted the coordinates on the Internet. It became the first geocache. On May 3rd, 2000 someone hid a cache in Oregon and posted the coordinates on the Internet. It became the first geocache.

21 How Did It Get Started? Jeremy Irish, the owner of the Geocaching.com website, expanded the idea and named it Geocaching. Jeremy Irish, the owner of the Geocaching.com website, expanded the idea and named it Geocaching. Geocaching is now in all 50 states and more than 200 countries. Geocaching is now in all 50 states and more than 200 countries. Geocaching.com is by far the #1 website for geocachers. Geocaching.com is by far the #1 website for geocachers.

22 Worldwide geocaches

23 U.S. geocaches

24 Wisconsin geocaches

25 Who are the geocachers?

26 Who are the geocachers?

27 Geocache containers A weather-resistant container such as Tupperware, Rubbermaid, or surplus ammo box A weather-resistant container such as Tupperware, Rubbermaid, or surplus ammo box

28 Geocache containers Usually a weather- resistant container such as Tupperware, Rubbermaid, or surplus ammo box Usually a weather- resistant container such as Tupperware, Rubbermaid, or surplus ammo box

29 Whats in a cache? Logbook Logbook Trinkets to trade Trinkets to trade Examples: maps, books, software, hardware, CDs, videos, pictures, coins, tools, games, etc. Examples: maps, books, software, hardware, CDs, videos, pictures, coins, tools, games, etc. Information sheet that explains the container and geocaching, as well as contact information. Information sheet that explains the container and geocaching, as well as contact information. Disposable camera (optional) Disposable camera (optional)

30 Whats in a cache?

31 What are the rules? Cache placement No caches on land maintained by the U.S. National Park Service or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (National Wildlife Refuges) No caches on land maintained by the U.S. National Park Service or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (National Wildlife Refuges) No caches that are buried. No caches that are buried. No caches placed on archaeological or historical sites. No caches placed on archaeological or historical sites. No caches in Wisconsin SNAs No caches in Wisconsin SNAs

32 What are the rules? No caches close to active railroad tracks. 150 feet minimum. No caches close to active railroad tracks. 150 feet minimum. No caches on military installations. No caches on military installations. No caches near or under highway bridges, dams, government buildings, or airports. No caches near or under highway bridges, dams, government buildings, or airports. No caches on school property without permission. No caches on school property without permission.

33 What are the rules? Cache placement No vacation caches No vacation caches No cache closer than 0.1 mile (528 feet) to an existing cache. No cache closer than 0.1 mile (528 feet) to an existing cache. Cacher owner must obtain permission from park manager, if required. Cacher owner must obtain permission from park manager, if required.

34 What are the rules? Cache contents No food No food No weapons (knives, ammunition, explosives) No weapons (knives, ammunition, explosives) No drugs or alcohol No drugs or alcohol No adult materials No adult materials No solicitations (business, religious, political) No solicitations (business, religious, political)

35 Who enforces the rules? Geocaching.com Geocaching.com Controls listing of geocaches worldwide on its website. Controls listing of geocaches worldwide on its website. Caches are approved by volunteer reviewers. Caches are approved by volunteer reviewers. Reviewers do not visit the geocache in person as part of the approval process. Reviewers do not visit the geocache in person as part of the approval process. Reviewers view the online description, coordinates, topo maps, proximity to other caches, compliance with known park rules. Reviewers view the online description, coordinates, topo maps, proximity to other caches, compliance with known park rules.

36 Who enforces the rules? Wisconsin Geocaching Association Wisconsin Geocaching Association Geocaching.com has granted the WGA the authority to review geocaches. Geocaching.com has granted the WGA the authority to review geocaches. WGA has the 2 geocache reviewers on our board of directors who review all Wisconsin geocaches submitted to Geocaching.com. WGA has the 2 geocache reviewers on our board of directors who review all Wisconsin geocaches submitted to Geocaching.com.

37 Wisconsin Geocaching Association Non-profit corporation Non-profit corporation 600 registered members 600 registered members An elected board of directors An elected board of directors We encourage geocachers to cooperate with park managers. We encourage geocachers to cooperate with park managers. Plan and host geocaching events Plan and host geocaching events

38 Wisconsin Geocaching Association WGA Picnic Event McKenzie Environmental Education Center, Poynette, WI August 21, 2004

39 Variations on the game Traditional caches Traditional caches Multi-caches / Offset caches Multi-caches / Offset caches Virtual caches Virtual caches Event caches Event caches Travel bugs Travel bugs

40 Typical travel bug map

41 Cache In / Trash Out (CITO) While searching for a cache, geocachers are encouraged to pick up and tote out trash they find along the way. While searching for a cache, geocachers are encouraged to pick up and tote out trash they find along the way. Many geocachers put trash bags in their caches so other geocachers can use them to pick up trash in the area. Many geocachers put trash bags in their caches so other geocachers can use them to pick up trash in the area. Geocaching organizations often host large CITO events for picking up trash in an area. Geocaching organizations often host large CITO events for picking up trash in an area.

42 Cache In / Trash Out (CITO)

43 Cache In / Trash Out (CITO)

44 What are other parks doing? Most parks in Wisconsin either allow geocaching or have no official policy. Most parks in Wisconsin either allow geocaching or have no official policy. State Natural Areas - geocaches not allowed. State Natural Areas - geocaches not allowed. City of Madison Parks - Geocachers need to get permission. Reviewer will require name of permit issuer on cache page. City of Madison Parks - Geocachers need to get permission. Reviewer will require name of permit issuer on cache page. City of Madison Conservation Parks – geocaches not allowed. City of Madison Conservation Parks – geocaches not allowed.

45 What are other parks doing? Dane County Parks - Special use permit required, $10 fee required. Reviewer will require name of permit issuer on cache page. Dane County Parks - Special use permit required, $10 fee required. Reviewer will require name of permit issuer on cache page. Waushara County Parks - geocaches not allowed. Waushara County Parks - geocaches not allowed. National Park Service lands - geocaches Not allowed. This includes the St Croix National Scenic Riverway. National Park Service lands - geocaches Not allowed. This includes the St Croix National Scenic Riverway. Federal Wildlife Refuges – geocaches not allowed. Federal Wildlife Refuges – geocaches not allowed.

46 What are other parks doing? Wisconsin DNR proposed policy highlights Written authorization required. Written authorization required. Location may be used for up to 1 year. Location may be used for up to 1 year. DNR reserves the right to terminate approval for placement of a geocache container for any reason at any time. DNR reserves the right to terminate approval for placement of a geocache container for any reason at any time. The Department agrees to make a reasonable effort to contact the geocache owner prior to termination of approval to allow the owner to remove the geocache or move it to a new location. The Department agrees to make a reasonable effort to contact the geocache owner prior to termination of approval to allow the owner to remove the geocache or move it to a new location.

47 What are other parks doing? WGA recommendations for WDNR policy Permit for 2 or 3 years, or be non-expiring. Initially geocaches may get a lot of foot traffic/visits. After an initial flurry to find the cache, foot traffic will taper off. Permit for 2 or 3 years, or be non-expiring. Initially geocaches may get a lot of foot traffic/visits. After an initial flurry to find the cache, foot traffic will taper off.

48 What are other parks doing? WGA recommendations for WDNR policy The WGA recommended that the DNR post their policy on the DNR webpage. The WGA recommended that the DNR post their policy on the DNR webpage. WGA will also post the policy, plus links to download the permit form. WGA will also post the policy, plus links to download the permit form. DNR and WGA can post information on who to submit the permit to. DNR and WGA can post information on who to submit the permit to.

49 Geocaching benefits for land managers Increases number of park visitors. Increases number of park visitors. Increases purchase of user fees. Increases purchase of user fees. Park-friendly activity - geocachers respect the land and facilities. Park-friendly activity - geocachers respect the land and facilities. Wholesome family activity - teaches kids a love for the outdoors. Wholesome family activity - teaches kids a love for the outdoors. Cache In/Trash Out initiative. Cache In/Trash Out initiative.

50 How can you prepare for geocaching? Decide if you want or need a geocaching policy. Decide if you want or need a geocaching policy. Post your policy on line. Include permit form and park contact information. Post your policy on line. Include permit form and park contact information. Let the WGA know so we can publicize your policy and help enforce it. Let the WGA know so we can publicize your policy and help enforce it. Questions? Ask the WGA – we will be glad to help. Questions? Ask the WGA – we will be glad to help.

51 Let the WGA help you Learn more about geocaching at: (the worldwide resource for geocaching) and (WGA). Learn more about geocaching at: (the worldwide resource for geocaching) and (WGA). When a geocacher asks permission to place a geocache in your park, please be open to the request. When a geocacher asks permission to place a geocache in your park, please be open to the request.

52 Let the WGA help you If you would like the WGA to inform our members about your parks policy on geocaching, let us know. If you would like the WGA to inform our members about your parks policy on geocaching, let us know. If your park does not have a geocaching policy, we would be happy to work with you to develop a draft policy. If your park does not have a geocaching policy, we would be happy to work with you to develop a draft policy. The WGA will list your parks policy at our web site so all Wisconsin geocachers can be better informed. The WGA will list your parks policy at our web site so all Wisconsin geocachers can be better informed.

53 Thank you!