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Marsha and Silent Bob
Past MnGCA President
Joined: 02 Sep 2003
Posts: 6261
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 Posted: Tue Sep 26, 2006 1:31 pm Post subject: Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Guidelines |
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Following closely on the heels of the announcement last week of the Minnesota State Forests’ Geocaching Policy, the Minnesota Geocaching Association is proud to announce that after four years, our association has accomplished what it was formed to do.
The Minnesota DNR has lifted the geocaching ban and geocaches are again permitted to be placed (with prior and written permission) in Minnesota State Parks!
From the DNR's State Parks' General Parks Rules:
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Geocaching
Geocaching is allowed in Minnesota State Parks, State Recreation Areas and Waysides managed by the DNR Division of Parks and Recreation. All caches placed in these locations require a signed permit prior to placement. Permit applications and geocaching guidelines are available at the park office or online at http://www.mnstateparks.info |
This effort was a huge undertaking and one that has stretched numerous MnGCA Boards, involved many people (geocachers and DNR officials alike), and opens 66 parks to geocaching again!
Please do follow the permit process and make certain that you are taking great care to ensure that the hard work that the DNR and the MnGCA has done is not for naught. This is big news and we want to shine where we shine best!
If you have any questions about the permit process, please contact your local State Park official. You will be working closely with them in order to get geocaches placed in their parks. Once you have the e-mail copy of the permit, please forward that on to “Surfer Joe” for final cache reviewing and publishing.
We are continuing our promise to work closely with the Minnesota DNR to open more of their lands that are closed to geocaching. While some lands are likely to remain closed to geocaching indefinitely (SNAs in particular) we are hopeful that many other lands will open soon.
Have a great day and happy cachin’,
Silent Bob
MnGCA President
Official press release is here: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/news/releases/index.html?id=1159300366
Guidelines (PDF): http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/outdoor_activities/state_parks/geocaching_guidelines.pdf
Permit (PDF):
http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/outdoor_activities/state_parks/geocaching_form.pdf
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Guidelines for Geocaching/Letterboxing In Minnesota State Parks
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - Division of Parks & Recreation
INTRODUCTION
This document provides guidance for visitors interested in participating in geocaching or letterboxing activities on lands administered by the MN Department of Natural Resources Division of Parks and Recreation (state parks, state recreation areas, state waysides).
Geocaching is a recreational activity involving the use of a hand-held GPS (Global Positioning System) unit to locate “caches” whether virtual, now called “waymarks” (a scenic overlook), or real (a container including a logbook.) The most common form of geocaching involves individuals placing caches and sharing the locations of these caches on the Internet (www.geocaching.com). Participants use the location coordinates to find the caches. Once found, participants sign the logbook found in the cache container. They also post their “find” on the on-line logbook. They may also place or remove appropriate items from the cache. Letterboxing is similar but involves using only clues to find a hidden container.
PERMITS
A cache may not be placed in a state park, state recreation area or state wayside before receiving a signed and dated geocaching permit from the manager of the specific park in which the cache is to be placed. Each cache requires its own permit. In addition to a geocaching permit, groups who want to conduct a short-term, sponsored event may be required to complete a Special Use Permit for the event.
CACHE PLACEMENT & INFORMATION
Cache Placement
• Caches will be placed at locations where they do not negatively impact natural/cultural resources, visitor safety, or other users.
• Caches are not allowed in Scientific & Natural Areas, areas identified as restricted, golf courses, or overnight use areas.
• Caches may be temporarily removed or permanently relocated to accommodate MN State Park management needs. Park staff will coordinate these actions with the person responsible for the cache whenever possible.
• Caches may not be buried, nor may vegetation, rocks or other natural or cultural features be moved, marked or damaged in the process of placing, accessing or maintaining the cache.
• MN State Parks retains the right to remove, or have removed, a cache it feels is; in an inappropriate location, is causing undue impact on park resources or for other reasons deemed inconsistent with the mission and statutes of the MN State Park System.
• Due to resource protection or other park management concerns, geocaches may not be allowed in all units administered by the Division of Parks & Recreation.
Caches
• Maximum size of cache containers is 8” x 12” x 4”. Containers larger than these dimensions need to be noted on the application and specifically approved by the park manager.
• The container must be marked with the following information: the text “Geocache”, and the name of the cache as it appears on the website.
• Caches may only contain a logbook in which to record visits, a description of geocaching and non-perishable, familyfriendly items.
Permit Applications - To obtain a permit application, contact the park manager at the location where you wish to place a cache or contact Minnesota State Parks central office at MNDNR-Parks 500 Lafayette Rd. Box 39 St. Paul, MN 55155, 651-259-5600 to receive a copy.
Contact information for individual parks can also be found at: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/index.html.
Anticipate that it may take up to 30 days for your application to be reviewed by Division staff before you receive your permit. |
edit to add official press release, guidelines, and permit PDFs
_________________
Sad state of affairs.
Last edited by Marsha and Silent Bob on Thu May 29, 2008 6:20 pm; edited 5 times in total |
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loneeagle_24
Geocacher
Joined: 17 Jun 2003
Posts: 870
Location: Montevideo
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| Posted: Tue Sep 26, 2006 1:43 pm Post subject: |
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OK KB. So are we taking odds to the first cacher to get a cache approved and placed in a state park?
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King of the Jeff Gordon TB's!
They put that cache WHERE? |
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King Boreas
Geocacher
Joined: 16 Dec 2002
Posts: 2350
Location: Exploring Minnesota
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| Posted: Tue Sep 26, 2006 2:42 pm Post subject: |
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OK KB. So are we taking odds to the first cacher to get a cache approved and placed in a state park?
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anyone but me |
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CamoCacher
Geocacher
Joined: 05 Dec 2005
Posts: 1391
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| Posted: Tue Sep 26, 2006 2:49 pm Post subject: |
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| Great job EVERYONE! |
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eagleyes
Geocacher
Joined: 03 Jun 2003
Posts: 742
Location: NE & E CENTRAL, MN
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| Posted: Tue Sep 26, 2006 6:51 pm Post subject: |
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http://www.mnstateparks.info
can't find any permit applications here- or where is it at this site-
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LIFE IS GOOD;CABIN LIFE IS GREAT |
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Marsha and Silent Bob
Past MnGCA President
Joined: 02 Sep 2003
Posts: 6261
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| Posted: Tue Sep 26, 2006 7:08 pm Post subject: |
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As you can see above in my original post, they have yet to post the policy. We were told it would be done today but it wasn't. We'll post it here when it goes live.
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Sad state of affairs. |
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towlebooth
Past MnGCA Board
Joined: 26 Nov 2002
Posts: 1269
Location: Saint Paul
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| Posted: Wed Sep 27, 2006 5:23 am Post subject: |
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| Bravo! |
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Buzzygirl
Past MnGCA Board
Joined: 06 Apr 2004
Posts: 499
Location: Little Canada
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| Posted: Wed Sep 27, 2006 6:09 am Post subject: |
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| Fantastic! Thanks to everyone who helped make this a reality! |
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Paklid
Past MnGCA Board
Joined: 09 May 2004
Posts: 656
Location: Eagan
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darus67
Geocacher
Joined: 13 Jan 2006
Posts: 64
Location: Coon Rapids
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| Posted: Wed Sep 27, 2006 8:34 am Post subject: |
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Now, on to Anoka county!
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Mustang Dreamin' |
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Marsha and Silent Bob
Past MnGCA President
Joined: 02 Sep 2003
Posts: 6261
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| Posted: Wed Sep 27, 2006 8:37 am Post subject: |
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| darus67 wrote: |
| Now, on to Anoka county! |
I have called twice and e-mailed them once so far this month. The head of Anoka County Parks has told me that due to other priorities, the geocaching policy has taken a back seat but that he will be going over their intern's "feasability study" and getting in touch w/me for input and to answer any questions they may have.
I have no ETA on when that will happen.
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Sad state of affairs. |
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TimbreWlf
Past MnGCA Board
Joined: 14 Jul 2003
Posts: 347
Location: Ham Lake, MN
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| Posted: Wed Sep 27, 2006 9:09 am Post subject: |
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Excellent, good job everyone.
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When Re-Inventing the Wheel ... Think Rounder |
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WindChill
Geocacher
Joined: 02 Aug 2005
Posts: 40
Location: Eastern Iowa
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| Posted: Wed Sep 27, 2006 9:28 am Post subject: |
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Congratulations!
Next up, The National Park Service 
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WindChill - www.IowaGeocachers.Org |
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Moe the Sleaze
Geocacher
Joined: 10 Jan 2003
Posts: 1130
Location: Champlin, MN
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| Posted: Wed Sep 27, 2006 9:33 am Post subject: |
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W00t! BOOOM!
I think it would be a great idea for one of the board members to post this news on the Midwest section of the Groundspeak forums.
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"Hi, I'm Moe, or as the women know me - Hey! You in the bushes."
-Moe, The Simpsons |
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Marsha and Silent Bob
Past MnGCA President
Joined: 02 Sep 2003
Posts: 6261
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| Posted: Wed Sep 27, 2006 9:38 am Post subject: |
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| Moe the Sleaze wrote: |
| I think it would be a great idea for one of the board members to post this news on the Midwest section of the Groundspeak forums. |
Uhh, you obviously do need those reading glasses: http://forums.groundspeak.com/GC/index.php?showtopic=144977
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Sad state of affairs. |
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