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merkman
Past MnGCA Board
Joined: 03 Jun 2006
Posts: 2032
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 Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2008 3:03 pm Post subject: |
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Here are the min from the meeting.
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H. Geo-Caching Policy
Steven Merkling was present to discuss this item.
Wimmer questioned where and when the geo-caches had been placed within the City.
Merkling stated that the concept is new and there were not many guidelines and rules. Merkling stated that the attitude has been to just place the caches. Merkling stated that geo-cachers are looking to change this idea and work with communities and park organizations.
Wimmer stated that permission should be granted first. Wimmer questioned where the items are hidden and how large they are.
Merkling stated the locations of the geo-caches throughout the City.
Wimmer questioned if they were buried.
Merkling stated the geo-caches cannot be buried. Merkling described the various “camouflaging” techniques that have been used. Merkling also stated that there is a concept known as “cach-in” and “trash-out”, in which individuals clean-up the parks and remove trash when they come.
Wimmer stated that the current geo-caches should be removed until a policy is enacted.
Krause stated that other communities do have policies in place.
Wimmer questioned the Board members for their thoughts.
Zdon stated that a policy should be in place.
Wimmer stated that staff should put together draft language for the next meeting.
Zdon stated that the City does not want an incident like Rogers.
Wimmer stated that the policy would need to be looked at by Chief Sager as well. Wimmer also stated that city staff would work with Merkling to obtain ideas on the policy. |
http://cityofisanti.us/pages/government/city_departments/minutes_agendas/pr_minutes/2007/11.27.2007%20P&R%20Min.pdf |
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Marsha and Silent Bob
Past MnGCA President
Joined: 02 Sep 2003
Posts: 6261
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| Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2008 5:15 pm Post subject: |
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| merkman wrote: |
Wimmer stated that the current geo-caches should be removed until a policy is enacted.
Wimmer stated that staff should put together draft language for the next meeting. |
The city shouldn't be drafting the language as they aren't the ones that are experts in that area. IMHO, the MnGCA Board needs to step in at this point and draft the policy based on the Duluth geocaching policy first and then progressively more intrusive policies until it meets the needs of the city.
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| Zdon stated that the City does not want an incident like Rogers. |
What would that be? I'm not familiar.
_________________
Sad state of affairs. |
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Red_Devil35
Past MnGCA Board
Joined: 26 Apr 2006
Posts: 2888
Location: Practically South Dakota!
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| Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2008 10:56 am Post subject: |
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| Marsha and Silent Bob wrote: |
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| Zdon stated that the City does not want an incident like Rogers. |
What would that be? I'm not familiar. |
I believe that refers to an incident where a cache was detonated by the Rogers bomb squad.
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"We never seek things for themselves-what we seek is the very seeking of things"-Pascal |
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Pear Head
Past MnGCA President
Joined: 04 Apr 2004
Posts: 5594
Location: north of Duluth
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Marsha and Silent Bob
Past MnGCA President
Joined: 02 Sep 2003
Posts: 6261
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| Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2008 1:37 pm Post subject: |
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Oh, that, I thought they meant something regarding a policy. Sorry.
In addition, I'm concerned about the removal of all caches from their parks prior to the creation of a policy. Why did they feel that needed to occur, was there any dialog between you and the city about keeping them in play until the policy was enacted?
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Sad state of affairs. |
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merkman
Past MnGCA Board
Joined: 03 Jun 2006
Posts: 2032
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| Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2008 2:26 pm Post subject: |
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| Marsha and Silent Bob wrote: |
Oh, that, I thought they meant something regarding a policy. Sorry.
In addition, I'm concerned about the removal of all caches from their parks prior to the creation of a policy. Why did they feel that needed to occur, was there any dialog between you and the city about keeping them in play until the policy was enacted? |
Obviously the direction I intended to go with the City of Isanti is not the direction the MnGCA membership or the geocaching community would like to go. I was wrong to assume that it was, and after many geocachers have weighed in on this, I now fully understand that.
I also understand that the direction the MnGCA membership would like to go is not the direction I would take when dealing with park managers or government officials. That is why I have stated in previous posts, and I will state here again, that I will not continue to represent the MnGCA or the geocaching community in attempting to establish geocaching as a viable allowed public activity to any public officials.
I will work to get the policy in place for the City of Isanti and will not touch other areas.
I will also provide information here as far as what I am doing with the City of Isanti as long as the second guessing and “armchair quarterbacking” does not continue.
Thanks for your understanding. |
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merkman
Past MnGCA Board
Joined: 03 Jun 2006
Posts: 2032
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| Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2008 8:59 am Post subject: |
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----- Forwarded Message ----
From: Lisa Krause <>
To: STEVEN MERKLING <>
Sent: Thursday, January 24, 2008 8:17:42 AM
Subject: RE: Geo-caching policy
Good Morning Steven,
The Park and Recreation Board reviewed the proposed policy at their last meeting. They did recommend approval of the item. The Council will be taking a look at the item at their upcoming meeting for final approval. If you have any additional questions, I would be happy to answer them.
Sincerely,
Lisa M. Krause, AICP
City Planner |
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merkman
Past MnGCA Board
Joined: 03 Jun 2006
Posts: 2032
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| Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2008 9:05 am Post subject: |
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Here is the policy that was recomended for approval.
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City of Isanti Geocaching Guidelines
Geocaching is a recreational pursuit that brings together nature and technology. Geocaching is initiated by an individual hiding a cache, normally a waterproof container with trade items and a logbook inside. The location of the cache is recorded with a Global Positioning System (GPS). The individual posts the GPS coordinates along with a description of the cache on the Geocaching Web site, www.geocaching.com. Other individuals then try to find the cache and when it is located, participants sign a logbook, trade an item, and record their find online.
The City of Isanti welcomes responsible geocaching and wants to encourage use of the park system found within the community. The City has developed the following rules and regulations, to ensure the safety and welfare of park uses and geocachers.
1. Caches must be registered and approved by the City of Isanti prior to placement of the cache. The appropriate application with required information must be completed and returned to the City.
2. When hiding, finding, or trading items in a geocache, individuals are subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws. Geocachers shall observe park hours, which are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
3. Caches shall not contain items that are considered offensive, dangerous, or illegal.
4. Caches are not permitted in reservation picnic areas or play equipment areas.
5. Caches shall not be buried.
6. Hiding or finding a geocache should never alter, damage, or otherwise negatively impact the parks, trails, or surrounding areas. Geocaching should never interfere with or detract from other park visitor’s experiences.
7. Geocaches shall be at least 1/10 of a mile or 528 feet from another geocache.
8. The owner of the geocache is responsible for the upkeep of relevant information about the park and area in which the geocache is located.
9. Unregistered geocaches will be removed by the City of Isanti. The City reserves the right to remove caches that are causing undue impact upon the park and/or other park visitors.
If there are questions or concerns regarding this policy or the application process, please contact Lisa M. Krause, City Planner at (763) 444-5512 or via e-mail at lkrause@ci.isanti.mn.us. If you would like to learn more about geocaching, please visit the Minnesota Geocaching Association at http://www.mngca.org. |
And the permit
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_______________________________________________________________________________
Cache Name:___________________________________________________________________
Park:__________________________________________________________________________
Coordinates:____________________________________________________________________
Container Size/Description:________________________________________________________
Distance to next closest cache:______________________________________________________
Date permit requested:____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
Cache Owner:___________________________________________________________________
Nickname:______________________________________________________________________
Address:________________________________________________________________________
City:_____________________________ State:______________ Zip:_______________________
Phone:____-____-____ Fax:____-____-____ Cell:____-____-____ E-mail:__________________
____________________________________________________________________
**Please Note: Your cache may not be placed until after this permit is approved.
Applicant Signature:_____________________________________ Date:_____________________ |
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Marsha and Silent Bob
Past MnGCA President
Joined: 02 Sep 2003
Posts: 6261
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| Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2008 1:00 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks!
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Sad state of affairs. |
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EskoClimber
Past MnGCA President
Joined: 24 May 2005
Posts: 809
Location: Duluth area
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| Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2008 2:44 pm Post subject: |
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Well done, I am impressed with the effort and time that merkman has placed in this project.
I am very happy that it is moving towards a happy ending.
Well done. |
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CamoCacher
Geocacher
Joined: 05 Dec 2005
Posts: 1391
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| Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2008 10:36 pm Post subject: |
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| merkman wrote: |
| Marsha and Silent Bob wrote: |
Oh, that, I thought they meant something regarding a policy. Sorry.
In addition, I'm concerned about the removal of all caches from their parks prior to the creation of a policy. Why did they feel that needed to occur, was there any dialog between you and the city about keeping them in play until the policy was enacted? |
Obviously the direction I intended to go with the City of Isanti is not the direction the MnGCA membership or the geocaching community would like to go. I was wrong to assume that it was, and after many geocachers have weighed in on this, I now fully understand that.
I also understand that the direction the MnGCA membership would like to go is not the direction I would take when dealing with park managers or government officials. That is why I have stated in previous posts, and I will state here again, that I will not continue to represent the MnGCA or the geocaching community in attempting to establish geocaching as a viable allowed public activity to any public officials.
I will work to get the policy in place for the City of Isanti and will not touch other areas.
I will also provide information here as far as what I am doing with the City of Isanti as long as the second guessing and “armchair quarterbacking” does not continue.
Thanks for your understanding. |
Merk I for one think you did the right thing and am a little tired of this "do first ask for forgiveness later" attitude within the MNGCA> I think we saw how well that went with E.P. and how much work it took by local cachers to get caching back in the area.
And I am sorry to see the same old attitudes are still around causing issues - I've stayed away from the forums and caching for this reason and know some others who have or are being driven away by the unappreciation and hard work of others. (But that is a whole nother discussion that has been hashed out on these boards and never resolved.
Merkman Thank you for your hard work here with Isanti, on the Board,a nd on the Coin Committee. I certainly appreciate it. |
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merkman
Past MnGCA Board
Joined: 03 Jun 2006
Posts: 2032
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| Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2008 2:07 pm Post subject: |
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| dmnrec wrote: |
| I've been asked by the committee in charge of the 2008 Minnesota Parks and Recreation Association annual meeting to present a section on geocaching, which I've accepted. There is also a Recreation Specialist at 3 Rivers that was asked and since we both accepted, they are wanting us to do it as a joint venture. This meeting is attended by P&R employees throughout the state. I'm currently working on all the info I'd like us to present, and hopefully it will help educate those who haven't heard of geocaching or might have the wrong impression of the sport. |
If either of you guys need anything for this presentation, make sure to contact the MnGCA and we will be able to help you with anything we can. |
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Pear Head
Past MnGCA President
Joined: 04 Apr 2004
Posts: 5594
Location: north of Duluth
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merkman
Past MnGCA Board
Joined: 03 Jun 2006
Posts: 2032
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| Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2008 9:16 am Post subject: |
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woot woot woot
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----- Forwarded Message ----
From: Lisa Krause <>
To: STEVEN MERKLING <>
Sent: Wednesday, February 6, 2008 9:07:50 AM
Subject: Geo-caching Policy
Good Morning Steven,
I wanted to let you know that the City Council reviewed and approved the Geo-caching Policy for the City of Isanti. I have attached a copy of the application and policy for your review. I want to thank you for your help with this item. If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know.
Have a good day,
Lisa M. Krause, AICP
City Planner
110 First Avenue N, PO Box 428
Isanti, MN 55040
p: (763) 444-5512 / f: (763) 444-5560 |
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GeoPierce
Geocacher
Joined: 16 Nov 2005
Posts: 1657
Location: Eden Prairie, MN
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| Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2008 2:43 pm Post subject: |
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Way to go! Forward the documents to me and I'll update the cache guidelines page.
| merkman wrote: |
woot woot woot
| Quote: |
----- Forwarded Message ----
From: Lisa Krause <>
To: STEVEN MERKLING <>
Sent: Wednesday, February 6, 2008 9:07:50 AM
Subject: Geo-caching Policy
Good Morning Steven,
I wanted to let you know that the City Council reviewed and approved the Geo-caching Policy for the City of Isanti. I have attached a copy of the application and policy for your review. I want to thank you for your help with this item. If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know.
Have a good day,
Lisa M. Krause, AICP
City Planner
110 First Avenue N, PO Box 428
Isanti, MN 55040
p: (763) 444-5512 / f: (763) 444-5560 |
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Tupperware doesn't belong in the kitchen! |
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