MnGCA

eagleyes · Posted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 7:53 am Post subject: Earthcache vs Virtual

http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=23355c4f-7dd6-4e5e-8f5a-3dc01e971211&log=y&decrypt=

By my thoughts- this is a virtual in a mn state park- i may be wrong- so why wasn't my earthcache virtual allowed to be opened for cachers?hmmm?
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Arcticabn · Posted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 9:49 am Post subject:

I had a discussion about this last night. I believe that you are correct that an EC and a Virtual are the same thing. The virtual you referenced was approved when virtuals were still allowed by GC.com. At the time I don't believe that the DNR had established a policy.

Since that time a more formal policy has come out that essentially states "No Caches" period. Therefore even a new virtual would be disapproved.

I can't understand the DNRs policy even on virtuals but until they change I still refuse to visit any of their parks. I'll go across the border and visit the ones to the East, West and South and leave our own state parks to be towrn up by the 4 wheelers and snow mobiles.
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eagleyes · Posted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 10:05 am Post subject:

The answer I got was that they want to make sure the virtual earthcaches are not in any environmentally sensitive area in the park where people would do damage just getting to the cache.
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BananaForce · Posted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 10:24 am Post subject:

sui generis · Posted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 10:53 am Post subject:

Interesting thing is, if you post coordinates to either a virtual cache or an earth cache in a park, the park has absolutley no recouse what-so-ever. How can the park possibly prohibit anyone from posting the coordinates of a view? It would be like telling people they can not post pictures of thier visit to the park and its views on a website. Can't be done, and arguably infringes upon free speech. They can enforce rules prohibiting people from going off trail, visiting restricted areas, etc. Just like they can prohibit leaving something physical in the park. They can not prohibit a virtual cache though. How can they order it removed? They certainly can't order anyone to remove a post of coordinates. I've posted a virtual in a State Park on Navicache. It is accessible by a maintained trail, etc. There is nothing the parks can do other than close the trail to their feature, or, I suppose, destroy the feature.

The only reason I see to pay this any attention at all is cooperation in the hopes of getting physical caches placed someday.
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Pear Head · Posted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 11:02 am Post subject:

sui generis · Posted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 12:06 pm Post subject:

I don't believe they ever "allowed" us to place physical caches in the first place. Unfortunately, I am not holding my breath for cache placement in MN State parks. They have had more than enough time to consider the matter and have done nothing. All we have are vague statements and that something is being considered. In the mean time, if you see a neat site or feature at a State park, don't tell anybody... they don't want that. It is rediculous that we are discouraged from posting coordinates to features that are usually advertised by the DNR themselves as spots in the park to visit. My virtual is to a rock formation the DNR has created trails to and posted informational plaques around. How can trying to prohibit the posting of coordinates to sites like that even remotely rational?
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I am amazed by how many people harp on the need to speak and write English in this country while exhibiting a fundamental lack of skills in the areas of spelling and sentence composition. Would this be irony, hypocrisy, or both?

Marsha and Silent Bob · Past MnGCA President Joined: 02 Sep 2003 Posts: 6261

Pear Head · Posted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 3:45 pm Post subject:

eagleyes · Posted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 4:49 pm Post subject:

My last question to them has gone unanswered- it was concerning geocaching being targeted when letterboxing goes about its own way - with no concern from the DNR about them. in fact I asked this of the duluth people and never got an answser- like why gcing was just mentioned and if they are doing the same thing for letterboxing of which there are 3 very near the EVENT on sat.
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LIFE IS GOOD;CABIN LIFE IS GREAT

Marsha and Silent Bob · Past MnGCA President Joined: 02 Sep 2003 Posts: 6261

Marsha and Silent Bob · Past MnGCA President Joined: 02 Sep 2003 Posts: 6261

Pear Head · Posted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 6:24 pm Post subject:

Moe the Sleaze · Posted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 7:05 pm Post subject:

My understanding of what happened is that the DNR was finally ready to create a policy allowing geocaching in some manner when they discovered that they didn't legally have the power to do so without legislation. Apparently thay can create a policy banning us on their own but need the legislature to let us in!!!
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Pear Head · Posted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 7:57 pm Post subject:

I guess I'd like to hear from those involved in the process currently to see where it is at. If they are able to share some of the why's then all the better...