MnGCA

Paklid · Posted: Sun Jan 28, 2007 2:02 pm Post subject: State Park Caches

Today I responded to a request from the park manager at Fort Snelling State Park. He wanted an update on the geocache hidden there. So I looked into it and sent him a reply which included the following info:
Since this cache was published in October of 2006, 9 "found it" logs have been posted (representing 12 visitors plus one dog).

Now I know that this cache has a fairly long hike to reach the posted coordinates, and being it is in a State Park, you need to have a valid auto permit to enter and park, but only 12 visitors in 3+ months seems low to me for a metro state park cache.

I seem to recall plenty of discussion about how much we needed to have geocaching allowed in the state parks. There was a lot of emotion expressed on the topic. Was this a theoretical need - we just didn't like the idea of being excluded from the state parks? Or do people really intend to hide and seek caches in the state parks? At 4 visits per month, the visit rate for the Fort Snelling cache is roughly what a mature metro cache sees. However, newer caches like this typically see a higher visit rate than that - so I wonder what the issue is.

Anyway, the effort was expended, and the MnGCA worked with the people managing the state parks and a workable geocaching policy has been adopted. After all this, are we cachers going to go through the process of hiding and seeking or not?

Finally, I'm curious whether anybody is keeping track of all the geocaches (whether traditional or earthcaches) that are currently active within the Minnesota State Park system. I guess it would have to be a bookmark list managed by someone.
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-Paklid

Pear Head · Posted: Sun Jan 28, 2007 2:47 pm Post subject: Re: State Park Caches

RubberToes · Posted: Sun Jan 28, 2007 3:28 pm Post subject:

I for one like state parks and I like the idea of state-park caches. I'm also a fan of caches that require a bit of effort to get to as Paklid's does.

The state parks are home to some very nice off-the-beaten-track spots, and I would hope the caches placed in state parks would help cachers find their way to those spots. When I visit a state park, I like to see as many of its special places as possible -- and not just those accessible at pullouts and overlooks. Park and grabs at state parks would be a waste if you ask me.

I have a couple state park placements in mind, but it will be spring before I can get to them.

I started a state-park bookmark list a while ago that I thought has been made public, but I guess not. It is public now. I'll see about further updating it soon.

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

I had a cache located right off I-35 in a free park that was a bit over two miles round trip and it only had six finds in its first three months and twenty in 2.5 years.

People just are not willing to put in the time required to walk the distance to get one smiley. I guarantee in your (or my) cache was a 15 - 20 part series located in the same park it would gain a lot more attention.
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Sad state of affairs.

Moe the Sleaze · Posted: Sun Jan 28, 2007 6:32 pm Post subject:

My plan is to hunt your cache via kayak next spring/summer. Cool

Caches in State Parks are destined to be found by far fewer cachers than those in parks that don't require fees to enter. I suspect most finds are made by people who are in the park for reasons other than just geocaching.
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"Hi, I'm Moe, or as the women know me - Hey! You in the bushes."
-Moe, The Simpsons

Pear Head · Posted: Tue Mar 27, 2007 5:39 pm Post subject:

Interesting.. The DNR has added "geocaching" to their navigation links on the right side of the state parks page:

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/index.html

At the moment it only points to their short press release (from the front page) about caching, with links to the guidelines and permit forms...
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Hmm...

KC0GRN · Past MnGCA Board Joined: 22 Feb 2004 Posts: 1424

I've had intentions of finding your cache Paklid, and rest assured I will before the stinging nettle and mosquitoes take over the island.

My only reason for delay has been my change in cars and not wanting to buy a state parks permit until I had my new car. Now that geocaching is allowed in State parks, I thought an annual permit would be worth it.

RubberToes · Posted: Wed Mar 28, 2007 9:05 pm Post subject:

5savages · Geocacher Joined: 13 Feb 2005 Posts: 204

Pear Head · Posted: Thu Mar 29, 2007 11:56 am Post subject:

KC0GRN · Past MnGCA Board Joined: 22 Feb 2004 Posts: 1424

Yeah, I'm sure they can be transferred, I just didn't want to hassle with it.

Besides, during the whole changing cars process, I didn't really have much time to get out caching anyways.