MnGCA

Tuxedo Duck · Geocacher Joined: 08 Mar 2007 Posts: 40

Are we able to cache in the state parks during the state shut down?
I am planning on going on vacation later this week, and plan on caching on state park lands.

bflentje · Geocacher Joined: 29 May 2006 Posts: 3655

qwerty2582 · Past MnGCA Board Joined: 03 Apr 2009 Posts: 457

5. Will day-use be permitted at state parks during a shutdown?

During shutdown, all facilities are locked, roads and campgrounds are closed and gated where possible. Water is shut off, and no services are available. We strongly advise the public not to enter the grounds of any state park during the shutdown. We are concerned about serious health, safety and security issues if visitors enter parks when there are no restroom facilities, water, and staff available. For example, 911 calls might not be possible due to lack of cell phone coverage.

7. Can I camp in forest campgrounds?

If there is a shutdown, facilities would be locked, roads and campgrounds would be closed and gated where possible, water would be shut off, and no services would be available. It would be possible, but not recommended, for day-use to continue at state parks during regular day-use hours.

-- above taken from http://www.mndnr.gov/shutdown.html with emphasis added by me

All Wildlife Safari caches have been temporarily disabled, but I doubt anyone actually pulled them. Conservation officers are still on the job, and they're supposedly patrolling the parks, but I'm sure they're spread thin as it is.

Like bflentje said, just don't park illegally, and don't drive around barricades, but from the above it appears to be legal to walk in and use the park.

I had originally planned a 5-day camping trip starting this Saturday to clear out 30 parks or so... There went that idea...

kc9gbo · Geocacher Joined: 26 Jun 2009 Posts: 148

I'm in the same boat, I planned a trip up north for next week and with the shutdown I'm looking to make plans elsewhere. Most of what I was going to do was hit the state parks and the caches and take the kids to Itasca while staying in state forest/parks.

timewellspent · Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2011 7:04 am Post subject:

This was posted by Per Peterson and Steve Browne, Marshall Independent on July 1st. It talks about being open over the 4th weekend for day use, but I don't see why that wouldn't carry over for any other day during this shutdown:

Camden State Park closed down on Thursday in anticipation of a state government shutdown, but will still be available for day use this Fourth of July weekend.

Park Ranger Lyn Christoffer said park personnel removed all rental boats from Lake Brawner, and campers had to be out of the park by 4 p.m. though the park remained open for day use until 9 p.m.

"At this point we're waiting to see if they arrive at a budget or not," Camden State Park Manager Bill Dinesen said Thursday afternoon. "If they arrive at a budget I'll start calling staffers back and start opening as soon as we can."

Dinesen said even if the Legislature does not arrive at a budget, they might still pass a "lights on" bill temporarily funding certain aspects of state government.

"This is uncharted territory for us," Dinesen said. "In the 110-year history of the state park system this would be the first time they closed."

If the shutdown continues throughout the weekend, day use will be permitted until 9 p.m. but law enforcement personnel will enforce closing hour.

"Day use is OK, but you can't rent anything and you'll have to hike in," Dinesen said.

CharleneMae · Geocacher Joined: 23 Apr 2009 Posts: 44

Like the above posts mention, it seems you can enter the park for day use on foot or perhaps bicycle without getting in trouble. However, I highly doubt the DNR has continued to stock the caches with critter cards. All that effort of walking in could leave you with an empty cache.

We were talking about this and are really really glad we finished the series last year. It's unfortunate that people with plans to finish the Safari series may not be able to.

NeverSummer · Geocacher Joined: 20 Feb 2009 Posts: 97

Just heard something on MPR last night about entering parks. Not the best idea while shut down after all of the vandalism. But, there won't be anyone to stop you but local law enforcement.

The bottom line the woman said about day use was that you assume all risks, as there are no staff members there to look out for you.

CharleneMae · Geocacher Joined: 23 Apr 2009 Posts: 44

Another item to consider is that if you need to travel on any mowed grass trails, they may be very difficult to navigate by now. It's only going to get worse too.

knowschad · Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2011 1:48 pm Post subject:

andrewmcc · Past MnGCA Board Joined: 29 Jul 2007 Posts: 979

Another drawback I thought of as I was driving by North Shore parks was that the hikes to some of the caches can be tripled or worse if you park on the nearest legal spot.
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Hunter-Killer · Geocacher Joined: 25 Apr 2009 Posts: 222

We noticed on the weekend that several State Parks along highway 61 had vehicles parked along the side of the highway. Cascade River was probably the busiest with many people obviously not caring, and using the hiking trails. The Rest stop at Cut Face Creek had the barriers moved and vehicles were driving in, but I am sure the washroom facilities would be locked.

Pear Head · Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2011 4:05 pm Post subject:

kc9gbo · Geocacher Joined: 26 Jun 2009 Posts: 148

Article in the St. Paul Pioneer Press today detailed the woes and issues with the state parks. Seems folks are leaving trash and making other "ahem" messes as they use the park. Gooseberry and others had changes made for parking issues.
Still trying to decide where to go on vacation this next week, one hand I'd love to take the family to Itasca and the north shore but after reading the article today I think I'll pass on that to allow the family to enjoy the parks as they should be. Looking at Michigan's U.P. now.

spinowner · Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2011 7:58 pm Post subject:

I have to say that the first thought that occurred to me is: Couldn't one just look for caches not located in state parks?
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bflentje · Geocacher Joined: 29 May 2006 Posts: 3655