MnGCA

MN.Fruitcake · Minnesota Reviewer Joined: 18 Oct 2010 Posts: 34

Aitkin County is now restricting new geocaches on county lands (and will likely be evaluating existing caches over time). Written permission is required before placing a cache on county land.

I'm hoping to be able to, at a minimum, provide some contact information in the next few days.

King Boreas · Posted: Sat Dec 10, 2011 4:02 am Post subject: Re: Aitkin County

fireman121 · Posted: Sat Dec 10, 2011 8:19 am Post subject:

You got that right KB.
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Remember One does not need the MNGCA to geocache, but the MNGCA does need members to survive.

beagleboo · Geocacher Joined: 06 Sep 2007 Posts: 113

Its obvious Aitkin County has not not completed their research in viewing the geocaching sport/hobby as a income source and part of the "tourist industry". A sharp contrast too neighboring City/County promoting geocaching with hike/bike trails, geocaching events, etc. etc. As I recently viewed my Aitkin county property tax "increase" of 12.9%!!! It only solidifies the Aitkin County mind set of: If you can't tax/permit or license it? Heavily regulate or ban it costing the county in maintenance of rules/permits, or enforcement. (Knock! Knock! Aitkin County) Anyone home in the missed opportunity dept.? Just another wonderstruck geo-cacher hiking off into the sunset scratching his head concerning a (shot in the foot), resource losing decision being made by local government.

bflentje · Geocacher Joined: 29 May 2006 Posts: 3654

I blame Eskoclimber. Wink

Pear Head · Posted: Sat Dec 10, 2011 6:41 pm Post subject: Re: Aitkin County

ArcherDragoon · Posted: Sat Dec 10, 2011 11:54 pm Post subject: Re: Aitkin County

casinoman · Geocacher Joined: 26 Mar 2008 Posts: 374

You know what guys I know I'm no longer there in that state but I have a idea. If you look at Glendive MO and show this to the county this may help.
In Glenduve they do a event evry year and hand out geocoins if they find 8 of 10 caches that the town and the parks system have put out.
I have hurd that there are other areas out west here that are starting things like this.

Just a thought IMHO.

fireman121 · Posted: Sun Dec 11, 2011 12:06 pm Post subject:

Did Aitkin County come up with this policy on their own or did the MNGCA approach them about one?
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Remember One does not need the MNGCA to geocache, but the MNGCA does need members to survive.

beagleboo · Geocacher Joined: 06 Sep 2007 Posts: 113

King Boreas · Posted: Sun Dec 11, 2011 3:47 pm Post subject:

fireman121 · Posted: Sun Dec 11, 2011 4:50 pm Post subject:

So I would say on there own then, Correct?
_________________
Remember One does not need the MNGCA to geocache, but the MNGCA does need members to survive.

Pear Head · Posted: Sun Dec 11, 2011 5:08 pm Post subject:

I would probably keep in mind that this may not be a final policy - it's likely (my opinion) a knee-jerk reaction when they saw the caches in their parks. It would be my hope that the MnGCA would be able to bring them to something reasonable.

Also keep in mind that they aren't banning caches in their parks, merely restricting new placements to written permission. For many that's the same as banning them, but it's not a true ban (yet).
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Hmm...

King Boreas · Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2011 4:17 am Post subject:

http://mngca.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4849

MNMizzou · Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2011 9:10 am Post subject:

This is from Aitkin County's Comprehensive Recreation Plan:

"Geocaching is a relatively new form of recreation that is
described by the Minnesota DNR as an outdoor activity
combining hiking and exploring while using a hand-held
Global Positioning System (GPS) to locate either virtual or
actual treasure caches. To support geocaching activities,
the GPS coordinates of caches are provided and participants
use their GPS device to navigate to the location. Caches
should be waterproof containers (i.e., weather resistant)
such as sealed bottles or canisters and may contain a trinket
or other small item as well as a logbook to record the visit.
Visitors to the cache may remove and replace items within
the cache and can post their finds and share experiences
online (e.g., www.geocaching.com). There are additional rules related to geocaching, including
complying with applicable laws, including private property rights. The MN DNR allows
geocaching in state parks and requires that caches are placed in locations that do not negatively
impact natural or cultural resources, visitor safety or other outdoor recreational uses.
Geocaching does not need to be a trail-based activity. Caches may be located along roadways,
trails or waterways so that they are accessible by car, kayak or canoe, ATV, hiking or on a
snowmobile.
Considerations regarding geocaching:
• Caches can be placed along trails or in areas to draw people
• Can place caches so they are accessible by car, kayak, ATV, etc.
• May need a permitting system and rules to govern caches on county lands
• Geocaching participants may prefer to see cache sites in groups (e.g., more than one in an
area)
• Cache sites can be linked to geologic, historic and other locations of interest
• Could create a link to businesses but caches should be “non-commercial”
• Could have brochures, coupons, etc in cache
• County could open an online account to manage and register caches

Action Step Recommendations:
• Develop guidelines and online registry process for caches located on county-managed
lands
• Identify opportunities to collaborate with local communities and geocaching interests to enhance geocaching opportunities in the county"

It would seem to me that what is necessary is to illustrate to them that an online registry process already exists, and that really the only thing they need to do is work with the reviewers in illustrating what areas they don't want caches in. He marks those areas on a map that makes it easy to not publish any cache placed in said area, everyone is happy and they can move on to Action Point 2... the key is to show them it is a waste of their time and more importantly money and resources to try to do it themselves when a well established system will do it for them for free. On top of which if they want to "keep tabs" on that process they can get a free premium membership from Groundspeak to see published caches at any point. (and yes the President of the MnGCA has a copy of this PDF I found)
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