A traveling geocoin that moves from cache to cache

While wading through the sometimes-murky DNR website, I ran across something of interest: the official DNR Geocaching policy and permit form.

As readers might remember, this corner (especially his children) loves to Geocache.  For those still in the dark, Geocaching is a high-tech game of hide-and-seek in which a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver is used to find “caches” listed on one of many internet websites such as http://www.geocaching.com.   Adults will enjoy finding new out-of-the-way places to explore while kids dearly love hidden treasure aspect of the game.

We reported two years ago that the exploding popularity of the game had brought headaches to DNR personnel who occasionally find trampled vegetation, digging and other destructive acts from overzealous geocachers.  At that time, there was no formal policy regarding the pastime but that has now changed.

According to DNR policy, anyone who places a geocache on public land must first obtain an “Official Geocaching Placement License” from the DNR.  This permit will be reviewed by the local property manager for approval.  This form used to be displayed on the DNR website but now seems to be hidden.  You can find the Official Geocaching Placement License here.

There are numerous other requirements and stipulations regarding DNR lands for geocaching.  After visiting the website, it is probably best to directly contact the property where you might be considering placing a cache. All state nature preserves or Division of Outdoor Recreation properties are off-limits.

It’s also a good idea to not visit any caches in violation of this policy and report any ones that you might discover while surfing the Internet.  Be cautious, because as I warned two years ago, if people don’t use courtesy and common sense in their geocaching, a few swipes of the pen can make the entire pastime illegal on vast tracts of public land.

Link: DNR geocaching story from Outdoor Indiana magazine

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