[GeoStL] Re: State Parks
- From: Glenn <gln.htc@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: "geocaching@xxxxxxxxxxxxx" <geocaching@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Thu, 29 Dec 2011 17:07:51 -0600
Absolutely agree. In Missouri they cut back so much they no longer have person
that even looks at Geocaching anymore.
Glenn
Via iP-4
On Dec 29, 2011, at 4:54 PM, "Mike Griffin" <brawnybear@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> It is very sad when you compare our state parks to those in other states that
> have embraced geocaching. We have some great state parks but I think they are
> missing out on the Eco-Tourism business because they do a bad job of
> promoting. I remember when they had the different challenges. My all-time
> favorite was the passport series where you could earn prizes by exploring the
> different parks.
>
> Now it seems, they have let another great opportunity slip by…
> Check out this link to Texas State Parks…
>
> http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/activities/outdoor_recreation/geocache/
>
> After you have marveled at their embrace of Geocaching, take a look at the
> activities page for Mo State Parks..
>
> http://mostateparks.com/activities
>
> It really saddens me that we have spent so much time promoting it to the
> State Parks, working with them on many different levels, individually,
> groups, etc.. and we still don’t get a mention for Geocaching. We had MOGA
> there one year and then they totally missed the boat as it expanded into a
> money maker for the region. Everywhere we have taken MOGA, we have generated
> an incredible revenue stream for local businesses and public lands. Camping
> for MOGA events has offered a generous amount of revenue for the Corps and
> State Parks. We managed to squeeze one in at Twain State Park, but it had to
> be sponsored by ACOE.
>
> I really don’t understand the mindset behind it. No growth is no growth. What
> do you have to do to bring in revenue? This should be the question Missouri
> State Parks should be asking itself? What would attract thousands of people
> each year, especially in the off-season, where they would stay multiple days
> in the park at campgrounds, resorts and cabins?
>
> It has been proven time and time again, have a dense population of caches and
> it will bring the cachers. Have more than they can do in one day, they will
> stay overnight and spend money. The ACOE at Mark Twain Lake saw an increase
> in the amount of traffic after our first MOGA. Indian Creek averaged about
> 175000 tire rolls per year over a 10 year period. After MOGA, that number
> increased to over 250000. Densely populated caching areas, in this case .25
> miles apart on average, bring in the cachers and their families!
>
> In summary my good friends in the caching community, I think it is time we
> enlighten our stewards in Jeff City and let them know we want to see
> Geocaching programs similar to the ones in Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma and
> several other states who have set up a great Geocaching activity for families
> and serious outdoor enthusiasts. We are missing a great opportunity to
> highlight some of the best parks in the country.
>
> Sorry for the rant.. I feel better now…
>
> Brawny Bear
> Mike
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