About time? The policy was written in a fairly negative manner toward geocaching. It actually suggests that Letterboxing may be more appropriate where geocaching is not! From the Geocaching section: Geocaching is viewed as a type of “treasure hunt” where participants search for hidden caches using hand held GPS devices. The notion of a “treasure hunt” immediately sets off an alarm for NPS managers because it implies that the “hunters” will be placing caches in unapproved areas, digging up park resources and damaging the park environment. Obviously, much as we want park visitors to enjoy their experience, we cannot allow a GPS activity if it would lead to destructive behavior. Burying caches would generally violate 36 CFR 2.1(a), and could violate other regulations, as well. From the Letterboxing section: Although letterboxing is intended to be environmentally friendly, if the “box” is buried or concealed by manipulated vegetation or rocks, or will cause participants to create social trails or traverse sensitive or dangerous locations, the impacts will likely be unacceptable. However, it is entirely possible that some parks, particularly those with a vast expanse of backcountry, will have locations where a letterbox could be concealed and sought out without causing unacceptable impacts. Note the last part is mention under letterboxing and not geocaching - like to two are that much different! They also cite the following regulations: -prohibits digging, destroying, or injuring park resources. This would apply to digging holes to bury caches, manipulating vegetation to conceal caches, creation of unauthorized trails, and other damaging behavior incidental to GPS activities. • 36 CFR 2.22 prohibits abandoning property, which includes leaving property unattended for longer than 24 hours. This regulation also authorizes superintendents to designate locations where, or conditions under which, longer time periods may apply. • 36 CFR 2.31 prohibits trespassing, tampering and vandalism, which might occur as participants search for caches. It doesn't look like they have really changed their minds but may have opened the door for a few open minded superientents to allow some caches. Mike ----- Original Message ---- From: Jim Bensman <junkmailno@xxxxxxxxxxx> To: geocaching@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Sent: Friday, November 2, 2007 8:40:24 PM Subject: [GeoStL] Re: interesting. Nation parks service - Its about time! Jim Bensman "Nature Bats Last" > -----Original Message----- > From: geocaching-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:geocaching- > bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Glenn > Sent: Friday, November 02, 2007 8:18 PM > To: SLAGA > Subject: [GeoStL] interesting. Nation parks service > > - > > > http://forums.groundspeak.com/GC/index.php?showtopic=177003 > > > **************************************** > For List Info or To make _ANY_ changes, including unsubscribing from > this > list, click -----> //www.freelists.org/list/geocaching > Missouri Caches Scheduled to be Archived http://tinyurl.com/87cqw **************************************** For List Info or To make _ANY_ changes, including unsubscribing from this list, click -----> //www.freelists.org/list/geocaching Missouri Caches Scheduled to be Archived http://tinyurl.com/87cqw __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com