Cache Placement Guidelines

For the good of the caching community and those seeking your cache, consider the following prior to placing a cache.

General

• Read the Terms of Use for Opencaching.US.
• Respect all local laws and property rights.
• Seek permission to place the cache from the property owner/land manager.
• Do not dig, disassemble, or destroy property when placing or seeking a cache.
• Do not hide a cache where the location or the container will raise suspicion with people in the area or law enforcement.
• Use a clear container when possible and always mark the container as a geocache.

Forbidden sites for cache placement

Do not place a cache near:

• Elementary or Secondary Schools
• Railroad tracks
• Government buildings
• Military installations
• Ecologically protected areas
• Any place that has a policy against caches

Quality

Keep in mind that your hide may become someone's first geocache find.

• What impression of the hobby will they have after finding your cache?
• Will they likely want to search for another one?

Consider the location prior to placing and listing the cache.

• Would you want to bring a friend to this spot?
• Is this spot appropriate for the additional traffic (people & vehicles) that this cache could potentially bring to the area.

Consider the container you intend to use.

• Is it waterproof or will the contents, including paper log, get wet?
• Will the container be able to withstand being exposed to the elements for an extended period of time? Some examples of poor containers are:
  • Plastic bags used as the actual cache, because it breaks down quickly. (Inside a sturdy container they are great!)
  • Glass jars, because they can shatter and injure someone.
  • Candy tins, because they rust very quickly.
  • Ammo cans that still bear military markings, because they look dangerous to the average person.

Perform regular cache maintenance

• Periodically check the container, contents, and logbook. Replace or repair items as necessary.
• If the area is developing 'geo-trails' from people seeking the cache, consider moving or archiving the cache.