Difference between revisions of "Cache Placement Guidelines"

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(added examples of poor containers)
(General)
 
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== General ==
 
== General ==
 +
* Read the [[Terms of Use]] for Opencaching North America.
 
* Respect all local laws and property rights.
 
* Respect all local laws and property rights.
 
* Seek permission to place the cache from the property owner/land manager.
 
* Seek permission to place the cache from the property owner/land manager.
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* Use a clear container when possible and always mark the container as a geocache.
 
* Use a clear container when possible and always mark the container as a geocache.
  
== Off Limits Sites ==
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== Forbidden sites for cache placement ==
 
Do '''not''' place a cache near:  
 
Do '''not''' place a cache near:  
* Elementary and Secondary Schools
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* Elementary or Secondary Schools
 
* Railroad tracks
 
* Railroad tracks
 
* Government buildings
 
* Government buildings
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== Quality ==
 
== Quality ==
* Keep in mind that your hide may become someone's first geocache find.
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'''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?
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* What impression of the hobby will they have after finding your cache?
** Will they likely want to search for another one?
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* Will they likely want to search for another one?
* Consider the location prior to placing and listing the cache.
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''' Consider the location prior to placing and listing the cache.'''
** Would you want to bring a friend to this spot?
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* 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.
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* 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.
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'''Consider the container you intend to use.'''
** Is it waterproof or will the contents, including paper log, get wet?
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* 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?
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* Will the container be able to withstand being exposed to the elements for an extended period of time? Some examples of '''poor''' containers are:
::; Examples of poor containers:
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** ''Plastic bags'' used as the actual cache, because it breaks down quickly. (Inside a sturdy container they are great!)
:::* 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.
:::* Glass jars, because they can shatter and injure someone.
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** ''Candy tins'', because they rust very quickly.
:::* Candy tins, because they rust through very quickly.
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** Ammo cans that still bear ''military markings'', because they look dangerous to the average person.
:::* Ammo cans that still bear military markings, because they look dangerous to the average person.
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'''Perform regular cache maintenance'''
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* Periodically check the container, contents, and logbook. Replace or repair items as necessary.
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* If the area is developing 'geo-trails' from people seeking the cache, consider moving or archiving the cache.
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== Online Resources ==
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* A site that is attempting to capture caching policies of land managers all over the U.S. [http://www.geocachingpolicy.info GeocachingPolicy]
 +
 
 +
[[Category: Help]]

Latest revision as of 18:38, 30 May 2013

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 North America.
  • 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.

Online Resources

  • A site that is attempting to capture caching policies of land managers all over the U.S. GeocachingPolicy