GEO WALKER

I'm not sure if anyone has mentioned PA's Geological Survey? Just go into the PA DCNR [Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources] Web Site and look for Geology and this should take you to TGS [Topographic and Geologic Survey]. They have a number of publications. Their Educational Series is written for the non-science type. They also have a publication known as Pennsylvania Geology both are free downloads. You might find some ideas w/the PA State Parks also part of DCNR Web Site. I’m sure other State Geological Surveys have similar information. BTW… TerryDad2 Thanks for the PGS plug. They’re a good bunch of people.

I’m thinking that a regional approach may be better from an individuals costs perspective thus gaining better attendance from local cachers. Just a thought here… Many ECs are associated w/some type of Park. Perhaps a regional approach may present an opportunity to some of the employees of the various “park systems” to attend and gain a better understanding of EC’s and geocaching in general. Hopefully making approvals easier?

I’ve had a couple at one of my sites: The first was a pair rushing out to get a FTF w/out all of the information. Not much later one of the two went back, with all the information and photos, and found it w/o any problems and informed ma a tree had fallen next to the site, which made the measurement point a whole lot easier to spot. I field checked an incorporated this into the narative. The funny thing was, they both knew the area as a cool section of the creek not knowing it actually was a flume. The second was a Newbie who I don’t think understood ECs. I posted a note an offered help as well as emailing the account explaining the how ECs differ from other caches and offered help. So far no response…

I’m not too sure if this will answer your question? It’s my understanding the reason Virtual Caches ended was that folks were approaching these w/a “just about anything goes attitude”. So, w/out controls you could have an over abundance of caches which simply ID the little tags left on telephone poles, just for the sake of “Numbers” either finds or creations. This helped support the argument, that “since a container was not involved it should not be considered a cache”. Apparently, the EC’s fell into this category and were later resurrected based on their educational importance thereby creating a separation from Groundspeak. Thus allowing for the entry of GSA I would assume to insert quality and responsibility into the EC Program. Many of us have run into news items involving law and emergency response issues over poorly placed geocaches. Anyone recall this happening to an EC?

I would hope that the only impact that I make on ECs is to open up this concept to others. If that can be done... then I have done well.

I would have to say YES. Although I only have 3 EC’s the responses are always very favorable. As for your [biT] ECs, I will have to say that in Ohio there are a handful, perhaps 6 or so, cachers who have done excellent work in the area of ECs. My dad lives in Delaware County so I’m back and forth quite a bit from Pittsburgh and usually make it a point to hit an EC while I’m out that way. I think one measure of success is the “tie-in” w/ the park systems, particularly the Ohio Historical Society. It would be nice to see more ECs here in western Pennsylvania. BTW… I really enjoy the SMSI Series.

Could I hide a ammocan with the appropriate supplies nearby if it's a state/public park? Most ECs I’ve seen that deal w/pH usually recommend hitting a Pool Supply Store for pH measurement. As for a “supply” cache you may want to stash it at the Parking Coordinates and perhaps use this as a ”Hint”. I’m not sure how GSA will view an EC involving a container even if it is for supplying educational materials?

I like this approach... Mind if I borrow it?

Hope this helps... Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) is a remote sensing system used to collect topographic data. http://www.csc.noaa.gov/products/sccoasts/html/tutlid.htm http://www.thsoa.org/hy01/9_1.pdf

Sounds like an EC I personally would stay away from. I get enough "petty ..." when I'm at the office and I don't need it here.

Absolutely not… What purpose is served by narrowing the educational audience?

Anyone has and should have the opportunity to develop an Earthcache, regardless of one’s formal education. Let’s keep in mind that these are to be created with the comprehensive level of a teenager and non science folks and not the level of a PhD in Structural Geology. I for one will and do offer assistance to others in creating an Earthcahce (“EC”). I would much rather see someone create their 1st, EC and work their way up the Masters Program than to secretly create this on my own, even having reached the Platinum Level. Often, if I find an area of interest I will first offer it up [on a local forum] to someone so that another person can experience the development of an EC in hopes this will give them the “experience” others may want to seek. Yes, I have a BS in Geology and a MS in Earth Science, so I guess others may see me as “Qualified”. More importantly, I have a professional responsibility to this approach. Look I’m not buckin’ for sainthood here, but perhaps a better question would be “How many of “us” do the same?” I’m willing to bet most if not all of us… For me "mentoring" is the true measure of “experience”… So much for the "soapbox"

Well the feature sort of shows up on the Topo. I am not sure on the Revision Date of this Topo? The Road, 1st Line East, shows as a dashed line N of Rt 21, Google gives the impression of a more permanent road. Chances are the Topo shows signs of “artistic freedom” used in cartography prior to aerial imagery. I’d love to see a LIDAR image on this one…

I would aggree w/BiT. The conical shape, the NE SW alignment of both, and the fact they are on the top of a hill would lead me to think that these may be Mound Builder Features... Why didn't the road go around this feature rather than over it?

Maybe this will help? ANCIENT MINE SITE (GC14DFZ) Ohio

Chances are there may be some type of permit application involved. I would stress the educational and non-destructive nature of Earthcaches and also that this would bring more visitors into the park. You may want to reinforce this point w/the acceptance of caching in other parks [Municipal, County, State and Historical].

The rocks and the earth processes that act on them were here long before we were, and the world was perfectly fine. Don't blame geology, it's the humans exploiting it that are making a mess! I do believe you are missing the point… I sense some negativity here. All of these elements are symbiotic to both man and geology. We can choose to close our eyes and ignore the problems of the past or we can choose to change or correct these problems. This does not “blame” geology but enforces the need to educate others, which I believe is a core value of an Earthcache, on the “Who, What, Where and Why” of these issues. Perhaps we are witnessing the birth of a new geologic epoch, the Anthropocene?

Could we add the following: Environmental Economic Remediation Many of these elements address solving problems brought about by geology.

I don't think most folks are going to get a Passport for the simple sake of Earthcaching. I for one would dread to see the economic costs associated with such a venture. Perhaps replacing the term continents with either states or provinces may be the better way to go?

Lime City GCZBXZ Huntington IN USA What I find most interesting here is not so much the “geology”, but the creative land use. Perhaps this may be due to a few “Planning” courses I had taken in college or my environmental background. It’s a great example of land reuse.

I have not had any problems with State Park System of PA DCNR. If fact I think they see the tourist and park utilization benefit to both Geo and Earth caches. The SP are also showing some interest in Geocaching by considering in park programs. Give it a shot you may be surprised by their response. Just a note here you may have to wait on a PNDI Check, endangered Flora and Fauna.

I mention geocaching only as a reference but quickly point out the educational advantage, and non-destructive nature of ECs. It doesn’t hurt to mention that the maintenance staff doesn’t need to be concerned w/an EC. Some managers enjoy geocaches others do not, but most are acceptable to ECs.

Based on the answers submitted [site specific] I’ve never had to delete a find. Most issues are w/camera problems, but the answers submitted show they were there.

I always reply just out of common courtesy… I usually end the reply w/something like I hoped or glad they enjoyed the cache.

I might be out in the area this weekend... I have a 14 yr. old nephew in South Bend who is interested in ECs. Most of the ECs in northern IN and southern MI deal primarly w/hyrdography or glacial features.