From the Matsu Valley head of Alaska Department of State Parks:
I've attached our statement on geochaching from our "frequently Asked Questions" page which is about to go online. The Policy and Procedure Number is 18000. The Alaska Statutes are AS 41.21.020 and AS 41.21.026.
Q. Is geocaching allowed in Alaska State Parks?
Because this activity has the potential to cause damage to park resources and create a public safety risk for park visitors, it is necessary that the Division issue Special Park Use permits for geocaches that include stipulations that control where they may be placed, how they may be placed, and what may be contained in them.
Special stipulations for geocache permits include, but are not limited to:
No food items may be placed or left in the cache.
No items with strong odors such as toothpaste, scented sunblocks and similar items.
The cache may not be buried.
The Permittee may not disturb natural materials when hiding the cache.
The cache must be bear-proof (Ex: surplus ammo cans or bear-proof food storage containers).
The Permittee shall visit the cache at least once per year to ensure that the stipulations are followed. The Permittee shall notify the issuing office when the annual visit is done.
The Permittee shall notify the issuing office if the cache is removed and the permit no longer valid.
State park staff may remove the cache if any of the special stipulations are violated.
Please contact our permiting person Pam Russell at 907-714-2471 for further information on permits.
Sincerely,
Lynn Wibbenmeyer
