Shauna

Groundspeak and Minotaur Mazes are creating a traveling maze exhibit featuring the State of Arkansas and we need your help! Head out to any of the Arkansas ParkCache series of geocaches and take a photo of you, your family or even your pet while geocaching. Front-facing photos are the best but we are always looking for original perspective and scenic park shots. If your photo is selected, it will be featured in the upcoming maze and will travel to museums and science centers within Arkansas for the next three years! If you wish to submit a photo, please understand that you will not receive monetary compensation and will be required to sign a photo release form. Only photos from geocaches placed by the Arkansas State Parks will be accepted. Photos should also be high resolution and suitable for printing. Please email questions and photos to pr@Groundspeak.com. Photo submissions are due by Monday, March 9th! Have fun and thanks in advance for your participation!

Happy Holidays and Best Wishes for the New Year!

It's true - featured cartridges now include user-generated carts! If you see another cart worth noting, please post it here and we will get it added. Additional site text changes (including the removal of the builder challenge) will be made soon. The first round will include long overdue text changes but subsequent updates will include additional tools and resources. Stay tuned.

Wow. Thank you for the initial help and support - it is greatly appreciated! Cheers, Shauna

Hi Folks. Sorry for the delay in responding to your questions; I have been on the road with limited internet access. The entire list of geocaches that were archived, including the information received from the NPS for each geocache is shown below. As previously mentioned, Groundspeak will be creating and sending a list of Geocaches that seemingly have no legal or environment concern to the local NPS contacts for further review. It is a fact that the NPS contacts in this region thought Groundspeak was uncooperative because we would not immediately archive the geocaches. It is also a fact that these same contacts believed that Groundspeak and Geocachers were breaking the law by honoring the placement of these geocaches. In order to attempt to be of positive influence in this region (remember, they don’t believe in having conversations with violators) Groundspeak chose to honor their explicit request to archive the geocaches below. At this time, we feel that it is important that the local NPS contacts be held accountable to the information sent to Groundspeak as they assured us that the geocaches on this list were of serious legal concern. While we are not releasing individual contact names, (we do not want to intentionally alienate folks) we do believe that perceptions will be changed and lessons will be learned from this process. Groundspeak’s actions in the last week are part of a long-term strategy to cultivate positive working relationships with land managers in this region. The views shared by the local NPS contacts, while a minority and not representative of the region as a whole, will hopefully be positively influenced by the actions of geocachers at every level. We appreciate your understanding and patience on this matter. Geocache ID, Managing Land Agency, Estate Tract #, ATC Region GCY4XD, NPS-APPA, Fee, 304-22, MARO GC1CC4P, NPS-APPA, Fee, 04-22, MARO GCY9BB, NPS-APPA, Fee, 304-22, MARO GCEAFE, NPS-APPA, Fee, 306-37, MARO GC504F, NPS-APPA, Fee, 269-18, MARO GCJ11J, NPS-APPA, Fee, 273-06, MARO GCGYF6, NPS-APPA, Fee, 283-26, MARO GCA627, NPS-APPA, Fee, 282-05, MARO GCH4VD, NPS-APPA, Fee, 380-21, MARO GC1CEC, NPS-APPA, Fee, 477-16, VARO GC19R88, NPS-APPA, Fee, 477-13, VARO GCQ4MW, NPS-APPA, Fee, 476-16, VARO GCZEHC, NPS-APPA, Fee, 476-16, VARO GCT3EE, NPS-APPA, Fee, 478-15, VARO GC108BK, NPS-APPA, Fee, 477-03, VARO GCV4F0, NPS-APPA, Fee, 473-34, VARO GCHD3Z, NPS-APPA, Fee, 473-04, VARO GC1ANXE, NPS-APPA, Fee, 473-15, VARO GCXMYB, NPS-APPA, Fee, 420-12, MARO GCHOM8, NPS-APPA, Fee, 418-21, MARO GC29MD, NPS-APPA, Fee, 415-14, MARO GCW8Q2, NPS-APPA, Fee, 413-11, MARO GCZ980, NPS-APPA, Fee, 415-07, MARO GC5A13, NPS-APPA, Fee, 421-05, MARO GCTPV9, NPS-APPA, Fee, 347-09, MARO GCN9KK, NPS-APPA, Fee, 347-07, MARO GCK382, NPS-APPA, Easement, 341-33, MARO GCEA1A, NPS-APPA, Easement, 341-01, MARO GCYHGT, NPS-APPA, Fee, 337-10, MARO GCQNYC, NPS-APPA, Fee, 336-19, MARO GCQNYJ, NPS-APPA, Fee, 336-24, MARO GC131W2, NPS-APPA, Fee, 336-17, MARO GCYF4K, NPS-APPA, Fee, 325-10, MARO GC59DA, NPS-APPA, Fee, 325-10, MARO GCJG7P, NPS-APPA, Fee, 325-10, MARO GCYF4M, NPS-APPA, Fee, 325-10, MARO GC1CCZQ, NPS-APPA, Fee, 325-10, MARO GCTB8C, NPS-APPA, Fee, 325-10, MARO GCYF4J, NPS-APPA, Fee, 325-10, MARO GCYF4F, NPS-APPA, Fee Easement, 326-03, MARO GCYF4G, NPS-APPA, Fee Easement, 326-03, MARO GCYF4H, NPS-APPA, Fee Easement, 326-03, MARO GCYF4D, NPS-APPA, Fee Easement, 326-03, MARO GCYF4C, NPS-APPA, Fee Easement, 326-04, MARO GCTCZZ, NPS-APPA, Fee Easement, 326-04, MARO GCPBGF, NPS-APPA, Fee Easement, 326-04, MARO GC12F43, NPS-APPA, Fee, 328-19, MARO GCYF4N, NPS-APPA, Fee, 329-02, MARO GCT7PZ, NPS-APPA, Fee, 329-07, MARO GCVD1P, NPS-APPA, Fee, 329-07, MARO GCT7PJ, State of PA, Fee, 329-08, MARO GC146J4, NPS-APPA, Fee, 330-05, MARO GC12NB7, NPS-APPA, Fee, 330-05, MARO GC12NCJ, NPS-APPA, Fee, 330-05, MARO GC18Z0A, NPS-APPA, Fee Scenic Easement, 331-04, MARO GCTNTB, NPS-APPA, Fee, 332-13, MARO GC14224, NPS-APPA, Fee, 333-03, MARO GCZDX3, NPS-APPA, Fee, 333-02, MARO GC10GMH, NPS-APPA, Fee, 333-25, MARO GC1DYGW, NPS-APPA, Fee, 333-05, MARO GCX7VD, NPS-APPA, Fee, 358-18, MARO GCPTQG, NPS-APPA, Fee, 359-01, MARO GCQ6QZ, NPS-APPA, Easement, 360-06, MARO GC1531, NPS-APPA, Easement, 400-02, MARO GCJ147, NPS-APPA, Fee, 405- MARO GC4E52, NPS-APPA, Fee, 111-02, NERO GC145HB, NPS-APPA, Fee, 241-05, NERO GC1FG41, NPS-APPA, Fee, 242-07, NERO GCR5CY, NPS-APPA, Fee, 250-21, NERO GC6897, NPS-APPA, Fee Scenic Easement, 246-39, NERO GCQY0Y, NPS-APPA, Fee, 239-08, NERO GC1F4XY, NPS-APPA, Fee, 245-20, NERO GCZ65N, NPS-APPA, Fee Scenic Easement, 261-04, NERO GC178MB, NPS-APPA, Fee Scenic Easement, 261-04, NERO GCTVH5, NPS-APPA, Easement, 262-03, NERO GCZ65T, NPS-APPA, Fee, 263-01, NERO GC1BPXN, NPS-APPA, Fee, 263-01, NERO GC13JT8, NPS-APPA, Fee, 264-22, NERO GC14PEA, NPS-APPA, Fee, 265-27, MARO GC10WAW, NPS-APPA, Fee, 286-01, NERO GX1A8X6, NPS-APPA, Fee Scenic Easement, 286-32, NERO GC12DD, NPS-APPA, Fee, 286-16, NERO GCKGTF, NPS-HF NHP, Fee, MARO GC2DF, NPS-SNP, Fee, MARO GCYF4B, NPS-DEWA, Fee, MARO GCH20H, MA DCR-Beartown SF, Fee, NERO GC192E, MA DCR-October Mt. SF, Fee, NERO GCH2KO, MA DCR-Mt. Greylock SR, Fee, NERO GC16720, MA DCR-Mt. Greylock SR, Fee, NERO GC16721, MA DCR-Mt. Greylock SR, Fee, NERO GCZ2KZ, MA DCR-Mt. Greylock SR, Fee, NERO GCG3D8, MA DCR-Mt. Greylock SR, Fee, NERO GC14M73, MA DCR-Mt. Greylock SR, Fee, NERO GCE3E, MA DCR-Mt. Greylock SR, Fee, NERO GCWNKV, MA DCR-Mt. Greylock SR, Fee, NERO GCRD86, MA DCR-Mt. Greylock SR, Fee, NERO GCZ3CW, VA WMA-Geo. Thom, Fee, AT Corridor/Seg. 418 GCH0Q7, VA WMA-Geo. Thom, Fee, AT Corridor/Seg. 418 GCH0M6, VA WMA-Geo. Thom, Fee, AT Corridor/Seg. 418 GCGVQB, VA WMA-Geo. Thom, Fee, AT Corridor/Seg. 418

Here is some additional information relating to the recent archival of geocaches along the Appalachian Trail. Communication Received Groundspeak received the following correspondence from the National Park Service. This email has been edited to remove specific individual contact information. “Here is a list of existing geocaches which need to be archived and removed as soon as possible. The majority of geocaches on this initial list are located on NPS managed AT Corridor lands as well as some which were identified as being on state managed lands that the A.T. passes through where geocaching is prohibited. Regarding Va. Dept. of Game and Inland Fisheries: Geocaching is not an approved activity on wildlife Management Areas. We appreciate your assistance in informing the public that this activity is not allowed. As for MA DCR managed lands: Under Mass DCR Geocache Policy, there will be a registration and review process for approval and proper placement. Geocaches will NOT be allowed in the following places, including the A.T. Corridor. Caches are not approved for the following locations: • Sensitive archaeological sites. • Locations that would encourage disturbance or dismantling of historic buildings, structures, or rock walls. • Priority Habitat as identified by the Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program • Wetland resources protected under the Code of Massachusetts Regulations (310 CMR 10) • Areas that could potentially cause danger to visitors trying to locate the cache (e.g., cliff faces; upper branches of trees; inaccessible terrain, or in areas with heavy vehicular traffic. • Locations where cache-related foot traffic may create confusion, public safety concerns or impacts to significant ecological or cultural resources. • Underwater. • Caves or dens. • Appalachian Trail Corridor. (1) • Restricted access areas in the Quabbin Reservoir, Ware River, Wachusett Reservoir, and Sudbury Reservoir Watersheds. • Other locations that are deemed inappropriate by the facility manager, their designee, or the Department. (1) Per the MA A.T. Memorandum of Understanding, the AT Corridor is defined as: 1,000-foot corridor (500 feet either side of A.T. footpath) across lands administered by MA DCR” What Occurred Next As a standard practice, when Groundspeak receives notification of an inappropriately placed geocache, that geocache is archived or disabled immediately pending further review. In this instance, and prior to the archival of geocaches, Groundspeak reached out to the land management agencies directly, offering education, tools and support to assist their staff. After speaking with the parties involved, it is now our understanding that, according to the NPS: - Simply moving a geocache a few hundred feet from the AT does not change the fact that "bad things" can occur, like unacceptable social trails. - Geocaches placed on NPS managed property is against the law. It is a non-negotiable and potentially subject to fines and federal tickets. - Any geocache where a primary access point is needed along corridor lands should not be published. Again, the creation of social trails is a potential issue. - Regardless of resources offered, they do not believe in cultivating relationships with people that they perceive are knowingly breaking the law. While their interpretation of matters may be viewed as quite strict and their view of the lands in which they manage is broad, we realized that in order for Groundspeak, geocaching organizations and local geocachers to make a positive impact in this region, we must first try to address the instances in which they claim Geocachers were breaking the law. Hence, the immediate archival of the identified geocaches as requested by them, was out primary priority. In Groundspeak’s view: - We were assured that the geocache list for archival had been researched and confirmed; the geocaches listed were recognized as significant legal issues. If these geocaches were not removed, geocachers could be subject to fines and Federal tickets. - We believe that in complying with their initial requests, our actions serve as an olive branch in an ongoing attempt to create lasting, working relationships with these land managing agencies. - We are committed to being positive stewards of the geocaching activity on a global scale. We believe geocachers are well intended, outdoor enthusiasts who are committed to sharing unique locations and experiences in a family friendly, legal manner. Next Steps - Groundspeak acknowledges that mistakes happen and that the list provided by the NPS may be subject to error. It is also possible that the NPS made additional considerations for archival that were not disclosed to Groundspeak. Therefore, we will be sending a list of geocaches to the NPS that seem to be of no legal or environmental concern. If you have a known example, please email contact@geocaching.com with details you feel are appropriate, including specific contact information received for permission for placement of the particular geocache. - Although incidences like these can be frustrating, please understand that it is in everyone’s best interest to react in positive ways that will improve the perception of the activity and of the worldwide geocaching community. We hope this information helps to provide additional context regarding these recent events. We intend to continue working on behalf of the geocaching community in order to provide for the continued existence and global enjoyment of geocaching. Thank you for your ongoing commitment and support.

We realize that resources are delayed and that we are not serving you very well. Please know that Groundspeak is creating builder resources that will demonstrate (step by step) how to create a cartridge. You will see these additional resources in the next few weeks. We appreciate your support and patience.

I remember those days (of playing games like that). Is there anyway to run this on a laptop? It seems like you could do this with a laptop with a hockey puck GPS. A car adventure would make those long drives more fun. The person riding shotgun could run the program.... I remember playing games like that too! As I was reading through some of the documentation, this is the first thing I thought of. It's likely that I won't be getting a new GPSr or PDA for a number of years, so I'm going to have to try and load the software on the laptop and hook up the GPS for signal. Right now, the player application only runs on PPC or the Garmin Colorado. For the Desktop(laptop), you can install the builder and run any playable cartridge (.gwc) in the emulator. The Emulator has a google maps interface where you drag an icon around the world to emulate gps. It's the same code as the player apps only on a desktop. This is so you can get a feel for the playing of a cartridge. David. I'd like to try this. So I downloaded the proper .Net Framework and the Builder, but it won't open the two .gwc files I downloaded from the site because it doesn't see them on my Desktop for some reason. Any ideas? The builder is looking for a folder and so I would suggest that you create a folder on your desktop and then move the GWC files into this folder. Open the builder and then browse for cartridges again. If you do not see the GWC files within the folder you create, please let us know. We look forward to your feedback! Bummer, it still doesn't see them. I'm trying to open: j2b2_village_robot.gwc or wherigo_player_tutor.gwc Interesting. It should be as easy as opening the builder, clicking on tools, selecting emulator and then searching for a GWC cartridge within a folder. What browser are you using and what steps are you taking? We will look into this.

I remember those days (of playing games like that). Is there anyway to run this on a laptop? It seems like you could do this with a laptop with a hockey puck GPS. A car adventure would make those long drives more fun. The person riding shotgun could run the program.... I remember playing games like that too! As I was reading through some of the documentation, this is the first thing I thought of. It's likely that I won't be getting a new GPSr or PDA for a number of years, so I'm going to have to try and load the software on the laptop and hook up the GPS for signal. Right now, the player application only runs on PPC or the Garmin Colorado. For the Desktop(laptop), you can install the builder and run any playable cartridge (.gwc) in the emulator. The Emulator has a google maps interface where you drag an icon around the world to emulate gps. It's the same code as the player apps only on a desktop. This is so you can get a feel for the playing of a cartridge. David. I'd like to try this. So I downloaded the proper .Net Framework and the Builder, but it won't open the two .gwc files I downloaded from the site because it doesn't see them on my Desktop for some reason. Any ideas? The builder is looking for a folder and so I would suggest that you create a folder on your desktop and then move the GWC files into this folder. Open the builder and then browse for cartridges again. If you do not see the GWC files within the folder you create, please let us know. We look forward to your feedback!

Groundspeak is putting together a brochure for geocaching. When it is done it will be available for download and professionally printed and made available in various venues. Part of the brochure will be small photos at the top that depict different geocachers going out on cache hunts. Instead of trying to look through the 2+ million images for ones that we think would work with the brochure we'd rather find out if anyone here has some high-resolution photos available that we could put in the brochure. Photos will be printed (2 inches by 1 inch) so they will need to be simple with great contrast and color. Specifically we're looking for high-resolution photos that show diversity among geocachers (age and ethnicity, adventurers and day hikers), and geocaching locations (snow, sea, desert, etc). We'd also like to show a cache container with one of the "official" cache stickers. If you have a photo you'd like to share, show a smaller sized photo here. We'll give it a few days and if we pick your photo we'll send you a message to get the larger image. Thanks for participating! We look forward to seeing your great photos.

You are now invited to be a part of the fun! Check your email. : )

I will be in Boulder the first part of June! : ) Will keep you posted and thanks for your participation.

We are looking for anyone. Varying ages, cache find numbers and country of residence. You may have found few caches or many, be 10 years old or 100. We simply want to demonstrate the diversity within the worldwide community in order to communicate that it can be enjoyed by all. I would be happy to accept email recommendations as well. It's really a great opportunity to be a part of an educational experience. You just have to be ok with having your photo tour for 5 years!

Groundspeak is currently creating an educational exhibit that will travel to museums and science centers throughout the US and Canada. Check it out: Maze Project Description We would appreciate assistance in pulling together a few additional resources! Can you please post names of geocachers you think would best represent the sport? Overall, we need 50 geocachers to represent varying ages, ethnicities and experiences with geocaching. We intend to profile (with permission) their username, photo, home country, age and number of finds. These cachers will appear together on a single panel in the exhibit. The more diverse, the better in order to demonstrate the broad appeal of geocaching. We are also looking for signature items to feature in a display case. If you would like to provide a unique item, please mail items to the address listed below. Items need to be received by May 5th and will become the property of Groundspeak. Groundspeak Attn: Maze Project 24 Roy St. PMB 321 Seattle, WA 98109 Thanks in advance for your help!