Synthtcd

Anyways, I really appreciate the few people who took the time to give good advice and share their valid points. I'm in agreement that for the sake of the cache the items in question should be removed, certainly this isn't a sport for survivalists but a family oriented one. I'll take my highly explosive match book with me next time I fly American Airlines, since they at least permit them.

The part I didn't understand after thoroughly reading the guidelines... is the part that states that a lighter is the same thing as a match, or furthermore that matches are as volatile as explosives, fireworks, ammunition, or illegal drugs. There is no mention in the guidelines to compressed wooden logs, or fire sticks that are compressed cardboard and wood particles. Honestly guys...what benefit do you see coming from these flaming responses?

So really I just need to remove the matches, could have avoided hours of research and debate if the reviewer just suggested this from the get go?

This is a National Forest in a remote location in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The specific website for the area is this: http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/gwj/nrv/recreation.../cascades.shtml The USDA regulates this area and not only permits the contents of this cache, but also encourages hikers to bring matches for use at the provided fire rings and grills. The link can be found here: http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/gwj/general_info/faq.shtml#fireworks I can certainly remove the items, just wanted to get some valid opinions on the matter first.

Just so everyone is well aware, the StarterLogg is a compressed wood bar that is about 10 inches long. It is sealed in wax paper, contained in an ammo box. Just wanted to clarify so you weren't thinking of starter fluid or any such thing. Have read and re-read the guidelines and stand by my conclusion. These items are there to be traded out, placed in a hiker's backpack for later use. There is no stipulation that upon opening the cache one must immediately set fire to the contents. Do you really think your fellow geocacher would mis-use these items? Regardless, I really appreciate the two constructive responses. I have an open mind for valid points and am in no way looking for more flamers. (no pun intended) Why not keep the discussion civil and well meaning?

Jagan242 and I placed a series of caches in the Jefferson National Forest in an area known as the Cascades. (cache in question is the first of three) They are placed along a rugged four mile hike that is typically frequented by experienced hikers and backpackers, it is a fairly remote location with the Appalachian Trail close by. Keeping this in mind, I spent several months slowly filling up three ammo boxes with practical gear for hikers. After allot of thought and effort in choosing the locations the caches were ready to go...or so we thought. The cache reviewer has deemed these caches as impromptu "firestarter kits" and refuses to publish the cache or give any suggestions on how to fix the problem. The reviewer insists on having the name and address of a "national forest ranger" who authorizes the cache. (new policy?) Please let me know what you guys think, constructive criticism of the cache is welcome. Basically, do you think the cache contents are as inappropriate as this reviewer thinks? Cache Description: Park in the Cascades parking lot. Cross the bridge at the beginning of the lower trail to the falls. Take a right (SW) on a footpath and pass a campsite. Head uphill through the rocky land of chipmunks and find the largest rock of all, beneath which resides the king of the chipmunks. There is a 3.00 parking fee required at the gate, and please be warned, the area is full of stinging nettles during spring and summer. Original cache contents are as follows: Firestarter Log Fire sticks Matches Padlock Rubber fish lure Unused green dog collar 10 colored tea lights Current Reviewer Notes: (Its best to read from the bottom up) July 20 by Synthtcd (26 found) Thank you for your concern, however the campfire and cooking materials included in the cache contents are not prohibited materials; therefore, they do not require further attention or authorization by the rangers. July 20 by Dot Plotter (2 found) Thanks for the detailed response. There has been no question about whether camp fires are allowed or not in the national forests, or in the general area of the cascades. The question is whether unattended fire starter kits were authorized by national forest rangers, and what their contact information was in the event Groundspeak Inc. is contacted for this information in the future. Question remains, can you please post a reviewer note with the name and contact information of the person who granted permission for placement of this (and the other nearby) cache? Thanks, Dot Plotter Volunteer Geocaching.com Reviewer July 20 by Synthtcd (26 found) In response to: "Can you please post a reviewer note with the name and contact information of the person who granted permission for placement of a fire starter kit in the Jefferson National Forest? Seems very hazardous under the best of circumstances." As per the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest rules, campfires are approved in this area, cooking with fire is encouraged by the USDA Forest Service at the provided fifteen picnic units with tables and grills. Anyone who has been to the Cascades is well familiarized with these facts, not to mention anyone who has been hiking on the nearby Appalachian Trail would be immeasurably grateful to locate a cache with potentially life saving fire sticks and matches as opposed to say...a McDonald's Happy Meal toy. As any experienced hiker would know the top safety items to bring on a hike are first aide kits and matches; to demonstrate this point I would refer to the USDA Forest Service's Top Ten Hiking Essentials- which include matches and lighters. This very informative article can be found with incredible ease at the provided link: http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/gwj/general_info/faq.shtml#fireworks Furthermore, I feel obligated to defend my fellow geocachers against the comment which implies they are a "fire starter". I would like to think they are more inclined to use the provided firesticks to strike up a barbecue or campfire while exercising proper safety and responsibility. July 16 by Dot Plotter (2 found) Hi, Can you please post a reviewer note with the name and contact information of the person who granted permission for placement of a fire starter kit in the Jefferson National Forest? Seems very hazardous under the best of circumstances. Thanks, Dot Plotter Volunteer Geocaching.com Reviewer