CCCooperAgency

James 2:19, "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble." Yet Psalm 53:1 describes those man that does not believe God. Curiously no one gets bent out of shape whenever there's a series "glorifying" Hell or mocking Christ. Equal time. "Solicitation" and "agenda" are strong terms because intent needs proven. Those who know God realize it is a personal decision offered FREELY and the price was already paid at the Cross. So hence it is NOT a solicitation because there is no exchange of money. Take it or leave it but again it's a choice.

CONGRATS KEN - WAY TO GO!!! ONE OF MY BEST MEMORIES IS YOU, SBUX and ME in NYC in the RAIN!

Thanks that is good information and much details! Also special thanks to those of you who have emailed me with recommendations and or offers of assistance!

There is a possibility that I can spend 2-3 days caching in London end of October. Any suggestions, help or advice is welcome. You may email me directly through the Groundspeak mail bot. Thank you!

EXCELLENT NEWS!!! And wasn't there an old rock & roll tune by the same name (Born on the 4th of July)...maybe they should call the baby Free or Liberty? I'll be heading down your way when it cools and looking forward to seeing the little fellow. Glad you're all doing well. Now the fun starts.

We certainly met at the Kettle Cache (excellent event). I was the only gal on an all-guy (minus 1) team. Hope to get down your way again SOON! Maybe we can hook up for some caching? Thank you everyone for the FOND (true & hilarious) memories. Fishing Fools you had me laughing till the tears rolled about our encounter with the Ancient Klingon Warrior. BTW, wonder what he'd think about my new haircut? You all are so precious to me and looking forward to the next event!!! Wanna cache???

Want to make this available to my Canadian friends. Thank you for being there for my family this past year or so. http://www.geocoinstore.com/viewfullcoinde...n.php?coinid=69

Put me down for 4 please

After 5 years, I wanted to give back to the geo-community something that represents who we are and why we enjoy the sport and community so much. Enjoy! http://www.geocoinstore.com/viewfullcoinde...n.php?coinid=69

Anyone have a volunteer geocoin for trade OR sale?

Thanks Jeff for taking care of my concern right away! I look forward to placing the special coin in a special geocache & planning on making an 'event' out of it!

2 please.

2 for me please.

Here's to you John & Brenna! CONGRATULATIONS!

If any of you hear from Lucy (SBUX), please contact CCCooperAgency immediately. Tonight she did not come home. The Pennsylvania State Police found her vehicle, UNLOCKED with the key inside. There was an unsual note (not handwritten) on the windshield. The area was combed for several hours by the K-9 and helicopter search & rescue units. We did not find her body. She is not answering any emails or cell calls. PLEASE! If anyone hears from her, please contact us - we are worried sick.

Didn't notice a topic out yet on this news flash so here goes.... Congratulations to One of, if not The FINEST souls in the GeoCaching Community. What most folks don't know is that Joe could have achieved this number much faster if he concentrated his time on himself. He is truly a self-less person who not only gives of himself but does it cheerfully. Well done, Good Buddy!

This was an easy find if you ignore the hint.

Sounds like a plan to me...we'll chip in 4 caches of our own to start it off.

Tom should get a 'pat on the back' not a 'kick in the rear' - we've always enjoyed his caches no matter how easy or difficult the rating &/or terrain. Great thought is in his placement not to mention his fine-tuned sense of humor. Keep up the great job Tom!

COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION & NATURAL RESOURCES BUREAU OF FORESTRY GEOCACHE IDENTIFICATION FORM AND AGREEMENT This agreement is made this day of , by and between the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Forestry ("FORESTRY") and ("RESPONSIBLE PARTY"). RESPONSIBLE PARTY'S contact information: Address: City & State: Telephone: (home) (work) E-mail address: The RESPONSIBLE PARTY desires to place a geocache at the following location in S tate Forest, District # SITE NAME (if any): GEOCACHE WEBSITE ADDRESS: TOWNSHIP: COUNTY: LATITUDE: LONGITUDE: FORESTRY is willing to permit the RESPONSIBLE PARTY to place the above geocache on state forest land, subject to the conditions listed below: 1. Geocache container description (size, color, container material): 2. This permission is in effect for the period beginning through (not to exceed 2 years); however, the permission may be revoked at any time by FORESTRY acting through a District Forester or designee. 3. PNDI Screening Results (attach PNDI Internet Database Search Results): No potential conflicts. P otential conflicts. 4. REPONSIBLE PARTY is not permitted to do the following: a. Disturb or impact the soil or vegetation at the approved geocache site. b. Move or alter approved geocache location. c. Allow the insertion of hazardous or illegal materials in the geocache container. d. Other (state "no other conditions" or list other conditions): 5. RESPONSIBLE PARTY will remove geocache on or before the date of expiration of this permission and inform the District Forester in writing of the removal; however, if this permission is revoked, RESPONSIBLE PARTY will remove the geocache within 48 hours upon being informed of the revocation by the District Forester or designee. 6. RESPONSIBLE PARTY releases FORESTRY and its agents from any claim arising from injury to RESPONSIBLE PARTY or any other person or damage to any property which might be sustained as a result of RESPONSIBLE PARTY'S engaging in geocaching. 7. FORESTRY does not assume responsibility or liability for injury to any person or damage to any property sustained as a result of the placement or existence of the geocache, or use of the geocache by any person with any device or for any purpose. 8. RESPONSIBLE PARTY will be liable for the costs associated with site damage repair and the removal of hazardous or illegal material. 9. FORESTRY does not assume responsibility or liability for RESPONSIBLE PARTY'S safety or the consequences of RESPONSIBLE PARTY'S engaging in geocaching. 10. This agreement may not be construed as a waiver of any immunity FORESTRY may have. Printed Name of Person Signing Agreement Responsible Party Signature Printed Name of Person Signing Agreement District Forester or Designee Signature

COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources July 23, 2002 717-787-2703 SUBJECT: Geocaching Guidelines, Identification Form and Agreement TO: Forest Districts Division Chiefs Penn Nursery Supervisor FROM: James R. Grace State Forester Attached are the guidelines and agreement for geocaching on state forest lands. These guidelines enable the Bureau to control the amount and locations of geocaches while maintaining the wild character of State Forests. The Bureau's Recreation Committee developed these documents with comments and suggestions from several Forest Districts and Central Office staff. The Identification Form and Agreement is available through the Bureau's Intra forestry-Recreation website. These guidelines and agreement are effective immediately. BACKGROUND Geocaching has become a new endeavor on Pennsylvania's state forest lands. The idea is to have individuals set up caches all over the state and share the locations of these caches and the coordinates on the internet. Global Positioning System (GPS) users can then use the location coordinates to find the caches. Once found, a cache may provide a wide variety of cache items. The cache visitor is asked to leave an item in the cache for the one they remove. The following guidelines apply to all geocaches on state forest land: ù Placement of geocaches on lands administered by the DCNR-Bureau of Forestry requires written authorization of the District Forester or designee. This authorization will be considered through a review process, including a Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory search, which insures its location is compatible with other forest activities. ù A geocache contact person responsible for necessary upkeep of the site must be identified prior to approval by the District Forester. Page 1 of 2 ù There should be no earth disturbance or vegetative impact to any approved site. ù The cache may not be placed within Natural Areas or Wild Plant Sanctuaries, or on stream banks, riparian zones, wetlands, prehistoric and historic archaeological sites, exemplary natural communities, ecologically sensitive areas, unique geological features, or unsafe areas. ù A cache may remain at the approved site for no more than two years at which time it must be removed, the site restored to its original condition, and the District Forester informed in writing of the removal. This will control cache abandonment and assist in preventing renegade trail development to the site. ù Unauthorized geocaches on state forest lands will be removed and treated as abandoned property. Page 2 of 2

I received my packet today from Mr. Neal E. Mishler, Forester, Michaux State Forest containing the Bureau of Forestry policy on geocaches on PA State Forests as well as their authorization of geocache sites form. The Identification Form & Agreement is to be made available through the Bureau's Intraforestry-Recreation website but is not at the present time. The telephone #717-787-2703 is for the DCNR who issued the "Geocaching Guidelines, Identification Form & Agreement." The Guidelines themselves do not pose a problem, my concern is witht eh Geocache Identification Form & Agreement itself...it reads like a lawyers' dream come true. Much of the same objectionable wording like paragraph #6 in the State Parks pending form are HERE. I quote: 6."RESPONSIBLE PARTY releases FORESTRY and its agents from any claim arising from injury to RESPONSIBLE PARTY or any other person or damage to any property which might be sustained as a result of RESPONSIBLE PARTY'S engaging in geocaching." 7."FORESTRY does not assume responsibility or liability for injury to any person or damage to any property sustained as a result o the placement or existence of the geocache, or use of the geocache by any person with any device or for any purpose." 8."RESPONSIBLE PARTY will be liable for the costs associated with site damage repair and the removal of hazardous or illegal material." 9."FORESTRY does not assume responsibility or liability for RESPONSIBLE PARTY'S safety or teh consequences of RESPONSIBLE PARTY'S engaging in geocaching." Other concerns are that the form must be reviewed and approved PRIOR to cache placement...this would necessitate more than 1 trip to a cache site for placement. In our case, we select areas that are an hour or so away at times, thereby causing inconvenience. Certainly killing spontaneity. The FORESTRY dept. is only allowing 2 yrs. as opposed to the State Parks' 5 yrs. The policy also allows for revocation AT ANY TIME & only allowing 48 hrs. for REMOVAL. My biggest concern is the inconsistencies between the 2 departments. One would think it most expeditious & efficient for them to collaborate. The Parks Dept. forms are still in the planning stages whereas the Foresty has been adopted by what would appear to be The Bureau's Recreation Committee (office staff NOT field staff). It seems no input was sought from either the geocaching community, the general public (the REAL property owners or the State Parks). What leaves a bad taste in my mouth is their own wording on the Michaux State Forest PUBLIC USE Map sent in my packet under the heading "FACTS about State Forests in Pennsylvania" ..."The state forests BELONG to the people of Pennsylvania, and they are MANAGED and PROTECTED FOR them and future generations...Within the BROAD limits of the state forest regulations, visitors should observe a few simple rules. They should be careful with fire, be careful not to damage trees and other plants, keep the forest litter free and obey the game and fish laws" My family & I (like the MAJORITY of geocachers) adhere to all of the above rules UNLIKE other forest & parks visitors. We have been grossly appalled at the number of items left littered around these areas by the other visitors. IMHO, goeachers are a higher caliber of visitor - one that the parks/forests should be courting rather than making it less desirable for our visits. Since there are already rules in existence, why add more? Especially not using the existing due process???? In light of the 9/11 acts of terrorism, I certainly can understand their stance but we're talking a wholesome family pursuit and a box of toys in the woods. These coordinates are listed PUBLICLY on the internet and visited frequently by the geocaching community. A simple informational form much like the current revisions the State Parks are considering AND the Maryland Parks should be sufficient to weed out any "copycat" geocaching terrorism. ANOTHER concern is that several State Parks are on State Forestry property - where do we draw the line??? For example, 3 parks - Caledonia, Pine Grove & Mt. Alto are on Michaux State Forest. Would seem more efficient to streamline the process to 1 form for BOTH parks/forestry depts. Couldn't they have picked a liason team for the creation of this policy/form? I hate to drone on & on & sound ultra negative but I will probably need to talk to my local politician and contact the same news team who reported geocaching so favorably if this does not get resolved to our favor. I am very shocked that this new forestry policy was ever adopted without due process of law...what about the "sunshine LAW"??? Just curious. I have extended a serious offer to assist and acquaint Mr. Mishler on a geocaching hunt as well as answer any questions his staff might have. I want this public property to REMAIN public.

I received a packet from the Forestry Dept. today & will post the information tonight. Sorry I won't have time to read them until dark.

It would behoove the Forestry & State Parks Depts. to look up the DEFINITION of the word "abandoned" in good old Daniel Webster's... abandoned: 1. wholly forsaken or deserted. That is the first meaning given to the word. Do these folks have a better understanding of the English language than Daniel Webster or our forefathers who wrote the Constitution? Some geocaches receive more visits than the park/forest itself would receive in an average month without the geocache. The parks folks are always SAYING that they are looking for new ways to draw in more park visitors. So which is it? I say they're shooting themselves in the foot over this. PS I emailed the forestry dept. address provided and that gentleman in turn referred me to a webpage listing the district offices. I then emailed the Michaux State Forest to request information and forms on geocaching and to date have received nothing. Not so much as a courtesy reply! What gives!!!

1st I wish to thank all of you for the tremendous amount of time and goodwill you've expended on behalf of this activity. 2ndly it might be fruitful to look at how Maryland is handling this same issue (copy of a recent posting attached): >>>Geocaching Home » Groundspeak Forums » Northeast » MD Patapsco State Park Guidelines Author Topic: MD Patapsco State Park Guidelines birdsfan & birdsfan2 Geocacher posted July 29, 2002 04:03 PM -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- After working with the Patapsco State Park officials in MD, I (on behalf of The Maryland Geocaching Society) have negotiated an agreement that allows the current caches to remain in thier parks. Also, while working with Mr. Bruce Wilkins of Patapsco State Park he asked me to develop potential guidelines and a request for approval form for hiding caches in thier parks. After asking me to make a few changes he presented them to Mr. Chris Bushmen, Head of Patapsco State Park who has since approved them and forwarded them for consideration as the guidelines for all Maryland State Park systems. I will update this post if that occurs. The Maryland Geocaching Society has added this information to the website. If you plan on hiding a cache in Patapsco State Park please review the guidelines and submit the approval form first. www.mdgps.net/patapsco_guidelines Also check out our website and forums for other park information as well as caches in Maryland. www.mdgps.net Birdsfan -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Posts: 1 | Registered: September 07, 2001<<< PS FYI, I can't imagine ANY insurance company (especially since 9/11/01) that would be willing to write a liabiity policy to COA at any cost.