Caches in wilderness areas

[samiller71]

I have recently noticed that there are 3 caches (not virtual) in a wilderness area near me (Northeast TN). Is it against geocaching rules or ethics to place caches in federally designated wilderness areas? If so, what should be done...leave them be, remove them? Your comments are appreciated!!

[+Isonzo Karst]

Rules on Wilderness areas within National Forests Vary from one Forest to the next. Some are totally closed, some have a permit system, some (one near me) are opened to cache placements. The reviewer for Tennessee would be aware of the rules for those placements.

[+Renegade Knight]

Rules on Wilderness areas within National Forests Vary from one Forest to the next. Some are totally closed, some have a permit system, some (one near me) are opened to cache placements. The reviewer for Tennessee would be aware of the rules for those placements.

That's my understanding. Rules vary in each wilderness area.

 

Wilderness is a land use designation. Use of wilderness for many purposes including recreation is allowed.

[+briansnat]

Use of wilderness for many purposes including recreation is allowed.

 

In fact recreation is stated in the Wilderness act of 1964 (which authorized creation of these areas) as one of the purposes of wilderness areas.

 

From Sec. 4-B:

 

..."Except as otherwise provided in this Act, wilderness areas shall be devoted to the public purposes of recreational, scenic, scientific, educational, conservation, and historical use.

 

As the other two posters mentioned, the rules on geocaches in WAs vary.

[Tahosa and Sons]

If it was in CO they would be archived and removed. But rules vary from place to place so if I were you I would contact the USFS that manages some of those areas.

[+citonyc]

rules vary from state to state, but normally the fish and wildlife commission will have the final say..

they do allow caches in the parks, but have strict guidelines and require permits..

[+jak61]

You might want to contact the owners of the caches first before you just go in and remove them. That might cause problems between yourself and the owners. They may have already checked into the situation and gotten permission to hide the caches. I would get all my information and facts first, then go from there on this. Contact the National Forestry Service in your state. I am sure they can help you out. Then contact the owners of the caches with your information and its up to them to remove them. Good luck and keep geocaching.