Fairfax County, VA Parks Adopt Geocaching Guidelines

[ktroxell72]

As you may have observed on the front page of NoVAGO, the Fairfax County Parks Authority has developed a set of guidelines for geocaching.

 

There is also a story in today's Washington Post (Metro Section Briefs). The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA), in cooperation with the Northern Virginia Geocaching Organization, has developed a set of guidelines for geocaching (an outdoor treasure-hunting game) and a list of 90 local parks where geocaching, letterboxing and related activities are permitted.

 

Be sure to checkout the FCPA website for information on the guidelines.

http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/geocaching.htm

 

Here is a brief overview:

 

Geocaches shall only be located in developed park areas that have existing uses, trails and established access points. Geocaches shall not be placed more than 25 feet away from a maintained trail or developed area in a park.

 

Geocaches shall be a minimum of 50’ from private property.

 

The movement of already downed leaves, twigs and pieces of bark to conceal geocaches is allowed. The Park Authority prohibits the movement of rocks to make a cairn, removing bark from a tree to use as camouflage, and/or relocating a living plant. It is prohibited to excavate soils, cut vegetation, move or remove archaeological or natural objects (including living plants, animals, minerals, fungi, archaeological artifacts or features, etc.). Human-made objects of non-archaeological significance (e.g. a plastic water bottle) are considered trash and may be removed without prior notice to (or permission from) the Park Authority.

 

Geocachers must strive to cause no damage to the ground or vegetation that may result from cache searchers accessing the location. If damage is noted, the geocacher must contact the Park Authority for further information.

 

As with all activities on park land, the geocacher assumes some risk in undertaking their activity. The Park Authority is in no way responsible for any damage to or loss of caches or equipment that is caused by others.

[+KJcachers]

good news! So I take it that parks not on this list still need permission for caches? Burke Lake Park and Popes Head Park come to mind.

Edited March 22, 2008 by KJcachers