+zuma! Posted March 8, 2010 Share Posted March 8, 2010 On behalf of the Wisconsin Geocaching Association, I am doing a little research on the policy of different states as it relates to geocaches being placed in highway rest areas. Personally, I have traveled to quite a few states and have found caches in rest areas in probably at least 20 states, so I know it is common. Here is the WI DOT policy: "The Wisconsin Department of Transportation, for safety and operational reasons, discourages citizens from using any WisDOT site for geocaching purposes. Any "cache" found by site staff will be disposed of promptly." Here is the MN DOT policy: "Mn/DOT wants to encourage positive use of its rest areas and feels that geocaching, if played in accordance with this policy, will not conflict with other rest area uses." I have googled this and cannot come up with a policy for any other state, so this is a request for cachers in other states to refer me to a policy in writing in their state. Obviously, the intent is to work with the WI DOT to develop a rational policy. Please post here or email me with your state's policy on caches in rest areas. thank you zuma ralphruok@yahoo.com Quote Link to comment
+LightHouseSeekers Posted March 8, 2010 Share Posted March 8, 2010 Have not seen written policy, but have on a regular basis seen rest area caches in OH & PA. Many have been located places where if it was was against policy I'm sure they have been removed long before we found them. Quote Link to comment
jholly Posted March 9, 2010 Share Posted March 9, 2010 I don't know if there is a written policy but I have found them in Washington, Oregon and California rest stops. I'm always grateful they are there. Quote Link to comment
+9Key Posted March 9, 2010 Share Posted March 9, 2010 I haven't heard of an overall policy in Texas but when I was in west Texas last year I found several and in most cases I was asked "did you find it?" by the workers at the stop. One would assume they were ok with the placement in those cases. Quote Link to comment
+DragonsWest Posted March 9, 2010 Share Posted March 9, 2010 (edited) I haven't heard of an overall policy in Texas but when I was in west Texas last year I found several and in most cases I was asked "did you find it?" by the workers at the stop. One would assume they were ok with the placement in those cases. I think many of the workers enjoy seeing cachers attempting to nonchalantly look about for caches. I bet it's the one thing they most enjoy about their work, watching us. Edited March 9, 2010 by DragonsWest Quote Link to comment
knowschad Posted March 9, 2010 Share Posted March 9, 2010 One more example of Cheesehead micro-management, Zuma! Seriously... they think that it would be unsafe?!? What? Do they think we hide the caches on the pavement? Don't they realize that people also stop there to use the restrooms? I never realized that might also be putting my life at risk! Somebody needs to educate your DOT, I think. Quote Link to comment
+NYPaddleCacher Posted March 9, 2010 Share Posted March 9, 2010 I have found cache at rest stops in New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Maryland. A few of them have been on Interstate "Service Areas" and the rest in smaller rest areas were often just a quick jaunt into the woods. Quote Link to comment
jholly Posted March 9, 2010 Share Posted March 9, 2010 One more example of Cheesehead micro-management, Zuma! Seriously... they think that it would be unsafe?!? What? Do they think we hide the caches on the pavement? Don't they realize that people also stop there to use the restrooms? I never realized that might also be putting my life at risk! Somebody needs to educate your DOT, I think. Maybe they think we pee on them and that would create a health hazard for the workers. Quote Link to comment
knowschad Posted March 9, 2010 Share Posted March 9, 2010 I have found cache at rest stops in New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Maryland. A few of them have been on Interstate "Service Areas" and the rest in smaller rest areas were often just a quick jaunt into the woods. I can add South Dakota to that list, although I don't know what the official stance is. I LOVE rest area caches though, because the encourage me to stop and get my mind on something other than the road. I personally think that they enhance safety for just that reason. Quote Link to comment
+DragonsWest Posted March 9, 2010 Share Posted March 9, 2010 (edited) I have found cache at rest stops in New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Maryland. A few of them have been on Interstate "Service Areas" and the rest in smaller rest areas were often just a quick jaunt into the woods. I can add South Dakota to that list, although I don't know what the official stance is. I LOVE rest area caches though, because the encourage me to stop and get my mind on something other than the road. I personally think that they enhance safety for just that reason. Yep, nothing like a quick stretch of the legs and giving the eyes a break from staring at an endless succession of road, car back ends and unfunny bumper stickers. When running between Santa Cruz, CA and northern Arizona, last November, I took a number of breaks and it really did improve the feeling of the long drive, while only adding about 1.5 hours to the trek. Did several on the return leg, including the Southbound Valley Wells cache on I-15 where I had picked up Northbound the weekend before. Next time I'll have to give myself a bit more time and tackle some of that presidential power trail which is nearby. Edited March 9, 2010 by DragonsWest Quote Link to comment
+NYPaddleCacher Posted March 9, 2010 Share Posted March 9, 2010 I have found cache at rest stops in New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Maryland. A few of them have been on Interstate "Service Areas" and the rest in smaller rest areas were often just a quick jaunt into the woods. I can add South Dakota to that list, although I don't know what the official stance is. I LOVE rest area caches though, because the encourage me to stop and get my mind on something other than the road. I personally think that they enhance safety for just that reason. I love rest area caches as well. Most of the week long vacations I've taken in the past 10 years or so have been 500-700 miles from home, which means that we're typically going to be spending 5-6 hours driving a day. That's about the limit of what I, and certainly my 6 year old son can handle. Two or three rest stops for 1/2 and hour each doesn't add significantly to the trip and is enough to break up a long drive and make a few quick cache finds along the way. My son also really likes grabbing handfuls of attraction brochures and we've actually discovered some interesting looking spots that we might visit in the future from those brochures. Quote Link to comment
+zuma! Posted March 9, 2010 Author Share Posted March 9, 2010 One more example of Cheesehead micro-management, Zuma! Seriously... they think that it would be unsafe?!? What? Do they think we hide the caches on the pavement? Don't they realize that people also stop there to use the restrooms? I never realized that might also be putting my life at risk! Somebody needs to educate your DOT, I think. LOL, but at least we have a better pro football team in Wisconsin. back at ya. Seriously, though, that is what I am working on, trying to educate the WI DOT of their misguided ways. It would be real helpful if I could find other states that have a policy on this, besides MN which has a good policy, except that I dont agree with their limitation of one cache per rest area. zuma Quote Link to comment
knowschad Posted March 9, 2010 Share Posted March 9, 2010 LOL, but at least we have a better pro football team in Wisconsin. back at ya. Seriously, though, that is what I am working on, trying to educate the WI DOT of their misguided ways. It would be real helpful if I could find other states that have a policy on this, besides MN which has a good policy, except that I dont agree with their limitation of one cache per rest area. zuma Yeah, well, we've got your aging quarterback, so there! Back on topic, yeah! I've been trying a few searches and have not turned up a thing so far except for MN (the most visible) and WI. Also I agree with you about the 1 cache limit in MN. The southbound rest area on I35 down by Faribault, MN, for example is huge. There used to be two (or was it three?) KB caches in there. Quote Link to comment
+birder428 Posted March 9, 2010 Share Posted March 9, 2010 In addition to those states already listed, I have also found rest stop caches along the GSP and NJTP in New Jersey. Besides giving me a driving break, it encourages me to stop in the restaurants / store / vending machine at the stop. Quote Link to comment
+narcissa Posted March 9, 2010 Share Posted March 9, 2010 Rest stop geocaches are an incentive for me to stop and step inside visitor centres where I can find brochures about area attractions. I can think of many museums, campgrounds, and other sites that I found out about because I was already stopping at a visitor centre to get a cache. Quote Link to comment
+Walts Hunting Posted March 9, 2010 Share Posted March 9, 2010 On behalf of the Wisconsin Geocaching Association, I am doing a little research on the policy of different states as it relates to geocaches being placed in highway rest areas. Sometimes it is best not to ask. Quote Link to comment
+bittsen Posted March 9, 2010 Share Posted March 9, 2010 Maybe Wisconsin feels that geocaching interferes with clandestine deviant hookups in rest areas. That's the only reason I can think of as to why they wouldn't allow geocaching. Quote Link to comment
ad5smith Posted March 9, 2010 Share Posted March 9, 2010 Maybe Wisconsin feels that geocaching interferes with clandestine deviant hookups in rest areas. That's the only reason I can think of as to why they wouldn't allow geocaching. and/or it interupts the privacy if those cow tippin' lol Quote Link to comment
knowschad Posted March 9, 2010 Share Posted March 9, 2010 On behalf of the Wisconsin Geocaching Association, I am doing a little research on the policy of different states as it relates to geocaches being placed in highway rest areas. Sometimes it is best not to ask. Did you read why he is asking for this information? His state already has a policy. He is asking so that he can hopefully educate them. Quote Link to comment
+popokiiti Posted March 9, 2010 Share Posted March 9, 2010 Granted we are in Canada, but my one and only hide is in a rest stop with a lovely lookout. Personally, I love these hides....sometimes the only way I can get a potty break!!! I hope you can get caches placed in rest stops in your state - good luck! Quote Link to comment
+zuma! Posted March 9, 2010 Author Share Posted March 9, 2010 On behalf of the Wisconsin Geocaching Association, I am doing a little research on the policy of different states as it relates to geocaches being placed in highway rest areas. Sometimes it is best not to ask. From the Groundspeak cache hiding guidelines: "By submitting a cache listing, you assure us that you have adequate permission to hide your cache in the selected location." With the published policy of the DOT, it is pretty hard for reviewers in good faith to publish a cache in a rest area in Wisconsin. That is why we are seeking to get the policy changed, and why I am looking for policy statements from other state DOTs. zuma Quote Link to comment
+StarBrand Posted March 9, 2010 Share Posted March 9, 2010 Nebraska has no policy that I am aware of and caches are frequently found at them. I know North Dakota has banned caches at Rest Areas for absolutely no reason. Quote Link to comment
knowschad Posted March 9, 2010 Share Posted March 9, 2010 I know North Dakota has banned caches at Rest Areas for absolutely no reason. Since almost nobody drives through North Dakota, I'd have to agree that there is absolutely no good reason! Quote Link to comment
+StarDoc Posted March 9, 2010 Share Posted March 9, 2010 (edited) I know North Dakota has banned caches at Rest Areas for absolutely no reason. Since almost nobody drives through North Dakota, I'd have to agree that there is absolutely no good reason! As a ND geocacher, you are right about nobody driving through the state. And we used to have a number of geocaches at our rest areas (I think there are only 3 or 4 actual rest areas in the entire state), but the state found out about them and banned them. I think you can get a "permit" for them, but that may have been canceled also. There is still one TB hotel at a rest area though... Montana seems to embrace them, with at least one at every rest area on I-94 to from the ND state line to Billings in both directions. The Highline (US Highway 2) that runs along the north edge of the state has a string of historical markers along it, and I think every one of those has a cache at it also. I don't know if they have a formal policy or not, though. Edited March 9, 2010 by StarDoc Quote Link to comment
+DragonsWest Posted March 9, 2010 Share Posted March 9, 2010 I know North Dakota has banned caches at Rest Areas for absolutely no reason. Since almost nobody drives through North Dakota, I'd have to agree that there is absolutely no good reason! As a ND geocacher, you are right about nobody driving through the state. And we used to have a number of geocaches at our rest areas (I think there are only 3 or 4 actual rest areas in the entire state), but the state found out about them and banned them. I think you can get a "permit" for them, but that may have been canceled also. There is still one TB hotel at a rest area though... Montana seems to embrace them, with at least one at every rest area on I-94 to from the ND state line to Billings in both directions. The Highline (US Highway 2) that runs along the north edge of the state has a string of historical markers along it, and I think every one of those has a cache at it also. I don't know if they have a formal policy or not, though. So call up the 15 or 20 voters in North Dakota and ask them to help you change the policy with a referendum. Quote Link to comment
knowschad Posted March 9, 2010 Share Posted March 9, 2010 I know North Dakota has banned caches at Rest Areas for absolutely no reason. Since almost nobody drives through North Dakota, I'd have to agree that there is absolutely no good reason! As a ND geocacher, you are right about nobody driving through the state. And we used to have a number of geocaches at our rest areas (I think there are only 3 or 4 actual rest areas in the entire state), but the state found out about them and banned them. I think you can get a "permit" for them, but that may have been canceled also. There is still one TB hotel at a rest area though... Montana seems to embrace them, with at least one at every rest area on I-94 to from the ND state line to Billings in both directions. The Highline (US Highway 2) that runs along the north edge of the state has a string of historical markers along it, and I think every one of those has a cache at it also. I don't know if they have a formal policy or not, though. So call up the 15 or 20 voters in North Dakota and ask them to help you change the policy with a referendum. Dude... that's insulting!! There are at LEAST ten times that many voters in North Dakota!! Quote Link to comment
+ArtieD Posted March 9, 2010 Share Posted March 9, 2010 I have seen plenty in Missouri rest stops, so they must not care too much... Quote Link to comment
knowschad Posted March 9, 2010 Share Posted March 9, 2010 I have seen plenty in Missouri rest stops, so they must not care too much... Just a little reminder of what Zuma! is looking for: this is a request for cachers in other states to refer me to a policy in writing in their state. Quote Link to comment
+StarDoc Posted March 9, 2010 Share Posted March 9, 2010 I know North Dakota has banned caches at Rest Areas for absolutely no reason. Since almost nobody drives through North Dakota, I'd have to agree that there is absolutely no good reason! As a ND geocacher, you are right about nobody driving through the state. And we used to have a number of geocaches at our rest areas (I think there are only 3 or 4 actual rest areas in the entire state), but the state found out about them and banned them. I think you can get a "permit" for them, but that may have been canceled also. There is still one TB hotel at a rest area though... Montana seems to embrace them, with at least one at every rest area on I-94 to from the ND state line to Billings in both directions. The Highline (US Highway 2) that runs along the north edge of the state has a string of historical markers along it, and I think every one of those has a cache at it also. I don't know if they have a formal policy or not, though. So call up the 15 or 20 voters in North Dakota and ask them to help you change the policy with a referendum. Dude... that's insulting!! There are at LEAST ten times that many voters in North Dakota!! We just formed the ND Geocaching Association to address problems like this. Stay tuned... And sure, there may be ten times as many voters, but only half of them vote anyway. Quote Link to comment
+briansnat Posted March 9, 2010 Share Posted March 9, 2010 On behalf of the Wisconsin Geocaching Association, I am doing a little research on the policy of different states as it relates to geocaches being placed in highway rest areas. Sometimes it is best not to ask. From the Groundspeak cache hiding guidelines: "By submitting a cache listing, you assure us that you have adequate permission to hide your cache in the selected location." With the published policy of the DOT, it is pretty hard for reviewers in good faith to publish a cache in a rest area in Wisconsin. That is why we are seeking to get the policy changed, and why I am looking for policy statements from other state DOTs. zuma Also point out posts like Narcissa's. Sometimes pointing out a potential fiscal benefit to the state will tip the scales in favor of geocaching. Get the local chambers of commerce on your side. They have been pro geocaching in many places and they usually have some say when it comes to government policy. Quote Link to comment
+hofy67 Posted March 9, 2010 Share Posted March 9, 2010 While the WiDOT may not allow caches in the rest areas, I have found quite a few in these rest areas. Also, most rest areas are closed during the winter here. Exceptions being interstate and major highway rest areas. Quote Link to comment
+zuma! Posted March 9, 2010 Author Share Posted March 9, 2010 While the WiDOT may not allow caches in the rest areas, I have found quite a few in these rest areas. Also, most rest areas are closed during the winter here. Exceptions being interstate and major highway rest areas. The Wisconsin DOT differentiates between interstate rest areas and state highway waysides. The waysides are maintained by the counties and geocaches are allowed there. Caches are not allowed on the interstate rest areas, and that is the problem I am trying to correct. zuma Quote Link to comment
+zuma! Posted March 9, 2010 Author Share Posted March 9, 2010 While the WiDOT may not allow caches in the rest areas, I have found quite a few in these rest areas. Also, most rest areas are closed during the winter here. Exceptions being interstate and major highway rest areas. The Wisconsin DOT differentiates between interstate rest areas and state highway waysides. The waysides are maintained by the counties and geocaches are allowed there. Caches are not allowed on the interstate rest areas, and that is the problem we are trying to correct. zuma Quote Link to comment
+zuma! Posted March 9, 2010 Author Share Posted March 9, 2010 While the WiDOT may not allow caches in the rest areas, I have found quite a few in these rest areas. Also, most rest areas are closed during the winter here. Exceptions being interstate and major highway rest areas. The Wisconsin DOT differentiates between interstate rest areas and state highway waysides. The waysides are maintained by the counties and geocaches are allowed there. Caches are not allowed on the interstate rest areas, and that is the problem we are trying to correct. zuma Quote Link to comment
+StarBrand Posted March 9, 2010 Share Posted March 9, 2010 Zuma Some of these folks may help you with your case: http://www.geotruckers.com/ There list of trucker friendly caches includes many rest areas - showing that truckers are willing to stop and Geocache in the state may show an economic benefit. Quote Link to comment
+KJcachers Posted March 9, 2010 Share Posted March 9, 2010 not sure what the rules are but we have found caches in rest stops in Virginia and Tennessee as well. Quote Link to comment
+zuma! Posted March 9, 2010 Author Share Posted March 9, 2010 Zuma Some of these folks may help you with your case: http://www.geotruckers.com/ There list of trucker friendly caches includes many rest areas - showing that truckers are willing to stop and Geocache in the state may show an economic benefit. thanks. good idea. zuma Quote Link to comment
+TheMayfieldFamily Posted April 6, 2010 Share Posted April 6, 2010 add louisianna and mississppi to the list of caches at rest stops =) Quote Link to comment
+Team Cotati Posted April 6, 2010 Share Posted April 6, 2010 I haven't heard of an overall policy in Texas but when I was in west Texas last year I found several and in most cases I was asked "did you find it?" by the workers at the stop. One would assume they were ok with the placement in those cases. Gots them decision makers and policy makers out there picking up them gum wrappers, do they? Astounding. They? Quote Link to comment
knowschad Posted April 6, 2010 Share Posted April 6, 2010 I haven't heard of an overall policy in Texas but when I was in west Texas last year I found several and in most cases I was asked "did you find it?" by the workers at the stop. One would assume they were ok with the placement in those cases. Gots them decision makers and policy makers out there picking up them gum wrappers, do they? Astounding. They? Hey... it could happen! Quote Link to comment
+JJTally Posted April 6, 2010 Share Posted April 6, 2010 One at every rest stop on I-70 in Kansas Quote Link to comment
knowschad Posted April 6, 2010 Share Posted April 6, 2010 One at every rest stop on I-70 in Kansas Remember, though, that the OP was asking what the official stance was, not simply if there were any hidden there. Quote Link to comment
+joukkusisu Posted April 6, 2010 Share Posted April 6, 2010 Maybe Wisconsin feels that geocaching interferes with clandestine deviant hookups in rest areas. That's the only reason I can think of as to why they wouldn't allow geocaching. That's the only thing I can think of too. Maybe they're trying to keep people out of the bushes. Dangerous indeed. Quote Link to comment
+Pasha88 Posted April 7, 2010 Share Posted April 7, 2010 On Ontario, I went to the owner of the property and asked if it was ok. Even though it was a rest stop, it was still owned by a single guy (well, a company) and he said it was ok, so I placed one. Perhaps in Canada we do things differently, but many of the rest stops I know of around me are privately owned and managed. Quote Link to comment
+edscott Posted April 7, 2010 Share Posted April 7, 2010 Wonder how many accidents have been prevented by geocachers taking a caching break at a rest stop when they are getting bored during a long drive? None in Wisconsin I guess... Quote Link to comment
+popokiiti Posted April 7, 2010 Share Posted April 7, 2010 My one and only hide is at a scenic rest stop on the Trans Canada Highway on Vancouver Island. It is at the summit of the Malahat and if you are lucky, you get to see the Bald Eagles also. Plenty of elbow room in the "facilities" too - just ignore the gas mask stenciled on the door! I think it is important to take a break and stretch when driving any distance - why not grab a cache too? Quote Link to comment
+Knight2000 Posted April 7, 2010 Share Posted April 7, 2010 Last week someone was struck and killed in this area while trying to cross from one rest stop to the other. What do you think is the first thing I thought of? Quote Link to comment
+power69 Posted April 7, 2010 Share Posted April 7, 2010 Last week someone was struck and killed in this area while trying to cross from one rest stop to the other. What do you think is the first thing I thought of? new hide and two ftf hounds at same time? Quote Link to comment
+DonB Posted April 7, 2010 Share Posted April 7, 2010 I have found them in rest areas in Illinois, Missouri, Wisconsin, and Arkansas and probably some of the western states, I just can't remember which ones. Quote Link to comment
+usyoopers Posted April 7, 2010 Share Posted April 7, 2010 Here is Michigan policy- Geocaching Geocaching is a new recreational activity that brings technology and nature together. It is similar to treasure hunting and is initiated by an individual hiding a cache, normally in a waterproof container with small items inside. The location is recorded with a Global Positioning Unit (GPS). The individual then posts the GPS coordinates along with a description of the cache on the geocaching Web site (www.geocaching.com). Other individuals then try to find the cache. When it is located, participants sign a logbook, then take or leave a small item. They also post their find on the on-line logbook. Mn/DOT wants to encourage positive use of its rest areas and feels that geocaching, if played in accordance with this policy, will not conflict with other rest area uses. I don't think you can find a rest area without a cache in Michigan. Quote Link to comment
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