Ethics and etiquette

[Guest tnunnery]

Hi all. I know that there are some informal "rules" regarding the

activity/sport/hobby of Geocaching (no food, drugs, alcohol, porn, napalm, ebola virus cultures, etc. left in caches) but what about a general Geocaching code of ethics or etiquette? I would be interested in seeing what cachers think this code should contain.

 

My thoughts:

1. Leave more than you take (quantity and quality) - on a number of occasions, I have read logs of caches (some of them being my own) and have been shocked at the disparity between what people have taken and what they

have left. Leave the flashlight in the cache for someone who has to trek back in the dark. Leave the first-aid kit for someone who slips on a rock or is stung by a bee.

2. Think about your approach to a cache. Don't stomp around, smashing everything in sight. That's how trails are made - a geocache with a trail leading directly to it is not much fun.

3. Clean up after yourself and others. We are all familiar with the "cache in, trash out" mantra but how many folks _actually_ do this?

4. Leave it as you found it. Don't do a better or worse job of hiding a cache just because you found it too easy or too hard. On a related note, also make sure to repackage the contents as they were found. The log goes back into its little protective Ziploc (where I'm sure the cache placer put

it originally), not in the bottom of the damp cache container. The cache letter should also be placed on top of all of the cache contents.

5. Notify the cache owner of the condition of the cache if applicable. Note any trails being formed, evidence of looting, full logs, moisture or contents problems, etc.

6. Think. Think about where you place a cache. Is it interesting, well hidden and does it contain thoughtful items? Do research about the location. What is its historical significance if any? Why is it an interesting place to visit? Think about what you leave in a cache. Is it interesting,

thoughtful and comparable to what you have taken? Is it the same uninteresting and non-useful item(s) you left in the last cache? Think about the environment. What people, animals, plants did I disturb while placing or seeking this cache?

 

Whew! I know I sound crabby but I think overall I have been really impressed with the caliber of people involved here (with a few exceptions). Who would expect a hobby based on the honor system to grow exponentially as this has?

 

I look forward to reading your thoughts.

[Guest Markwell]

quote:

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Who would expect a hobby based on the honor system to grow exponentially as this has?

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Actually, that has been an idea in the selling points that I'm trying to make with the local park services when placing caches. It's amazing to me how well we've done without a written code of conduct or ethics. Heck, we're just such nice people, except when someone threatens our hobbyhood.

 

As far as the Ethics and Etiquette "rules," I would think they would be better as "guidelines," (who could enforce rules around the world?) and I've always found that briefer can be better (but I do sometimes get long-winded).

 

Could we boil these down?

 

1) Increase the value of the cache contents over time - or at the bare minimum, keep the value equal.

2) Respect the environment while hunting and hiding. If the area becomes damaged in any way, notify the cache owner.

3) Leave the cache and its contents just as you found them, but possibly in better condition without altering the hunt. Notify the cache owner of problems.

4) Be selective in placement of caches to ward off the "litter" argument - likewise make sure they are well off the path.

 

My 2¢ on a work in progress...

[Guest tnunnery]

Good synopsis. Sorry for the long-winded rant - I was just trying to give examples to support my proposed guidelines.

 

Any others?

[Guest wtmrn]

Lets try for a least common denominator approach: common sense

[Guest Exocet]

how it was before the cache arrived ...I think we've done some good.

 

I think for the most part, Tununnery, your objections have been noted and discussed in the past. People are aware that they need to tread lightly, be model geocaching citizens, etc. Most of them are.

 

Still, occasionally bringing up these points keeps them fresh in our minds.