GENERAL GUIDANCE FOR GEOCACHE SITES WITHIN
NEW YORK STATE PARKS
NEW YORK STATE PARKS
The following guidelines are designed to assist geocachers in locating a cache site on land managed by the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. This information was provided by the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
The mission of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is to provide safe and enjoyable recreational and interpretive opportunities for all New York State residents and visitors, and to be responsible stewards of our natural, historic and cultural resources. Geocaching is a recognized recreational activity and in order to ensure the safety of geocachers while protecting our environmental resources, the agency has established a permit system for this activity.
The geocaching permit was developed through input from the geocachers and State Park Regional Offices across the State. It is designed to be proactive in addressing the needs of the geocachers while protecting the integrity of the State Park system.
Any visitor wishing to place a cache must complete an application for a geocache placement permit, which requires review and authorization by the park manager or designee. The permit process provides the necessary level of review to ensure the protection of natural, historic and archeological resources, and the safety and security of park visitors.
Guidelines have been provided to park managers for implementing this permit system. These guidelines provide information regarding the identification of sensitive resources to be protected; the maximum number of permits allowed in a facility; guidance for placement restrictions on cache contents and maintenance; safety measures; and authority for removal of cache and notification of owner if necessary.
We at Parks hope we have adequately responded to the needs of this new recreational activity and are always looking for ways to enhance the visitor experience.
Before placing a cache on any land by the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the Facility Manager should be contacted. The Manager can provide guidance on areas within parks where cache sites area allowed.
General Guidelines
* The Facility Manager must approve the location of any permitted cache.
* The term of a permit has been limited to two years in an effort reduce any potential environmental impact at a cache site.
* The permit only gives the user the right to locate a cache within a park.
* All Park Rules and Regulations will still apply.
* Cache access should be restricted to normal operating hours and seasons.
* The caches should not be located more than 20 feet from a trail unless otherwise approved by the Facility Manager. (i.e. Longer distances may be considered for field areas.)
Terms from the Actual Permit:
* Any person wishing to place a cache must fill out this application.
* Any visitor wishing to place a cache must complete an application for placement and maintenance of the geocache site. Such permit application requires review and authorization of the facility manager or designee. Once approved, this application will serve as the permit and the cache owner will be issued a label to be placed on the cache container.
* The original permit will be kept on file, and a copy given to the owner.
* If the permit is denied, justification will be recorded on the permit. The facility manager has discretion in denying permits.
Permit Conditions:
* A cache owner is limited to a maximum of five (5) permits in one facility at one time.
* Multi-caches leave clues to find the next site, eventually leading to a cache. Multi-caches will be limited to a total of five (5) sites, but require only one permit. However, since the potential use or impacts of each site is the same, no more than five (5) sites per cache owner will be permitted in one facility at one time. For instance, if a multi-cache consists of 5 sites, the cache owner will only be allowed one permit at a time.
* Caches will not be permitted within 1320 feet (1/4 mile) of an existing permitted cache.
* All permits will be valid for two (2) years. Exact starting and ending dates will be recorded on the permit.
* If, during the effective period of a permit, the holder wishes to change the location of the cache, a new permit must be issued and the effective permit cancelled.
* Upon permit expiration, the owner is responsible for removing the cache and removing its location from the website or other information source as an active cache.
* Once the cache is placed, a description of the cache and its location indicated on a park map, as well as the GPS coordinates, must be given to the facility manager or designee for completion of the permit.
* Owner must monitor the cache twice a year to maintain family-friendly contents.
* Caches are subject to removal by the facility manager or designee if:
o Facility staff determines that the location of the cache poses a risk to visitors. A new permit may be generated for the relocation of such a cache.
o Facility staff determines that the cache has been the cause of an adverse environmental impact. The permit for such a cache will be cancelled.
o Facility staff discovers a non-permitted cache, or a cache that does not exhibit a permit number on the outside of the container.
* If the facility manager or designee removes a cache, he or she will attempt to notify the owner or indicate on the website that the cache has been removed. The cache will be retained at the park office for 30 days. If the owner cannot be contacted after that time, the cache is considered abandoned property and may be retained in the event the owner comes to claim it at a later date. Justification for removal of a cache will be recorded on the permit.
Cache Placement
* The facility manager or designee will inform the applicant of areas recognized as off limits to geocache placement.
* The cache should be accessible from existing trails (no more than twenty (20) ft. from trail unless otherwise approved).
* Caches are not to be placed on or in:
o locations that would lead to or create spur trails
o sensitive archaeological, historical, or ecological areas, e. g. wetlands, caves, historical buildings, locations containing rare plant or animal species, stream banks, and dam structures.
o prescribed burn areas scheduled to be burned within 12 months of the permit request.
o areas that could potentially cause danger to visitors trying to locate the cache, such as, elevated in trees, underwater or in potential flood areas, places requiring climbing cliffs or bluffs.
o any State Park or State Historic Site structure.
* Burying caches is strictly prohibited.
Life of a Cache
* A cache may be located at a site for a maximum of 2 years.
* After 2 years, the owner will be responsible for retiring or relocating the cache.
Cache Container
* Cache containers must display an official, park issued geocache label on the outside of the container with the permit number and expiration date.
* Cache must not contain food, alcohol, drugs, medications, dangerous items, adult items, or weapons of any kind.
* Container should be watertight and non-breakable, and have a latch or closing mechanism to prevent exposure to wildlife.
* The container should not be larger than 1,000 cu. in. unless authorized by the facility manager.
Participation
* Participants must follow established trails (no bushwhacking to reach a cache).
* Participants must leave the caches where they found them.
* Participants must not use metal detectors in cache searches.
All caches are subject to random inspection by the facility managers or their designees, who have the authority to remove any item deemed unacceptable.
The office of State Parks and State Historic Sites has identified areas where geocaching will not be will not be permitted. Please don't attempt to place a cache in the following locations.
State Historic Sites and Historic Parks:
* Bennington Battlefield
* Clinton House
* Crailo
* Darwin Martin House
* Crown Point
* Fort Ontario
* Ganondagan
* Grant Cottage
* Guy Park Manor
* John Burroughs Memorial
* New Windsor Cantonment
* Parrot Hall
* Philipse Manor Hall
* Planting Fields Arboretum
* Schuyler Mansion
* Senate House
* Walt Whitman Birthplace
* Washington's Headquarters
Parks (including NYPA lands) along the Niagara Gorge due to security and safety concerns:
* Earl W. Brydges Artpark
* Devils Hole
* Fort Niagara
* Niagara Reservation
* Reservoir
* Whirlpool
* Niagara Gorge Trails
Parks located in New York City
* Bayswater Point
* Clay Pit Ponds
* Empire-Fulton Ferry
* Gantry Plaza
* Hudson River
* Riverbank
* Roberto Clemente
For Parks, Historic Sites and Historic Parks that may allow geocaching, caches should not be located within the following areas:
* Golf courses
* Campsites (within the camping loops)
* Soccer fields/Athletic fields/Softball fields/Play fields
* Swimming pool complexes
* Reserved picnic areas
* Maintenance complexes
* Park Police compounds
* Park roads and parkways
* Other areas identified by the Facility Manager
* In areas with sensitive natural and/or cultural resources.
* In or within a minimum of 20 feet of any park structure.
* Near gorges or steep cliffs or other areas that may pose a safety concern.
The mission of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is to provide safe and enjoyable recreational and interpretive opportunities for all New York State residents and visitors, and to be responsible stewards of our natural, historic and cultural resources. Geocaching is a recognized recreational activity and in order to ensure the safety of geocachers while protecting our environmental resources, the agency has established a permit system for this activity.
The geocaching permit was developed through input from the geocachers and State Park Regional Offices across the State. It is designed to be proactive in addressing the needs of the geocachers while protecting the integrity of the State Park system.
Any visitor wishing to place a cache must complete an application for a geocache placement permit, which requires review and authorization by the park manager or designee. The permit process provides the necessary level of review to ensure the protection of natural, historic and archeological resources, and the safety and security of park visitors.
Guidelines have been provided to park managers for implementing this permit system. These guidelines provide information regarding the identification of sensitive resources to be protected; the maximum number of permits allowed in a facility; guidance for placement restrictions on cache contents and maintenance; safety measures; and authority for removal of cache and notification of owner if necessary.
We at Parks hope we have adequately responded to the needs of this new recreational activity and are always looking for ways to enhance the visitor experience.
Before placing a cache on any land by the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the Facility Manager should be contacted. The Manager can provide guidance on areas within parks where cache sites area allowed.
General Guidelines
* The Facility Manager must approve the location of any permitted cache.
* The term of a permit has been limited to two years in an effort reduce any potential environmental impact at a cache site.
* The permit only gives the user the right to locate a cache within a park.
* All Park Rules and Regulations will still apply.
* Cache access should be restricted to normal operating hours and seasons.
* The caches should not be located more than 20 feet from a trail unless otherwise approved by the Facility Manager. (i.e. Longer distances may be considered for field areas.)
Terms from the Actual Permit:
* Any person wishing to place a cache must fill out this application.
* Any visitor wishing to place a cache must complete an application for placement and maintenance of the geocache site. Such permit application requires review and authorization of the facility manager or designee. Once approved, this application will serve as the permit and the cache owner will be issued a label to be placed on the cache container.
* The original permit will be kept on file, and a copy given to the owner.
* If the permit is denied, justification will be recorded on the permit. The facility manager has discretion in denying permits.
Permit Conditions:
* A cache owner is limited to a maximum of five (5) permits in one facility at one time.
* Multi-caches leave clues to find the next site, eventually leading to a cache. Multi-caches will be limited to a total of five (5) sites, but require only one permit. However, since the potential use or impacts of each site is the same, no more than five (5) sites per cache owner will be permitted in one facility at one time. For instance, if a multi-cache consists of 5 sites, the cache owner will only be allowed one permit at a time.
* Caches will not be permitted within 1320 feet (1/4 mile) of an existing permitted cache.
* All permits will be valid for two (2) years. Exact starting and ending dates will be recorded on the permit.
* If, during the effective period of a permit, the holder wishes to change the location of the cache, a new permit must be issued and the effective permit cancelled.
* Upon permit expiration, the owner is responsible for removing the cache and removing its location from the website or other information source as an active cache.
* Once the cache is placed, a description of the cache and its location indicated on a park map, as well as the GPS coordinates, must be given to the facility manager or designee for completion of the permit.
* Owner must monitor the cache twice a year to maintain family-friendly contents.
* Caches are subject to removal by the facility manager or designee if:
o Facility staff determines that the location of the cache poses a risk to visitors. A new permit may be generated for the relocation of such a cache.
o Facility staff determines that the cache has been the cause of an adverse environmental impact. The permit for such a cache will be cancelled.
o Facility staff discovers a non-permitted cache, or a cache that does not exhibit a permit number on the outside of the container.
* If the facility manager or designee removes a cache, he or she will attempt to notify the owner or indicate on the website that the cache has been removed. The cache will be retained at the park office for 30 days. If the owner cannot be contacted after that time, the cache is considered abandoned property and may be retained in the event the owner comes to claim it at a later date. Justification for removal of a cache will be recorded on the permit.
Cache Placement
* The facility manager or designee will inform the applicant of areas recognized as off limits to geocache placement.
* The cache should be accessible from existing trails (no more than twenty (20) ft. from trail unless otherwise approved).
* Caches are not to be placed on or in:
o locations that would lead to or create spur trails
o sensitive archaeological, historical, or ecological areas, e. g. wetlands, caves, historical buildings, locations containing rare plant or animal species, stream banks, and dam structures.
o prescribed burn areas scheduled to be burned within 12 months of the permit request.
o areas that could potentially cause danger to visitors trying to locate the cache, such as, elevated in trees, underwater or in potential flood areas, places requiring climbing cliffs or bluffs.
o any State Park or State Historic Site structure.
* Burying caches is strictly prohibited.
Life of a Cache
* A cache may be located at a site for a maximum of 2 years.
* After 2 years, the owner will be responsible for retiring or relocating the cache.
Cache Container
* Cache containers must display an official, park issued geocache label on the outside of the container with the permit number and expiration date.
* Cache must not contain food, alcohol, drugs, medications, dangerous items, adult items, or weapons of any kind.
* Container should be watertight and non-breakable, and have a latch or closing mechanism to prevent exposure to wildlife.
* The container should not be larger than 1,000 cu. in. unless authorized by the facility manager.
Participation
* Participants must follow established trails (no bushwhacking to reach a cache).
* Participants must leave the caches where they found them.
* Participants must not use metal detectors in cache searches.
All caches are subject to random inspection by the facility managers or their designees, who have the authority to remove any item deemed unacceptable.
The office of State Parks and State Historic Sites has identified areas where geocaching will not be will not be permitted. Please don't attempt to place a cache in the following locations.
State Historic Sites and Historic Parks:
* Bennington Battlefield
* Clinton House
* Crailo
* Darwin Martin House
* Crown Point
* Fort Ontario
* Ganondagan
* Grant Cottage
* Guy Park Manor
* John Burroughs Memorial
* New Windsor Cantonment
* Parrot Hall
* Philipse Manor Hall
* Planting Fields Arboretum
* Schuyler Mansion
* Senate House
* Walt Whitman Birthplace
* Washington's Headquarters
Parks (including NYPA lands) along the Niagara Gorge due to security and safety concerns:
* Earl W. Brydges Artpark
* Devils Hole
* Fort Niagara
* Niagara Reservation
* Reservoir
* Whirlpool
* Niagara Gorge Trails
Parks located in New York City
* Bayswater Point
* Clay Pit Ponds
* Empire-Fulton Ferry
* Gantry Plaza
* Hudson River
* Riverbank
* Roberto Clemente
For Parks, Historic Sites and Historic Parks that may allow geocaching, caches should not be located within the following areas:
* Golf courses
* Campsites (within the camping loops)
* Soccer fields/Athletic fields/Softball fields/Play fields
* Swimming pool complexes
* Reserved picnic areas
* Maintenance complexes
* Park Police compounds
* Park roads and parkways
* Other areas identified by the Facility Manager
* In areas with sensitive natural and/or cultural resources.
* In or within a minimum of 20 feet of any park structure.
* Near gorges or steep cliffs or other areas that may pose a safety concern.
