Geocaching In North Dakotas State Parks

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GeocachingIn North Dakotas State Parks
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How we got involved

• In 2002 the North Dakota Parks and Recreation
  Department was approached by Marv Erhardt, a
  geocacher from Bismarck, about placing geocaches
  in State Parks.

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Marvs Goals

• Show people NDs hidden gems
• Spur interest in the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial
• Add more geocaches throughout ND.

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Our Concerns

• People running around with shovels
• Digging up archeological sites
• Disturbing plant and animal species of special
  concern.

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The Learning Curve

• The Parks and Recreation Department hit the
  books to learn what geocaching really is
• Low Impact Recreation
• Park Friendly Users
• A New User Group

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Our Approach

• Be Proactive
• Be Positive
• Manage use

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Getting Started Where to put the Caches?

• Five Lewis Clark Trail Parks
• Away from archeological sites or sensitive
  natural areas
• Seldom used or unique features

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Unique Places

• Scenic View
• Interesting Structure
• Natural Feature
• A Rewarding Experience

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Scenic Views
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Scenic Views
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Scenic Views
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Interesting Structure
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Interesting Structure
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Natural Feature
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Natural Feature
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What about the Cache?

• Ammo Cams
• Journal
• Pens and Pencils
• A disposable camera
• Park info
• Area info
• Trinkets

Total cost per cache Less than 20.00
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Then What?

• We waited checked
• www.geocaching.com
• The Cache
• Heard from park visitors inquiring about
  geocaching
• Received a number of media inquiries

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Our Next Steps

• We purchased several small 100.00 GPS units for
  rental and pre-programmed for the caches in our
  parks
• Made copies of the website info available to park
  visitors

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Our Next Steps Cont.

• Add geocaching to park events
• Incorporate geocaching into outdoor education
  classes

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Our Next Steps Cont.

• Develop a written policy
• Add geocaching links and info to our website
• Have Fun!

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Geocaching at a glance

• As of January 10th, 2007 there are there are
  over 348467 active caches worldwide.
• North Dakota is home to 363 caches. Twenty of
  which can be found in a state park

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How do I get started?

• Go to www.geocaching.com

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• Arik Spencer
• Recreation Division Manager
• North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department
• Phone [phone]
• Email aspencer_at_nd.gov