GeoCaching NSW

On Thursday 12 November 2009 members of the Geocaching NSW committee met up with representatives from the NSW Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) policy unit to conduct an onsite visit of geocaches in the Sydney region.

The purpose of the visit was for NPWS to gather information that they could use to answer questions and concerns raised from within the service regarding geocaching. It was also an opportunity for Geocaching NSW to raise questions regarding the use of National Parks and other matters relating to the environment.

While visiting the sites NPWS raised a number of issues that may need to addressed if the geocaching policy is to be changed.

NOTE: None of the points listed below should be viewed as having been agreed upon and may or may not be included in any future geocaching policy. They are only provided as a summary of the discussions that took place.

Location of geocaches. National Parks contain rare, vulnerable and endangered species. The placement of a geocache may put pressure on an animal or plant, particularly if it is a potential home. For example, placing a cache in a hollow log, a cave or recessed under a rock ledge may block access for an animal or plant. Local park rangers would be best placed to advise on location in these situations.

One suggestion was that geocaches could be attached to, or placed inside, existing built structures such as huts and visitor centres.

Geocaching NSW put forward the view that most geocachers enjoyed finding a physical container with a log book at the scenic location, such as a mountain peak, ridge, lookout or other significant location.

Virtual geocaches. NPWS support the creation of EarthCaches in National Parks and asked whether other forms of virtuals would be allowed. Although this is not possible through Groundspeak’s Geocaching website, it is possible through their Waymarking website and Geocaching Australia’s website. But it was mentioned that both are not as popular as Groundspeak’s geocaching website and would therefore not attract many visitors.

One site that was visited included a traditional geocache and a virtual Geocaching Australia at the same location, which have attracted 36 and 2 visitors respectively.

Proximity to established tracks. NSW Parks regulations ask visitors to remain on established paths and trails, therefore geocaches may not be permitted to be placed in areas that require walking off the path.

Time taken to search for the cache. The longer it takes for a cache to be found the greater the potential for damage to the area. Geocaches may have to be placed in such a way that they can be found relatively quickly by geocachers, while remaining hidden from ‘muggles’.

Container type. Containers should be durable and easily survive the elements, including attack from wildlife. Plastic containers may not be considered suitable as they could be nibbled and may melt in a bushfire. Nanos may also be discouraged due the potential of ingestion by animals, but micros could be the preferred option in areas such as visitor centres and camping grounds.

Maintenance. Owners of geocaches would have to provide full details to NPWS when placing geocaches. A commitment of undertake maintenance on a regular basis may also have to be agreed to. If NPWS staff are unable to contact a geocache owner, Geocaching NSW could be called upon to assist.

Approval. If geocaching is permitted in National Parks, geocaches may be required to undergo an approval process. This would most likely occur through the local Park Ranger. Current geocaches may also be required to obtain approval.

Liability. NPWS may only approve geocaches that they consider safe and reasonable. Unlike walking or abseiling, which can occur in various places throughout a National Park, a geocache is at a particular location. This location would be deemed by NPWS as being unlikely to place the finder in a dangerous situation. The waiver listed on Groundspeak’s geocaching website is unlikely to apply.

Littering. Under the NPWS regulation littering is an offensive and people ‘caught’ littering will receive an on-the-spot fine or could face prosecution. As geocaches are considered litter, anyone seen placing a geocache (or has previously done so) is liable.

The situation surrounding geocachers searching for geocaches is a little grey. Seeing a piece of litter, or a geocache, and leaving it in place would not result in a fine. But, if in the act of searching, finding or replacing the geocache, the geocacher walks off a trail and damages wildlife, they may face prosecution under another section of the regulation. On top of that, the act of picking up the geocache and then replacing it may also be considered as ‘re-littering’.

Timetable. The first step of the review of the policy, which has taken place this year, has involved gathering and sharing of information by Geocaching NSW and NPWS. The NPWS policy unit will now organise a timetable for the remainder of their review. The next step will involve the drafting of a revised policy that will be released to various stakeholders, including geocachers, for comment. No indication of when this will occur was given, but it is expected to continue well into 2010.

In summary, Geocaching NSW asks its members and the wider geocaching community to avoid geocaching in NSW National Parks while this review process is underway. The committee believes that geocaching in NSW National Parks at this point in time is against the spirit of co-operation that we are building between the NPWS and the geocaching community.

We hope to provide an update early in 2010.

Darren Osborne

President

Geocaching NSW