Ozark-St. Francis National Forests | Recreation

Background

The Global Positioning System (GPS), a series of navigational satellites was originally developed by the U.S. Department of Defense for military use. The satellites were predominately designed for navigation. Fore national security reasons, data available to the public had a lesser degree of accuracy than that available to the military. That changed May 1, 2000, when the public was granted access to greater accuracy.The first public cache was hidden near Portland, Oregan on May 3, 2000 as a way of celebrating the removal of selective availability and geocaching (gee-oh cashing) was born.Geocaching is growing sport that combines a sense of adventure and a love of the outdoors with technical gadgetry. The geocaching sport involves using a handheld Global Positioning System (GPS) along with designated coordinates to locate a hidden cache of various items or to locate a particular area of interest.

How Geocaching Works

A cache is started when a geocacher using a GPS unit places a cache and posts the coordinates of the cache on a geocaching web site. Other geocachers then can search for the cache. Once the geocacher finds the cache, they may take an item, leave an item and sign the log. The geocacher then posts information about their search and other geocachers can follow the history of the cache.

Things You Should Know

General Geocaching Rules

Take something from the cache
Leave something in the cache
Write about it in the logbook
Tread Lightly
Do not leave food, weapons, alcohol or anything harmful to others or the environment
Do not move the cache

There are two types of caches. One is the traditional cache.

The prize or "Traditional Cache" could be anything. Typically it's a container of some sort in which people leave dime store trinkets, a journal for you to record notes with your name and date you found cache, or disposable cameras to help you prove you were there. The idea is to take an item and leave something in its place. Once found; a cache may provide the visitor with a wide variety of rewards.
The other type is a “Virtual Cache”. A virtual cache does not require you to leave anything. An example of this would be to list coordinates on web site of a location. The ‘cache hunters’ find the site and then make their own photo at the site, then email the photo to the person who hid the cache, or if taking a photo is not an option, a description of the site could be emailed to them. This option is sort of like playing the “I Spy” game with a location instead of an object. Another option is to use a web cam to document the photos.

For more rules and general information about Geocaching please visit www.geocaching.com

Cache Registration Form

Areas of Interest

Pedestal Rock Trailhead

Latitude	Longitude
35.72460	-93.01831

Fairview Campground

Latitude	Longitude
35.73793	-93.09415

Alum Cove Natural Bridge Picnic Area

Latitude	Longitude
35.85958	-93.23266

Blanchard Springs Caverns Visitor Information Center

Latitude	Longitude
35.96377	-92.17919

Glory Hole Trailhead

Latitude	Longitude
35.82595	-93.39737

These coordinates are in WGS84, Decimal Degree.

Ozark-St. Francis National Forests Policy

The Approval of cache content and location must be granted prior to placement of any items on public lands.

Contact your nearest Ranger District office prior to development of a “cache” in order to inquire about any designated and/or "off limit" areas.

You must submit a “Cache Registration Form” to the particular Ranger District you plan on being on before you develop and advertise your site. Cache Registration Forms are available at District Offices or the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest web page. The district will remove any unregistered caches found.

For a geocaching application for the Boston Mountain Ranger District, please click here.

District Personnel will share information with Recreation and Special Use Managers at the Supervisor’s office.

Geocachers must abide by any and all applicable federal rules and regulations contained in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).

Participants of geocaching must restrict their activities to areas that are open to the public. Caches are off limits on closed roads, unless traveling by foot.

Caches should last no more than one year. Notify the Ranger District Office upon removal.

Access routes and caches should avoid fragile areas, such as rock shelters, caves, bogs, wetlands, steep slopes, historic structures, and other sensitive sites. Do not use areas closed to the public.

At developed recreation sites, adhere to all rules and regulations posted at sites.

Traditional cache sites are prohibited within wilderness areas. Only virtual caches are allowed within East Fork, Hurricane Creek, Leatherwood, Richland Creek or Upper Buffalo wilderness areas.

Do not interfere with or detract from other visitors' experiences.

Do not dig soil or cut vegetation when developing a cache.

Caches should be no more than 2 gallons in size.

Caches must not contain any food or hazardous materials.

Containers must be labeled on the outside so that it would not be mistaken as containing hazardous materials.

Caches need to be public; no “members only” or subscription caches.Encourage friends and fellow geocachers to follow these guidelines and be responsible and environmentally ethical when geo-hunting.

Safety

Geocachers should only attempt hunting sites according to their experience level. Please carry a map and compass in case of poor satellite reception. GPS units compute distances in straight lines only. Differences in distance due to access as well as obstacles (cliffs, rivers, ponds, canyons) should be considered before attempting the cache location. Geocachers must plan ahead for their hunt by making sure they have adequate water, food, proper clothing, footwear, first aid kit and other items needed for travel in the forest. The use of ladders, ropes and other vertical equipment can be dangerous for you and future hunters. Caches should not be placed in areas needing any of this equipment to access. The USDA Forest Service does not take any responsibility for any injuries that may occur to an individual due to hazardous placement of a cache.