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Post by NeverSummer on Sept 17, 2013 13:59:18 GMT -9
I just wanted to be sure to mention some information about the USFWS, policy, and Alaska Maritime NWR's efforts to have geocaches.
First of all, I have been told by our LEO, Dave Bolin, that geocaching is not a permissible activity on USFWS Refuge land. Geocaches can be placed, with explicit permission, at "administrative sites". Meaning that physical geocaches are allowed on the property that houses offices, visitor centers, etc.
However, it is important to draw the line at Refuge land versus administrative site land. Some Refuges have their office/visitor center on their actual Refuge lands. If this is the case, physical caches and physical stages of mulits or unknown caches should be located in or on the improved office/visitor center physical building site. Caches should not be placed on boardwalks, paths, signing, etc without express, written permission from the Refuge Manager. Permission can be granted through communication with the Refuge's manager and law enforcement officer (LEO) via a Special Use Permit.
Communication is key. These items above are only part of the information I have learned from the Region 7 (Alaska) region of the USFWS agency on the whole. Regional policies vary about permissions, but the bottom line is NO physical caches on Refuge lands across the nation. This includes federally-designated Wilderness areas. (Different from state-designated wilderness areas, where the policies are much different from those site affected by the Federal Wilderness designation.)
Secondly, Alaska Maritime welcomes partnerships with enthusiasm to develop non-physical cache sites on Refuge lands. This means that Earthcaches can be developed within a partnership between Refuge staff and a geocaching.com user. This is an excellent opportunity to work with the agency to develop high quality geocaching experiences that can be modeled elsewhere in the region (R7, Alaska) and eventually the nation.
If you are interested in creating an Earthcache on Alaska Maritime NWR land (the Aleutian Islands, Barren Islands, etc), please contact me about what you are hoping to do. I can partner with a user to follow policy, and create a meaningful outreach opportunity for users and general visitors to the Refuge.
Lastly, I am working on networking with the regional office to come up with an actual policy that would reflect the USFWS policy, and allow for reasonable accommodation of geocaching activities (such as Earthcaches). If you have already made some contacts, etc, please get in touch with me to discuss what you have learned so far. The more we know as a usergroup, the better!
Nationwide policy is hard to track down in regards to geocaching. It will likely start at the Regional level to get the information we need to the USFWS, and for the game to be on their radar as a positive use of protected resources. As of right now, the policy apparently is, "No physical geocaches on Refuge lands", period.
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Post by NeverSummer on Sept 17, 2013 15:13:35 GMT -9
Sounds like some updates might be coming in regard to nationwide USFWS policy.
There are also going to likely be some clarification on Alaskan US Fish and Wildlife policy on the whole.
However, the policy I have been told for Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge remains the same as on the Land Manager section of the main GeocacheAlaska! site:
Physical geocaches are only allowed at the administrative sites (Islands and Ocean Visitor Center, Homer; Aleutian Islands Unit office, Adak). Non-physical geocaches may be placed on Alaska Maritime NWR lands with explicit permission from the Refuge. The management team prefers a collaboration process for all Earthcaches. Please contact the Refuge via the geocaching.com user "IslandsandOcean".
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Post by NeverSummer on Oct 24, 2013 18:23:23 GMT -9
We're (I'm) working on geocaching opportunities and partnerships with Rangers and Management at Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. In time, I'm hopeful that we can see adoption of positive geocache activities (events and non-physical caches) with Refuges state-wide.
Stay tuned!!
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Post by akgh519 on Oct 25, 2013 13:32:58 GMT -9
Thanks for working on this... Any opportunities are a step forward!
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Post by NeverSummer on Oct 25, 2013 14:08:55 GMT -9
I know that they are open to discussion for Earthcaches, but are also unsure about using geocaching for outreach because of some negative experiences they have had.
Essentially, I am working on settling the dust and clearing the air of their concerns. Apparently there have been some unauthorized containers found on Refuge property, and I am helping to determine if they were geocaches, letterboxes, a summit register attempt, or plain old trash. They aren't keen on opening the Refuge to activity via geocaching.com yet, but I am making headway.
Best bets: -More coordinated CITO events at trailheads, boat launches and campgrounds. -Offer of volunteer hours to help with outreach and education programs based from their Soldotna main office. -Not putting on pressure yet for Earthcaches. -Being vigilant in obeying the "no physical geocaches on Refuge lands" USFWS regulations and directives -Educating our membership about possible positive partnership opportunities with agencies (CITO, Volunteering with Refuge education and public events, etc)
Kenai is one of the top 5 Refuges in the country for annual visitation and use. (The refuge returns $22 to the local economy for every $1 appropriated, and sees about 1.1 million visitors each year.) From fishing, to hunting, to hiking, many people are using their land for recration while they manage wildlife and wilderness priorities. Opening the door slowly and being courteous are sure-fire ways to see some Earthcaches available within those immense areas of Federal land.
Even if we can't have containerless caches there or on other Refuges yet, we can always put GeocacheAlaska! out there as a partnering volunteer organization for clean-ups and other field-based projects. I know for a fact that Kenai Refuge has immense needs to maintain their trails, and they have next-to-no people power to perform that maintenance. So...there's always that angle! I would imagine that waiving camp site/cabin fees would be entirely possible in exchange for volunteer service.
If you really want to make a difference, get involved with the Friends of Alaska National Wildlife Refuges. Not only would that get us in with them, but the volunteer opportunities membership provides are incredible! Imagine having an expense-paid trip to the Aleutian Islands to help with youth outdoor camps, or fishing programs in Soldotna.
Perhaps an at-large BOD member could be a liaison to help build relationships with Refuges state-wide?
Woah...I'm getting waaaaay ahead of myself here. Or am I?
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Post by NeverSummer on Oct 25, 2013 14:10:13 GMT -9
Also, Alaska Maritime NWR is wide open to coordinate with geocachers in the creation of Earthcaches on their Refuge land. Most land is "out there", but could present a pretty awesome opportunity to own a cache in the farthest reaches of the US!
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Post by akgh519 on Oct 25, 2013 16:59:23 GMT -9
I will be in touch when I am able to help out or discuss doing so The opportunities sound like they are there with continued effort. If virtuals were available, do you think they would be allowed?
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Post by SSO JOAT on Oct 26, 2013 18:49:30 GMT -9
I have an authorization for placing an Earthcache in KNWR that came out of our CITO last Spring. I was given paperwork and such to complete once an appropriate Earthcache site is located (site is being elusive).
Containers "found" on KNWR would include a geocache on the Funny River horse trail that was erroneously published by Eric88 several years ago and survived on KNWR land for quite awhile before found/noticed by the rangers.
Also, there are a bunch of letterboxes on their land in the Skilak Loop area. Last time I checked, those are still published online. Unknown if they are physically still in place.
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Post by NeverSummer on Oct 28, 2013 8:16:45 GMT -9
I remembered you mentioning the Earthcache open door at/after the CITO. I don't know if it all fell off of their radar after a normal (meaning very busy) 6 months at the office. Between their new Visitor Center, normal summer and fall operations related to trails, fishing and hunting, and other outreach events over the summer, I'm guessing it was good timing on my part to reach out Station to Station and ask about geocaching again. There will assuredly be some time for them to chew on this "new" idea for outreach and education, but I am working on some face time with them to discuss what has worked at my Station, and how there are some willing and dedicated folks who are available to partner with them. First things first, we will need to keep gentle pressure on them, and I think that another spring CITO might be a very good plan. Also, if you are local to the KNWR or Soldotna area, try to get in some time at their events and/or volunteer. Another foot in the door, so to speak. I'll keep everyone posted about the conversations we have between USFWS folks. I have an authorization for placing an Earthcache in KNWR that came out of our CITO last Spring. I was given paperwork and such to complete once an appropriate Earthcache site is located (site is being elusive). Containers "found" on KNWR would include a geocache on the Funny River horse trail that was erroneously published by Eric88 several years ago and survived on KNWR land for quite awhile before found/noticed by the rangers. Also, there are a bunch of letterboxes on their land in the Skilak Loop area. Last time I checked, those are still published online. Unknown if they are physically still in place.
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Post by ladybugkids on Oct 28, 2013 10:55:47 GMT -9
I think it is important for folks to work together on this. Let's leverage the communications channels that have already been opened and synchronize them with any other communication efforts. We don't want multiple people talking to the same Land Manager about the same request. Not a good use of anyone's time.
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Post by NeverSummer on Oct 28, 2013 13:39:37 GMT -9
I'd be happy to hear what else has been done/said. Based on my conversations within the USFWS workplace with my contemporaries there at Kenai, they aren't focused on (or seemingly aware of) whatever might have been done/asked in the past. (This is just for Kenai, mind you.)
They were, however, receptive to hear how I incoporated GPS and geocaching into our outreach and education programs successfully here at my Station. There is something to be said about being able to liaise between offices directly under the umbrella of meeting mission-related outputs.
On the Regional level (Alaska), I know that the Regional office is aware of geocaching, and geocaching programs. Especially with the great Blue Goose program, we know that the Regional office is available to talk to about programs. On the other side--the Station side--each station has its own programs for outreach. Many may not know about geocaching, and there is not likely going to be a directive or region-wide statement about including geocaching in outreach and education programming. The way to go about this is to continue to make the Region 7 folks (and other Regions, including R9/Washington D.C. HQ office) aware of our organization and the support we can provide in helping meet outreach and education output needs in a new, fun, and interesting way. That, and for us to continue to break the ice with individual stations, knowing that they and we will likely have support from the Regional office.
That said, I only talk about Kenai because of a conversation that came up while chatting about other stuff. It was an easy related moment to check in about caching and our efforts at my station, and the only reason I figured I'd give context about the subject. Is there someone on the Advocacy committee that is already working on this very subject?
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Post by ladybugkids on Oct 28, 2013 13:48:14 GMT -9
I have been working with the Anchorage office on the Blue Goose Chase program and potential future collaborations with Friends of the National Wildlife Refuges through Tessa Hovland/Johrendt. I have also interfaced with Werner Barz at NCTC. Scott Aleckson has been working with the Moose Refuge office regarding EarthCaches on those lands.
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Post by NeverSummer on Oct 28, 2013 14:10:19 GMT -9
Gotcha.
I have chatted on and off with Tessa about our programs here at AM. In fact, she helped with some swag support for our GPS/Geocaching learning lab. I know she's on board for support!
As for Friends, I happen to have the VP of the Friends organization on our Volunteer staff here at AM. It would be rather easy for me to chat with her about possible geocaching programs and events. I know that other Refuges have had geocaching spring up due to members of their Friends groups being geocachers as well. Therein is why I mentioned joining a Friends group as a great way to break the ice at other Refuges.
I had a good conversation with Werner after we (LBK and I) interacted off forum. Werner called me and had some interesting things to add about what is known for USFWS policy, and I will be seeing him when I am at NCTC in January to chat some more.
I remember Scott had some interactions with Kenai Refuge while coordinating the CITO and campground needs for the first HOBO. I know he talked to the Refuge Manager, and I know some of the folks who would be involved directly with any events or Earthcache coordination on the front lines. It sounds like the Manager is open to the idea, but it will ultimately be up to staff to coordinate the events or caches.
I don't mean to step on any toes here, but it is a pretty easy thing for me to work with USFWS folks as it falls into what I do for work! I'm not speaking with them from uner my GeAK membership hat; rather, I am working with them as one Ranger to another about successful outreach and education programs which help us all meet our outputs and "Connecting People With Nature" metrics.
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Post by NeverSummer on Oct 29, 2013 10:28:00 GMT -9
An update about some items: Kenai is in need of active Friends members. This would be an excellent "in" for a small group of geocachers. Think of things like adopting a cabin, adopting a trail, or even a campground. Combine that with the details about geocaches being allowed on a case-by-base basis at improved sites (so long as they meet educational and outreach outputs and goals, and are coordinated directly through Refuge staff), and there is a pretty cool way to get a cabin or campground adopted. Think of the opportunities for events and support year after year if we can get active in Soldotna (or elsewhere in the state) with the Friends group!
Friends members from Homer have helped in Soldotna at River Fest year after year, and it could be an interesting place to get a GeocacheAlaska! booth in the heart of the Puzzle Capital of Alaska... Just sayin'...
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Post by ladybugkids on Oct 29, 2013 11:13:19 GMT -9
I don't mean to step on any toes here, but it is a pretty easy thing for me to work with USFWS folks as it falls into what I do for work! I'm not speaking with them from uner my GeAK membership hat; rather, I am working with them as one Ranger to another about successful outreach and education programs which help us all meet our outputs and "Connecting People With Nature" metrics. Any and all advocacy help is welcome, especially from the "inside." I do believe efforts should be coordinated at some level so a Land Manager doesn't get to wondering "didn't I just talk to so-and-so about this?" and question whether GeocacheAlaska! or others have their act together. By keeping each other informed, we can reference those other conversations (e.g. As Joel Vos mentioned to you...) and keep things synchronized.
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Post by NeverSummer on Oct 29, 2013 13:05:28 GMT -9
I don't mean to step on any toes here, but it is a pretty easy thing for me to work with USFWS folks as it falls into what I do for work! I'm not speaking with them from uner my GeAK membership hat; rather, I am working with them as one Ranger to another about successful outreach and education programs which help us all meet our outputs and "Connecting People With Nature" metrics. Any and all advocacy help is welcome, especially from the "inside." I do believe efforts should be coordinated at some level so a Land Manager doesn't get to wondering "didn't I just talk to so-and-so about this?" and question whether GeocacheAlaska! or others have their act together. By keeping each other informed, we can reference those other conversations (e.g. As Joel Vos mentioned to you...) and keep things synchronized. Agreed. At this point my conversations with Kenai are while wearing my work hat only. I'm hoping to get the folks who would coordinate geocaching events/efforts at the Refuge(s) connected with GeocacheAlaska! when the opportunity presents itself. As of right now, I haven't mentioned GeocacheAlaska to anyone, but folks here at my station who are now already familiar with how they (we) helped with the successful events here last March. That's a great thing to have in our (GeAK) back pocket once we get to that point. (We can lean on how there has been " a successful partnership at Alaska Maritime NWR...") The updates I'm providing are more like a brief on what I have going on in my professional world related to geocaching. Finding a way for me to pop on my GeocacheAlaska! hat might happen, but I'm feeling like right now it is better for me to be the fixer. Again, I'm not yet advocating for GeocacheAlaska! in any way during these informal discussions. I'm simply giving some inside info so that anyone who might want to get involved knows what is being said about geocaching within the system. And what is being said internally so far is this: They're interested. Opportunities exist to use GPS/geocaching at Kenai Refuge and office/visitor center/education center which help them with outreach and education outputs and program goals. They need volunteers for projects. They need a local, active "Friends of" presence. Edit to add: As far as I can tell the preliminary GeAK! discussion with Kenai NWR has been with the Refuge Manager. That's great. If he is aware of the game and the GeAK! organization, while showing interest in Earthcaches thus far, that's all that needs to happen with the Manager. The real work comes in by coordinating with those who will develop and "sponsor" any geocache activities: the Education Specialist, Interpretive Park Ranger(s), Visitor Services Manager, and the Outreach Programs Manager. Believe it or not, the best approach for adding geocaching activities to the Refuge system in AK will be from the bottom up, not the top down. Knowing that the Regional Office has insiders who have helped with programs is a huge win. Now the real work begins with the Education and Outreach staff who could use geocaching to meet some of their needs and goals. That's where we come in, and we have insiders to help advocate, as well as the knowledge (and loopholes) of guidelines relating to geocaches on Federal Lands. Once those who would put on the programs realize the potential, and see the legality of certain aspects of the game, we're set!
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Post by ladybugkids on Oct 29, 2013 13:33:43 GMT -9
I also see the value in any other people talking with Land Managers to know the right programs to reference in order to get more quickly on the same page, e.g. STEM, Connecting People with Nature, USFWS Youth Programs, etc. A simple set of talking points about USFWS's outdoor programs would be most helpful.
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Post by NeverSummer on Oct 29, 2013 13:59:29 GMT -9
I also see the value in any other people talking with Land Managers to know the right programs to reference in order to get more quickly on the same page, e.g. STEM, Connecting People with Nature, USFWS Youth Programs, etc. A simple set of talking points about USFWS's outdoor programs would be most helpful. I really think that^ is the key. When put in the language we use at work, and put into the perspective of how what geocaching (and GeocacheAlaska!) can do to help create lasting programs to meet output goals, it's a slam dunk when coupled with the regulations/guidelines/etc that allow/disallow geocaching with Refuges in different contexts.
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