Go Geocaching… or don’t
The manifestation of Exploring Maine this summer has been through Geocaching. A “sport” that hides Tupperware containers or ammo boxes in scenic spots around the world, Geocaching seems like a natural extension to my interest in exploring new places. And the fact that there are 272 Geocaches – in Maine alone – would keep me busy for a while. I’ve already found 23.
Unfortunately, though, since the world isn’t perfect, there have to be drawbacks. With the much overused term “terrorism” and with the possible destruction of sensitive, protected area due to careless Geocachers, the idea faces some speed bumps (as it always has). Many of the problems are created by people who don’t read the rules and who don’t take care when they go to find a cache; many of the more loyal cachers participate in Cache In Trash Out, which is a practice of bringing a plastic bag in while you Geocache and picking up litter along the way.
But are Geocaches litter? The National Park Service says they are; traditional caches can’t be placed within the boundaries of national parks. And news published lately shows why some park rangers and government officials have a problem with it.
And for the most part, I agree with them. Any time publicity occurs for something practiced by a small group of people, it tends to go downhill quickly.
For me, Geocaching provides a classic example of the power of the Internet. It’s a way to connect people. On top of that, it’s a rare practice that gets geeks out of their chairs and into nature. The world needs more of that. Obviously some reporters, including the Bangor Daily News‘s own John Holyoke, get that. Think I’m crazy to say that it’s a great use of the Internet? Obviously the people who voted in the People’s Voice award in the Community category of this year’s Webby Awards agree with me.
People in charge in Maricopa County, Arizona and at the Bureau of Land Management in the west have taken positive steps to regulate Geocaches on their lands. I must say that Pennsylvania‘s system should be used as a model. While Geocaching is fun and a great way to explore the outdoors, it does pose risks. I don’t think it’s asking too much to have a hider inform a park owner that a cache is on their land. It’s a good idea to have an official list of caches on your land. I’m planning on discussing similar options for Maine with other Geocachers in this state. I’m not exactly sure how much government officials in our state know about it.
As I get ready to hide my first cache, I think it’s important to keep in mind both the advantages and disadvantages of the sport. My prediction for the future is that Geocaching as we know it will be dead in two years. Luckily, the system is more robust than just Rubbermaid containers in the middle of nowhere. A segment of the Geocaching site is devoted to so-called virtual caches, at which a cacher goes to a specific place and e-mails the “hider” a word on a plaque or a feature about the area to confirm that they’ve been there. Personally, I like this type of cache as much as the traditional caches, and I think its possibilities far exceed what has already happened (you can tell someone not to put a Rubbermaid container on public land, but can you tell a person not to GO on public land and just look for something natural, or legally man-made?).
Geocaching is a wonderful way to explore nature, even if there’s no tangible reward. It’s allowed me to find some new areas of my state. I’ve also learned to really enjoy hiking and biking because of it; I think I’m in better shape now than I’ve been in a long time. And I’ve met some really great people. I hope it doesn’t get completely taken away from me.
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