8/20/2005
Dear ILAdmin;
Well, I must say that I am disappointed in this situation. Being new to (an excited about) Geocaching, I was anxious to place a couple of new caches of
my own. Having been out in the area, I thought that it would be nice to put out a couple of caches that were not Hide-A-Key or 35mm Film Canisters.
I have purchased several ammo boxes and purchased items to be placed in them. I have spent nearly $75.00 on these items.
Also, for the one called “Termites”, I spent quite a bit on time working on the actual cache and how it would be placed. I was hoping that it would be
something different and interesting for other Cachers to find. I spent considerable time looking for the right spots in which in to place them.
I went out to the Geocaching.com website and read, reread and then followed the guidelines for placing a cache. I didn’t realize that the Forest Preserve
District of DuPage County had ‘special’ rules for placing caches.
After reading through the regulations necessary for placing a cache in the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, it seems like they are truly trying to
discourage people from placing caches in the District. I spent a lot of time looking for the “right” place to locate the caches that I placed.
Not only does my cache have to be approved by you, but now, I have to coordinate a meeting with the Designated District Geocache Coordinator, to
discuss and review placement. In addition to this, my container has to be a Container that is clear (see through), waterproof or sealable container with a
size no greater than 4”x8”x12” and then I have to attach an “Official Forest Preserve Mylar Sticker” where it will be visible to DuPage County Forest
Preserve staff. So much getting creative with the cache. So much for variety. Maybe we should just set them in the middle of the paved trail.
What fun that will be. After I go through all of this, I am expected to physically check up on the cache every 30 days? For what purpose?
We shouldn’t have to go back until there is a problem, reported by other cachers or a member of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County.
They have stopped one step short of actually charging us a Fee for placing a cache in the District. But I am sure it is only a matter of time before we see
that happen. And maybe then the truly faithful Geocachers who have diligently jumped through all of their hoops, will finally acquiesce, and go elsewhere.
Another instance of over legislation and short sightedness.
I understand the need of the County to protect certain flora and fauna in these areas, but some (read most) of the requirements are extreme, unnecessary
and contrary to the nature of Geocaching itself. I think that they should be as concerned with all of the other “activities” that take place within the Forest
Preserve District Of DuPage County as they are with Geocaching.
Remember, we are the group that voluntarily practices and encourages “Cache In – Trash Out (CITO)”, to clean up after the other groups of people
trashing and defiling the Forest Preserve. We are not the ones “tagging” the picnic tables, Port-o-Lets, and even trees with graffiti. As a whole we are very
concerned about the State of the Forest Preserve and are striving to leave it better than we found it, unlike many of the other visitors. It is disgusting how
much trash I see in the Forest Preserve every time I go out. It would seem to make sense to encourage Geocaching in the Forest Preserve. It is like
having a free grounds keeping crew.
Based on the comments in the Forums, I am not alone in feeling this way. Many Geocachers are looking elsewhere, or seeking other means and methods of
Geocaching.
I have already removed my Geocaches from the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, and will not attempt to reinstate them, unless the rules and
regulations come around to something more reasonable.
Thank you for taking the time to contact me regarding this matter. Feel free to contact me if you have any suggestions or additional input.
Disappointedly,
PhntmArcher