Ouachita National Forest Caching
I was going to put a cache in Glenwood named "USDA Approved." I went to our local National Forest office and gave them the run down on our great sport. They have heard of it and just recently had a meeting about it. I was directed to their Recreation Director to get approval. After a return phone call and listening to their guidelines I had to gasp for air when she told me about the fee. 8O Oh well. I guess there will be a cache nearby their facility with the name "Not Approved by USDA." :twisted:
Here is an email that I asked for so that I could post it on our website for all to see and have reference to. The fee is what is stopping me from putting a cache on their property. Let's be at least thankful that they are educated in our sport and are willing to allow us to use their property for a hiding spot. I can understand their policy, they don't want a million caches put out. The fee will put a limit to the number of caches that will be out there. No argument from me.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Hi, Aaron,
I would appreciate it if you would post the following information on the
arkansas geocaching website.
If you want to place a geocache on National Forest, a special use permit is
needed. The proposal should include the following information: the GPS
coordinates, the size of the geocache (the maximum size allowed is 12
inches on any side), a description of the geocache container, your name
and address. Acceptable geocache containers are non-breakable, animal
resistant and have a closing mechanism to prohibit the content's exposure
to wildlife and the environment. Containers must be permanently marked
with the permitttee's permit identification, name, address and telephone
number.
Geocaches may not contain food, alcohol, tobacco, weapons of any type,
fireworks, drugs, or other similar items. Geocaches may not be buried or
hidden under water or placed in dangerous, inappropriate or protected areas
and habitats (for example, designated wildernesses). A minimum fee for
the permit is required, In 2008, the fee is $ 57.00. The permit may be
granted for up to one year, if after evaluation of the proposal, the
decision is to authorize the permit.
A proposal can be filed at the appropriate National Forest office, which
can be found at the website, www.fs.fed.us. The address for the Ouachita
National Forest is PO Box 1270, Hot Springs, AR 71902.
Virtual geocaches do not require a permit. A virtual geocache is a
physical object that can be referenced through latitude and longitude, and
nothing is placed on the ground. An example would be a geologic or unique
feature or unusual landmark.
If you have any questions, please call me.
Thank you,
Elizabeth Gross
Recreation, Lands, Minerals
Caddo-Womble Ranger District
Ouachita National Forest
1523 Highway 270 East
Mt. Ida, AR 71957
870-867-4555, ext. 106
870-867-2101