Policy for Geocache Placement in the UW-Madison Lakeshore Nature Preserve

Statement of Policy

It is the policy of the Lakeshore Nature Preserve to manage properties under its jurisdiction in a manner consistent with it’s mission, to protect site resources, and to provide for the enjoyment, safety, and security of Preserve visitors. Decisions regarding requests for geocache placement will be based on the possible or expected impact of geocaches on managed properties. All requests for placement shall be governed by the rules identified in this policy. No geocaches may be placed in the Lakeshore Nature Preserve without a permit. Caches established in violation of these guidelines will be confiscated.

Permits

All requests for geocache placement in the UW-Madison Lakeshore Nature Preserve must be submitted using the Geocache Placement Permit Application.

Geocache locations

To minimize the impact of geocachers on sites within the Preserve, the following rules must be observed:

1. No caches may be located on or in any archaeological or culturally sensitive sites. Before submitting an application, check a map of UW-Madison Archaeological sites on the CPLA, Campus Archaeology webpage (scroll down the page to find the map).
2. No cache may be attached to or suspended from any natural feature, e.g., rock outcrops or trees. Never bury a cache or otherwise disturb vegetation or a natural feature. Placing a cache into a naturally occurring crevice or cavity is permitted if the location otherwise complies with rules governing cache placement. However, if you need a shovel, trowel, or other object to hide or find a cache, the cache will be confiscated
3. Geocaches must be placed within 5 feet of existing marked trails and roads to minimize disturbance to sensitive plants and any ongoing restoration work. Caches located further than 5 feet from the trail and road network will be confiscated.
4. If Preserve staff determines that a cache’s location poses a risk to students, staff, or visitors, staff will contact the owner and ask that the cache be moved to a safer location. Information regarding potential risk is to be recorded on the original permit.
5. If the terms of a permit are violated, Preserve staff has the authority to void the permit and remove the cache from its location. Staff will attempt to notify the owner that the cache has been removed.
6. If a non-permitted cache is discovered, Preserve staff will remove the cache and retain it for 30 days while attempting to notify the owner. If they cannot make contact, the cache will be considered abandoned property.

Requirements for a geocache

To qualify for approval, the geocache must meet the following requirements. Violating any of these requirements will result in Preserve staff immediately removing the geocache.

1. The container must be made of clear (see-through) material, with a size no greater than 6″x8″x12″. Do not use ammunition boxes or similar military-style containers.
2. The cache container must be clearly marked on the outside with the word “GEOCACHE” and the name and contact information of the owner.
3. Geocaches cannot contain any food items.
4. Geocaches cannot contain tobacco, drugs, or any illegal products.
5. Geocaches cannot contain any ‘adult’ items, offensive or hazardous materials, firearms, ammunition, knives or similar objects.
6. Preserve staff can request that the cache owner provide a photograph(s) of the cache and attach it to the permit.

Requirements for geocache owners

Once approved for placement, the geocache owners must satisfy the following conditions. Violation of any of these requirements will result in the immediate removal of the geocache by Preserve staff.

1. Caches must be checked at least once every three months. The geocache owner will verify this check by e-mail, letter, or personal communication to Preserve staff (lakeshorepreserve@fpm.wisc.edu).
2. Permits for caches expire after one year. Permits must be renewed by January 1 of each year or they must be removed. If a cache is removed prior to January 1, Preserve staff must be notified.
3. A link to this geocaching policy must be provided in conjunction with any postings of GPS coordinates or other location information.

Submit an Application for a Geocache Placement Permit