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Geocaching Impacted by Covid-19

Dear Caching Community,

I hope you are staying safe. 

On March 23, I made adjustments in cache reviewing practices as a result of covid-19.  Based on continued changes, cache reviewing continues to evolve.    

The information here is accurate as of May 12. My primary focus continues to be the health and safety of the entire community, including cachers and non-cachers alike. I seek to comply with current and emerging information and requirements from health and government experts.

I announced March 23 that I would only be publishing caches in locations consistent with social distancing, such as on a hiking trails, and/or far from residential areas and businesses; not publish event caches, caches in or near residential areas, caches near businesses, or caches in locations that are officially closed (such as many state parks). I also said that if I am unsure about a particular cache, I would not publish it.  I realize this approach imperfect, but I feel it is both consistent with the Governor’s order and preferable to stopping all cache publication. I will continue these processes for all areas that remain in “Current” status.

Caches on or immediately adjacent to residential properties, or on business property including parking lots will not be listed as long as “social distancing” guidelines remain in place (ie, they will not be listed until each area reaches Phase III).  In addition, no caches inside a building, such as libraries, will be listed under these restrictions. If I am unsure about a particular cache, I will not publish it.

Event caches will NOT be considered for listing in Phase I and Phase II. Geocaching events by nature (and per the guidelines) are open to all.  Once an event is listed – there is no means (no should there be) for the Event Owner to control the number of people attending.  So, for those areas continuing to restrict the number of people who may gather, events will not be published.  This will continue until the restrictions are lifted.  This was discussed among the global reviewers (with HQ) on May 12.

I will continue to monitor covid-19 information and will continue to revisit which caches I may publish. I will post the list of areas that are closed on our geocaching.com profile pages; I encourage you to let me know if something should be updated.

If your cache (previously disabled) meets the criteria above, resubmit it for publication.

My commitment to look at each cache within 7 days of submission has not changed, though it’s possible that something may change between a first look and when a cache is ready for publication.

Thank you for understanding,

GeoCrater

Black Hills National Forest

The Black Hills National Forest allows geocaching within its boundaries.  Be aware that there are patches of private land scattered throughout the Black Hills, and as such those areas need permission from the land owner.

Mickelson Trail

Geocaches are permitted along the Mickelson Trail, providing the caches are placed in safe locations, do not interfere with those using the trail, and do not intrude or trespass on areas of adjacent private property.  All rules and regulations concerning the use of the trail apply, including payment of any use fees. SD GFP - Mickelson Trail

South Dakota State Parks

The South Dakota State Parks require permission from the park superintendent for cache placement. Please state that permission was granted on the cache page, and provide the name and contact information of the person giving permission in a reviewer note. Custer State Park does not give permission.

Custer State Park in the Black Hills does not allow any NEW physical caches.  Permission may be given for non-physical caches such as Virtuals and EarthCaches.  However there are a handful of grandfathered caches which have been allowed to stay, providing they continue to be maintained.

South Dakota Game Production Areas

South Dakota bans geocaches in Game Production Areas managed by the SD Fish and Game Department.  Maps of these areas may be found here:  https://sdgfp.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=946eccdaadf84df6aa2bcf08e9fb1aaf

Black Elk Wilderness

Geocaches are banned in the Black Elk Wilderness Area of the Black Hills.

National Park Service Lands

Properties operated by the National Park Service do not allow physical geocaches. This includes Mount Rushmore, Badlands National Park, Wind Cave National Park, and Jewel Cave National Monument, along with all other monuments and areas operated by the National Park Service.

National Wildlife Refuges

Geocaching is banned in all National Wildlife Refuges AND Waterfowl Production Areas, lands managed by the US Fish & Wildlife Service.

Army Corps of Engineer managed properties

Geocaching is allowed on CoE managed property but require are subject to specific permitting processes prior to placement.

Native American Lands

Geocaching is allowed / not allowed on Native Lands per the following conditions:

• Cache is within a public park in town - allowed
  
• Cache is along along an established county or state road ROW (maintained by State or county DOT) - allowed
  
• Caches are NOT allowed on BIA named or numbered roads are off limits, or other off road areas without specific, verifiable permission from the reservation land manager.

Cemeteries

At this time there is no prohibition concerning geocaching within cemeteries in the state of South Dakota. There are some municipal cemeteries that specifically ban any recreational activities within the cemetery grounds.  It is the cache owner's responsibility to verify those regulations before placing a geocache within any cemetery.  Geocaches must be respectfully placed around the perimeter away from any graves or markers.

School Grounds and Proximity

We will not publish caches that are on or adjacent to school grounds or school property without express written permission on file from that school administrator. A statement of permission must be placed on the cache page, along with any restrictions for that location.

Tree Climbing

Caches will not be listed if ladders, special equipment, or climbing is required to reach the cache.  These will require specific, verifiable permission.  All caches in city parks must be reachable from the ground, or be placed under the tree.

Sioux Falls Parks

Caches placed in trees that require climbing or using ladders will not be published within the boundaries of any public park in Sioux Falls, including the entire length of and either side of the Bike Path. All caches must be placed so no branches or any part of the tree or shrub will be damaged during cache placement or finding / logging. Sioux Falls Parks & Rec recommends that caches be placed on top of the ground by the base of the tree or shrub.

§ 95.004  PROTECTION TO TREES AND SHRUBBERY.

§ 95.007  INJURING PARK PROPERTY.