Current Reviewer for Alberta
- Groundspeak respects the wishes of land managers and land owners.
- The rules listed below are their rules, belonging neither to the reviewers nor to Groundspeak. Responsibility for meeting these rules rests with the cache owner and responsibility for enforcement of those rules rests with the land manager.
- Note that this page is a work in progress. Other land policies concerning geocaching will be added as that information becomes available.
Alberta Provincial Parks and Protected Areas:
An alphabetical listing of all Alberta Parks can be found here "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Alberta_provincial_parks">
There have "recently" been some concerns raised by Alberta Parks about cache placement in their parks, recreation areas, and protected areas. At this time they are in the process of setting up guidelines for geocaching in the Provincial areas.
At this time the local reviewer has been asked to pass on all cache submissions to a contact at Alberta Parks who will contact the local land manager so that they can look at the location and decide whether a cache will be permitted or not.
The following criteria has been set out:
. Cache contents - no food items, tobacco, explosives, dangerous items such as knives, firearms etc.
- Cache size is no larger than 30 cm. (width, length or depth)
- Cache containers need to be weather-sealed, animal proof (never used for food storage) and suitable for all weather conditions.
- Caches should be placed near to officially designated trails (as per trail map for the site, example Fish Creek Provincial Park) or, for less used sites, near to established trails; new trails should not be created to place a cache.
- Caches should not be buried, nailed to trees or placed in restrictive areas, environmentally sensitive areas or dangerous places to access such as cliffs, etc. that would create a public safety risk.
Also, one sentence that describing what the container is, what is in it, and where it is placed is required for all submissions.
Caches Placed In A National Park:
Caches Placed in a National Park.
Permission and a permit are required.
Link to the guidelines set out by Parks Canada for geocaches placed in the parks. http://www.pc.gc.ca/docs/pc/guide/geocache/index_e.asp
Contact Info: No main contact. Players are to contact each Park Superintendent on their own.
Fire Lookout Towers:
As of March 2012: A new security policy is in place that prohibits the publishing of tower locations.
All requests within 1 kilometer of the Fire Lookout Tower, or that mention Lookout towers are to be denied.
Contact Info: For questions or concerns
Alberta Sustainable Resources and Development
(403) 297 8800
Office Building, Main Floor
8660 Bearspaw Dam Road N.W.
Calgary, Alberta
T3L 1S4
Calgary City Parks:
This is a work in progress as an agreement on cache placement is reached between Calgary Parks and the geocaching community.
Guiding Principles for Geocaching in Calgary Parks
Purpose
To provide direction for the management of geocaching as a recreational activity in Calgary's parks and natural areas.
Scope
The principles apply to all parks and natural areas with the exception of ecological reserves or sanctuaries where geocaching is prohibited. These include Special Protection Natural Areas – Natural Environment Parks, Inglewood Bird Sanctuary, Weaselhead / South Glenmore (Natural Area) and Southland Nature Reserve. The guidelines will remain in effect until further notice.
Objective
To encourage low impact, healthy activity in parks – geocaching will be encouraged, where appropriate, as an allowable activity in conjunction with related policies, regulations, and protected area management direction.
Operational Policy – Other Existing Policies Apply
Participants in geocaching activities must adhere to the Parks & Pathways Bylaw, Tree Protection Bylaw, other related policies, regulations and management direction. This includes specific regulations and policies respecting other recreation activities such as hiking and trail use as well as conservation policies.
Placement of Caches
Cache placement may only occur in areas accessible from established trails or along approved travel routes (including remote areas that allow travel in areas without established trails). Cache placement must not result in disturbing of soils or wildlife, damaging or restricting vegetation (e.g. nailing to a tree) or other natural or cultural heritage phenomenon. Additionally, caches may not be sites or in "special feature" zones as outlined in protected area zoning plans. Calgary Parks retains the right to remove any caches deemed to be located in an inappropriate location.
Cache Lifespan
Caches placed in protected areas must not be considered "permanent" by cache owner. Caches must be removed once the cache is no longer being actively sought or within 3 years, whichever is sooner.
Cache Identification and Contents
All caches must be marked "Geocache" on the outside of the container and the owner's name and contact information must be inside the cache. Caches may not contain food items or any other materials that may attract wildlife, tobacco, explosives or dangerous items such as knives or firearms. Prior approval from Calgary Parks is required in the event that the cache is to contain education or promotional material. Any caches without proper identification and owner information or any caches that may be deemed inappropriate may be removed by Calgary Parks staff.
Permits Not Required
Permits or prior authorization is no required for placing a cache providing the cache is placed in an area open to public use and consistent with the direction of this policy. All geocachers should ensure that cache placement is consistent with protected area management direction and in areas normally accessed by the public. Alternatively, activities that are found to be not consistent with the direction of this policy maybe (shall) be reviewed in accordance with applicable (penalties) in Bylaw.
Geocaching Events
Geocaching events may be permitted in protected areas without an open space permit providing the event is non-commercial in nature and has been approved by a Zone Superintendent.
Related Recreation and Park Management Activities
Geocaching or cache placement may not occur anywhere that may interfere with other approved recreational activities or where it may be contrary to other park management.
Final Approval
The Director, Parks or designate shall have final authority on any amendments or exceptions to these guidelines.
Contact Info: Calgary.Geocachers@gmail.com