Event Stacking

Event Stacking refers to holding multiple events that are in close proximity to each other and are at the same/overlapping time with the intent of the same audience attending. Events are social gatherings of geocachers, holding too many in close proximity diminishes their value to the community. Events are not just an excuse to obtain a smiley. If an event is submitted and another is either already published or also waiting for review and the stacking guideline applies, the following clarification of the guideline will be used:

Events will be published within a similar time period only if they are more than 20 miles apart (as the crow flies). Events closer to each other than 20 miles will only be published if the end time of the first event is more than 3 hours before the start time of the next.

A CITO may be preceded OR followed by a regular event The main activity should be the CITO event, and the regular event is for CITO attendees to socialize together before OR afterward. CITO events may not be used to cleanup after another event.

On the day before or after a Mega/Giga event, no events will be published within 40 miles of the Mega/Giga event other than up to two events per day hosted by the Mega/Giga committee.

On the day of a Mega/Giga event, no events will be published within 60 miles of the Mega/Giga event other than up to one additional event hosted by the Mega/Giga committee.

Land Policies

Federal Lands

Daniel Boone National Forest

The following rules apply when developing a geocache on this forest:

1. Contact the District Ranger's office prior to development in order to inquire about any designated and/or "off limit" areas and to learn interesting facts that may enhance the educational value of your virtual cache.
2. Caches should last no more than one year. Notify the District Office upon removal.
3. Access routes and caches should avoid fragile areas, such as rock shelters, caves, bogs, wetlands, steep slopes, historic structures, and other sensitive sites. Do not use areas closed to the public.
4. Follow all posted information for developed recreation sites.
5. Do not interfere with or detract from other visitors' experiences.
6. Do not dig soil or cut vegetation when developing a cache.
7. Caches should be no more than 2 gallons in size.
8. Only virtual caches are allowed in the Red River Gorge. These caches are allowed by permit only.
9. Caches must not contain any food or hazardous materials.
10. Containers must be labeled on the outside so that it would not be mistaken as containing hazardous materials.
11. Caches need to be public, no member only or subscription caches.
12. Permits are required for commercial events.
13. No caches are allowed in Clifty or Beaver Creek Wilderness.
14. Encourage friends and fellow geocachers to follow these guidelines.

Last Updated: March 22, 2005

https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/dbnf/recreation/otheractivities/?recid=39314&actid=103

Green River Area - US Army Corps of Engineers

This covers the following properties managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers (Corps):

• Barren River Lake
• Green River Lake
• Nolin River Lake
• Rough River Lake

Please note that state parks are also found at these locations. For those on state park property, please follow the policies listed under the section Kentucky State Parks,

Rules for geocache placement

1. Contact the Corps prior to placement of geocache to request permission to place a geocache (see request instructions outlined below).
2. Geocaches may not be placed in areas that will pose a threat to security or to the safety of our visitors.
3. Geocaches should be placed in previously disturbed areas, such as public recreation areas, adjacent to existing trails or adjacent to the shoreline. Do not place the cache in or near sensitive areas, such as wetlands, steep slopes, historic sites, etc.
4. Geocaches should be in transparent containers and clearly identified as a geocache.
5. Follow all Corps rules, regulations and other posted information.
6. Keep in mind that some areas close at dark and may be gated to the public when closed.
7. Do not interfere or detract from other visitors experiences. Do not endanger any visitors’ safety.
8. Report any incidents, problems or violations to Corps staff.
9. Failure to follow these items will result in removal of the cache from Corps property.

Instructions for requesting placement approval

Send an email to andrea.m.davis@usace.army.mil with "Geocache Placement Approval Request" and the name of the applicable lake in the Subject Line.

Please include the following information in the Body of the email:

1. Name, Geocaching.com name, address and phone number of the owner (picture identification may be requested).
2. Include the name the cache will have on Geocaching.com.
3. Coordinates of the cache location (if the cache is a multi-cache, please include coordinates for all of the steps).
4. Name of the recreation area or trail where cache is to be hidden.
5. Include all information posted on Geocaching.com for this cache, such as description of the cache container, suggested parking location, hours of operation (if applicable), etc.
6. Include a description of the exact location of where the cache is hidden, be specific as possible.
7. If at any point the cache or part of a multi-cache needs to be moved by the owner, the new location will need to be approved by following the process outlined above with submittal of the new coordinates and new supporting information.

Incomplete requests will be returned. 

Upon approval, please paste in email content of the Corps representative's approval in a Reviewer Note log. If necessary, the email can be forwarded directly to the reviewer, whose profiles are linked at the top of this page.

If the Corps representative does not approve the location of the cache, an email with the explanation of what corrective measures need to be taken to gain approval will by sent to the owner.

The Corps cannot assume any liability for any cache placement.  Geocachers place and hunt caches on Corps property at their own risk.  This includes any damage, destruction and loss occurring due to any cache placement.

Revision Date: April 27, 2022

National Park Service

Please see the list of properties/locations/parks located in Kentucky, maintained by the NPS.

All virtual locations and physical placements require express permission from the park manager and the NPS.

Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge

The Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge (ORINWR) is a National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in non-contiguous sites consisting of islands along 392 miles (631 km) of the Ohio River, primarily in West Virginia.  Permission is required to place caches on ORINWR land.

ORINWR consists of the following islands in Kentucky, near Maysville:

• Manchester #1 island
• Manchester #2 island

https://www.fws.gov/refuge/ohio_river_islands/

State Lands

Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission (KSNPC)

The Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission (KSNPC) is a state agency mandated to seek out the remaining high quality examples of Kentucky's original landscape and protect them in a system of nature preserves.  KSNPC also works with other public and private landowners to meet this mandate. 

Rare plants and animals as well as intact natural communities are protected within the boundaries of state nature preserves from the Mississippi River to Pine Mountain and many places in between.  Many preserves contain fragile habitats that can be damaged by foot traffic or have hazardous areas such as cliff-lines or sinkholes that may be pose a danger to hikers.  Rules have been established that safeguard each preserve's natural resources, which are the primary focus of KSNPC's efforts.  Following these rules ensures that everyone enjoys a quality experience with prime educational opportunities each time they visit.  Please help us protect these special areas.

Please follow these rules when considering the placement of a GeoCache on a state nature preserve:

1. Only virtual caches may be developed for state nature preserves.  Nothing physical may be placed on these properties.  Contact the regional manager prior to development in order to inquire about any designated and/or "off limit" areas and to learn interesting facts that may enhance the educational value of your virtual cache. 
2. All public visitors are restricted to the marked trail system.  Please keep your activities confined directly to the trail.  Referencing trail markers (where present) will aid in keeping visitors from attempting to leave the trail and go across country.  Do not access fragile areas, such as rockshelters, caves, bogs, wetlands, steep slopes, historic structures, and other sensitive sites. Do not use areas closed to the public, or deemed unsafe.
3. Follow all preserve rules and all other land use rules and posted information for each site.
4. Do not interfere with or detract from other visitors' experiences.
5. Nature preserves are open sunrise to sunset only.
6. Report any incidents, problems, or violations to the preserve manager.
7. Encourage friends and fellow geocachers to follow these guidelines.

https://eec.ky.gov/Nature-Preserves

Kentucky State Parks

This section provides directions and the application form for visitors interested in establishing a geocache (including earth and other forms of geocaches) or letterbox site on lands owned or managed by the Kentucky Department of Parks. PERMIT REQUIRED.

• The person responsible for the cache/letterbox must have an approved permit from the Kentucky Department of Parks before the cache/letterbox is placed on lands owned or managed by the division. Each cache/multi-cache or letterbox requires its own permit.
• In addition to a geocaching/letterbox permit, groups who want to conduct a short-term event may be required to obtain a Special Use Permit for the event.

For the permit application as well as additional information provided directly by Kentucky State Parks, please visit http://parks.ky.gov/geocaching/.

Selecting a Site

1. You will need to meet with the park manager or his/her designee to assist you in selecting an appropriate location for the cache/letterbox. This site must be pre-approved by the park manager and or designee.  Contact information for individual Kentucky State Parks may be found at www.parks.ky.gov
2. Caches/letterboxes are not allowed on golf courses, in areas deemed unsafe, areas closed to the public, or areas identified as restricted. Several Kentucky State Parks, including Blue Licks, Carter Caves, Cumberland Falls, John James Audubon, Kingdom Come, Natural Bridge and Pine Mountain, have dedicated State Nature Preserves. For the purpose of coinciding with the Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission’s Geocaching policy, nothing physical can be placed in this area. See the Park Interpreter staff to determine appropriate areas for cache placement on these parks.
3. Caches may be placed in public areas if they do not to interfere, or detract from other park visitors’ experiences.
4. Caches should not be placed any further than arm’s length from a designated trail. Caches should not be placed in fragile areas such as rock houses, bogs, wetlands, steep slopes, historic structures, and other sensitive sites.
5. All geocaching.com guidelines are will be followed in addition to Kentucky Department of Parks guidelines.

Geocache or Letterbox Specifications

1. Containers must be non-breakable, have some form of latch or other closing mechanism to prohibit access by wildlife.
2. Caches/letterboxes may only contain non-perishable, family friendly items and a log book or rubber stamp (for letterboxes). Inappropriate or dangerous items such as, but not limited to: food, medications, personal hygiene products, pornography or weapons of any type are not allowed.
3. It is the responsibility of the cache/letterbox owner to maintain the cache/letterbox container and contents in good condition. This includes things such as removing excess items and items that are not family friendly. 

Important to Know

• Caches/letterboxes may be temporarily removed or permanently relocated to accommodate Kentucky State Parks resource management needs. Division staff will coordinate these movements or relocations with the person responsible for the cache.
• Kentucky State Parks reserves the right to remove, or have removed, a cache/letterbox the division feels are; in an inappropriate location, is causing undue impact on park resources or if deemed inconsistent with the mission, rules and statutes of the Kentucky Department of Parks.

Revision Date: January 30, 2017

Northern Kentucky University

Physical cache placements are not permitted.

City and County Lands

Berea City Parks (Madison County)

The following are the policies for hiding caches in City of Berea Parks

1. For the purposes of Geocaching, parks are open from daylight to dusk. Groups/individuals must obey operating hours and posted park rules
2. Groups/individuals must park in designated areas only. No vehicles are allowed beyond the Berea Community School
3. Groups/individuals are asked to stay on established trails at the City Park. Geocaches may be hidden up to 1 foot away from designated trails.
4. Do not dig soil or cut vegetation when developing a cache.
5. Park staff will remove all caches hidden without prior approval
6. Do not interfere, or detract from other park visitors' experiences.
7. In accordance with standard Geocaching rules, no burying of caches is allowed anywhere in the Berea Parks system
8. The owner of the cache must provide an email of request to the Director listed below
9. Please use common sense when hiding and seeking caches- do not compromise the safety of other park patrons.
10. Physical Caches are not allowed in the following areas:
    1. Anywhere on or around the Acton Folk Center and the Intergenerational Center
    2. Anywhere on or around the Berea Swimming Pool
    3. Park construction sites
    4. On the surface of any playing fields
    5. Around the Parks Department Administrative Office
    6. On playgrounds
    7. Anywhere there are gates locked/fences to keep visitors out

Requesting Approval

Send an email to maggy@cityofberea.com with "Geocache Request" in the Subject Line.
Please include the following information in the Body of the email:

1. Name, address and phone number of the owner
2. Include the name the cache will have on Geocaching.com
3. Coordinates of the cache location and any steps that will need to be taken to get to the cache
4. Name of the park where the cache is to be hidden
5. Include a description of the cache container (Tupperware, ammo box, film canister, bucket etc.)
6. If you include a parking suggestion, include this in the request
7. Include if the cache is existing (hidden prior to December 1, 2007) or new cache
8. Include 1-2 sentences describing where the cache is hidden

Requests that are submitted incomplete will be returned. Once approval has been granted, you will be given an approval number. Include this number at the bottom of your cache description when you post the cache for approval from Geocaching.com

Important to Know

• The Berea Parks and Recreation Department cannot assume any liability for any Geocaching placement. Geocachers place caches in Parks property at their own risk- this includes damage, destruction, and loss occurring to any geocache placement.
• If a cache or any part of a cache needs to be moved due to environmental impact, non-Geocachers finding it, etc. please resubmit the new coordinates and a new description of where the cache has been re-hidden.
• The Berea Parks and Recreation Department maintains a complete list of Berea Parks at http://www.cityofberea.com/citypark.htm

Boone County Parks

1. Groups/individuals must stay on trails at Sperti Nature Park where hiking off trail can cause ecological damage.
2. Groups/individuals must obey operating hours and park rules and must park in designated parking areas only.
3. The owner of the cache should provide an email of request to the Parks Director listed below.
4. Current cache owners who already have caches in Boone County Parks should send an email in the same manner as a new cache.
5. Boone County Parks will respond to the request and will issue an approval number. Once this has been received the cache owner may seek approval from geocaching.com
6. Park staff will remove all caches hidden without approval.
7. As per standard Geocaching rules, no burying of caches is allowed anywhere in the Boone County Park system.
8. Physical caches are not allowed in the following areas:
   • Big Bone Landing
   • Volpenhien Park
   • Golf courses
   • Union Pool area
   • Anywhere there are gates locked/fences to keep visitors out.
   • On the surface of any playing fields.
   •  If a cache or any part of a cache needs to be moved due to environmental impact, non-Geocachers finding it, etc. please resubmit the new coordinates and a new description of where the cache has been re-hidden.

NOTE: Dinesmore is not Boone County Park property so permission would have to come from Dinesmore Homestead.

Requesting approval

Send an email to dwhitehouse@boonecountyky.org with "Geocache Request" in the Subject Line.
Please include the following information in the Body of the email:

1. Name, address and phone number of the owner.
2. Include the name the cache will have on Geocaching.com.
3. Coordinates of the cache location and the coordinates any steps to get to the cache if applicable (for multi caches).
4. Name of the park where cache is to be hidden.
5. Include a description of the cache container (Tupperware, ammo box, and film canister).
6. If you include a parking suggestion include this in the request.
7. Include if the cache is existing (hidden prior to May 1, 2007 only) or new cache.
8. Include 1-2 sentences describing where the cache is hidden.

Do not include pictures, diagrams, figures etc. Requests that are submitted incomplete will be returned. Once approval has been granted, you will be given an approval number. Include this number at the bottom of your cache description when you post the cache for approval from geocaching.com.

The Boone County Parks cannot assume any liability for any geocache placement. Individuals place caches in Parks property at their own risk. This includes damage, destruction, and loss occurring to any geocache placement.

Important to Know

If a cache or any part of a cache needs to be moved due to environmental impact, non-Geocachers finding it, etc. please resubmit the new coordinates and a new description of where the cache has been re-hidden.
For more information, contact David Whitehouse at dwhitehouse@boonecountyky.org

http://www.boonecountyky.org/departments/parks/geocache_rules.aspx

Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government Parks

1. Groups/individuals must stay on trails at Raven Run and McConnell Springs where hiking off trail can cause ecological damage.
2. Groups/individuals must obey operating hours and park rules and must park in designated parking areas only.
3. The owner of the cache should provide an email of request to the Recreation Supervisor/Naturalist listed below.
4. Current cache owners who already have caches in Lexington parks should send an email in the same manner as a new cache.
5. LFUCG will respond to the request and will issue an approval number. Once this has been received the cache owner may seek approval from geocaching.com
6. Park staff will remove all caches hidden without approval.
7. As per standard Geocaching rules, no burying of caches is allowed anywhere in the LFUCG Park system.
8. Physical caches are not allowed in the following areas:
   1. Phoenix Park.
   2. Thoroughbred Park.
   3. Gratz Park.
   4. Riding Areas at Masterson (including cross-country courses, jump areas, dressage and lesson rings, paddock areas, and indoor arenas).
   5. Camp Kearney during the summer.
   6. Golf courses.
   7. Pool areas.
   8. Community Center grassy areas.
   9. Model Airplane Facility at Haley Pike.
   10. Anywhere there are gates locked/fences to keep visitors out.
   11. On the surface of any playing fields.

NOTE: Triangle Park is not LFUCG property. permission must come from Lexington Center Corp.

For more information, contact Jennifer Meunier at jmeunier@lexingtonky.gov.

Requesting Approval

Send an email to jmeunier@lexingtonky.gov with the subject line provided as Geocache Request

Please include the following information in the Body of the email:

1. Name, address and phone number of the owner.
2. Include the name the cache will have on Geocaching.com.
3. Coordinates of the cache location and the coordinates any steps to get to the cache if applicable (for multi caches).
4. Name of the park where cache is to be hidden.
5. Include a description of the cache container (Tupperware, ammo box, and film canister).
6. If you include a parking suggestion include this in the request.
7. Include if the cache is existing (hidden prior to May 1, 2003 only) or new cache.
8. Include 1-2 sentences describing where the cache is hidden.
9. Do not include pictures, diagrams, figures etc. 

Submitted requests that are incomplete will be returned without approval.

Once approved, an approval number is provided. The approval number must be placed at the bottom of the cache description section of your cache as well as provided in a Reviewer Note log during the cache submission process.

Important to Know

• The LFUCG Parks and Recreation cannot assume any liability for any geocache placement.  Geocachers place caches in Parks property at their own risk.  This includes damage, destruction, and loss occurring to any geocache placement.
• If a cache or any part of a cache needs to be moved due to environmental impact, non-Geocachers finding it, etc. please resubmit the new coordinates and a new description of where the cache has been re-hidden.
• LFUCG maintains a complete list of Lexington-Fayette Parks at https://www.lexingtonky.gov/browse/recreation/parks-and-natural-areas.

City of Radcliff - Saunders Springs Nature Preserve

The majority of the Saunders Springs property is Federally-owned and leased to the city Radcliff. In these areas, caches are not permitted. However, caches may be allowed in the city-owned portion of Saunders Springs, with knowledge and approval of the following:

• Tim Jeffries<tim.jeffries@radcliffky.gov>, Radcliff Parks and Recreation
• Vince Carman <Nailhead455@gmail.com>, Radcliff Forestry and Conservation Board

Private Lands

Berea College Forest & Other Owned Areas

Geocaching is allowed only the Indian Fort and Cross Country Trails (known to some as Brushy Fork).

The following are the policies for hiding caches at Brushy Fork and Indian Fort, on the Berea College Forest

1. For the purposes of Geocaching, parks are open from daylight to dusk. Groups/individuals must obey operating hours and posted rules
2. Groups/individuals must park in designated areas only: main lot on Hwy 21 for Indian Fort, and lot just south of campus, off Scaffold Cane road, for Brushy Creek.
3. Groups/individuals are asked to stay on established trails at Brushy Fork and Indian Fort. Geocaches may be hidden up to an arm's length away from designated trails.
4. Do not dig soil or cut vegetation when developing a cache.
5. Park staff will remove all caches hidden without prior approval
6. Do not interfere, or detract from other park visitors' experiences.
7. In accordance with standard Geocaching rules, no burying of caches is allowed anywhere on the Berea College Forest.
8. The owner of the cache must provide an email of request to the Director listed below
9. Please use common sense when hiding and seeking caches- do not compromise the safety of other Berea College Forest patrons.
10. Physical Caches are not allowed in the following areas:
    • Anywhere outside the Brushy Fork (south of campus) or Indian Fort (east of Berea, north side of Hwy 21) trail systems.
    • Anywhere on or around the cemetery near the trail at Brushy Fork (Cross Country Track).
    • Construction sites
    • Soccer fields, mowed areas, amphitheater, or restrooms.
    • Around the log cabin caretaker house, outbuildings or yard at Indian Fort.
    • Anywhere there are gates locked/fences to keep visitors out

Do not place the cache in or near sensitive areas, such as rockhouses, wetlands, steep slopes, historic sites, etc. Do not dig soil or cut vegetation when developing a cache.

For more information, contact Clint Patterson at Clint_Patterson@berea.edu

Requesting Approval

Send an email to Clint_Patterson@berea.edu with "Geocache Request" in the Subject Line.

Please include the following information in the Body of the email:

1. Name, address, and phone number of the owner.
2. Include the name the cache will have on Geocaching.com.
3. Coordinates of the cache location and the coordinates any steps to get to the cache if applicable (for multi caches).
4. Name of the area where cache is to be hidden.
5. Include a description of the cache container (Tupperware, ammo box, and film canister).
6. If you include a parking suggestion include this in the request
7. Include 1-2 sentences describing where the cache is hidden.

Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest

Bernheim welcomes responsible use of our public and near trail areas for the following:

• GeoCaching
• EarthCaching
• Letterboxing
• Questing
• Volksmarching
• Other adventure activities that entail the use of Bernheim property for educational and recreational purposes initiated from adventure web sites.

In order to protect sensitive ecological areas and insure the safety of our visitors we require all use of Bernheim property for these activities to be approved in advance and appropriate for a family audience. We welcome the opportunity to work with you in the development of these activities. Please find more information at Bernheim Cache Policy

All inquiries about placement of adventure activities at Bernheim should be directed to the following:

Adventure Activity
Bernheim Forest
PO Box 130
Clermont KY 40110

or by email to: nature@bernheim.org.

Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport

 Physical cache placements are not permitted at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.

Please note that the airport property consists of much of the surrounding properties of the airport proper. Those properties range in use from easements, land in reserve for future expansion, and leased, commercial properties. For those properties, explicit permission from the airport authority is required.

Red River Gorge Geological Area

Physical cache placements are not permitted.

Commercial Lands

Cracker Barrel

As of September 2007, Cracker Barrel corporate management has prohibited all new cache listings for Cracker Barrel Restaurant locations.