By Mike Malvick (GreatlandReviewer/ladybugkids)
Some geocachers have been energetically taking action on geocaches located within Alaska State Parks parcels. To date, nearly 200 geocaches have been archived and nearly 100 geocaches have received the required annual owner maintenance visit and log, out of an original starting list of nearly 1100 geocaches.
Geocachers who are removing caches from Alaska State Parks are requested to do the following:
- Read the permit and bullet points about the permit LAS 35694 which are posted at https://gcak.org/advocacy/. It is important for every Cache Owner owning a cache in an Alaska State Parks parcel to understand the permit stipulations and to abide by them.
- For their own caches, please archive the cache page. It is advised to write a note to the cache page ahead of time so other geocachers are not looking for a cache after it has been removed from the field, but before the archive log is written.
- For Cache Owners who are choosing to downsize caches to micro or smaller rather than archive larger caches in Chugach State Park, update the cache page with the new cache size as soon as possible to avoid confusion in the field with future seekers.
- For cachers removing caches with permission of other cachers, write an “owner maintenance requested” log to the cache page notifying their cache has been removed from the field so they may archive the cache page. This step may be done via messenger, text, or other means, as long as the Cache Owner knows when it is time to archive their cache page(s). It is advised for the Cache Owner to write a note to the cache page ahead of time so other geocachers are not looking for a cache after it has been removed from the field, but before the archive log is written.
- It is recommended cachers do not remove caches owned by apparently “inactive” cachers. The public-facing date on a cacher’s profile page only reflects the last time they visited the geocaching website using a browser, NOT when they last used the app. Some geocachers exclusively use the app. GeocacheAlaska! is obtaining guidance from Geocaching HQ about how to manage removal of caches owned by apparently “inactive” cachers and active cachers who do not respond to the Reviewer Notes and impending “Temporarily Disable” notes. Also, there are caches in the field belonging to deceased cachers’ estates and there are adoption activities to execute as well as disposition directions to receive for unadopted caches. This last point is specifically applicable for FrostG1anT and scobey caches.
- Remember to write an “Owner Maintenance” log to the cache page after visiting a cache and signing the log. The log signature and cache page log will serve as proof of the required annual cache maintenance visit.Regards,Mike/Greatland Reviewer
Groundspeak Community Volunteer