Geocaching is a worldwide game dedicated to GPS (Global Positioning System) users. The game basically involves a GPS user hiding “treasure” (a container and its contents), and publishing the exact coordinates on the website: www.geocaching.com so other GPS users can go on a “treasure hunt” to find it. The only rules are: if you take something from the cache, you must leave something for the cache, and you must write about your visit in the logbook.
The Berks Conservancy has several geocaching sites at our preserves. Please visit www.geocaching.com to find out more!
Prior to placing a geocache, please refer to the Conservancy’s “Geocaching Policy” below.
Guidelines:
The Berks Conservancy does not permit the general public to hide geocaches on lands it protects. Since 1976 BCC has acquired over 500 acres. This land is open to the public from sunrise to sunset, year-round and free of charge. The Conservancy allows and encourages passive recreational uses of its lands, for uses such as hiking and nature study. Geocaching has now been added as a new passive use.
BCC will not permit members of the public to hide geocaches on its nature preserves. The reasoning for this is that in order to protect Conservancy lands, the Conservancy needs to directly control the placement of geocaches to prevent caches from being placed in dangerous locations or environmentally sensitive or ecologically sensitive areas. BCC’s concern is if the general public is permitted to hide caches on Conservancy lands, then caches would be placed indiscriminately. Too many caches could be placed in one particular location and caches may not be rotated or their owner may forget to check on them.
