Ferry Beach 2001 cache?

I am wondering what's up with this cache Ferry Beach Cache GC23D2.

It has been in the Ferry Beach State Park since 2001. Over 300 cachers have gone to visit the cache and the park in that time. Now the Manager has removed it?

I have brought friends and family out to the park since I found it because it is really nice. I'm not sure I will go back if they don't want visitors.

Something is fishy about the last cacher in there too.

It will be too bad to loose another 2001 cache. I have called the manager three times about this so far and can not make contact with him. First day was told he would be right back until I mentioned geocaching then was told he was unavailable. Second day was told h would call me back in 30 minutes. Today was told he is on vacation.

Seems to be an interesting set of developments.

Park Rules, nothing against caching that I see!

Rules for State Parks and Historic Sites

The following rules and regulations are established by the Bureau pursuant to the provisions of the "Maine Revised Statutes Annotated," Title 12, Section 1803, subsection 6, and Section 1883.

1. The use of these areas shall be limited to the purposes for which they are being preserved and to activities determined by the Bureau to be compatible with the intended use of the facility. Activities which endanger persons or property are prohibited. The removal, molesting, injury or damage of anything natural, physical, prehistorical, or historical within these areas is strictly prohibited except as outlined in section 20 regarding hunting and trapping.

2. Feeding or touching wild animals found in the park is prohibited. For health and safety reasons, visitors are required to put away food securely and leave picnic areas and campsites clean.

3. Day-use areas will be open from 9:00 a.m. to sunset daily, unless posted otherwise due to operational constraints.

4. Use of metal detectors at historic sites is prohibited. Metal detectors are allowed in other areas only by written permit obtained at the park.

5. Intoxicating beverages are not permitted. Disorderly conduct is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, indecent acts, intoxication or coarse language.

6. Open fires are allowed only in grills or fireplaces provided by the Bureau. No fires are allowed on beaches. No fires shall be left unattended.

7. No pets are allowed on beaches or in the Sebago Lake State Park campground. Pets must be on a leash not exceeding four feet in length and must not be left unattended. Pet owners must immediately clean up any fecal deposits left by their pets. Pet owners may be assigned picnic or campsites in a less congested area of the park.

8. Wheeled vehicles including bicycles shall be parked only in places designated for that purpose, conform to posted traffic regulations, be confined to roads and trails specifically designated for their use and otherwise comply with all applicable State laws. Vehicles parked in unauthorized areas may be towed at the owners expense.

9. The discharging of wastes, including soaps and detergents, shall be prohibited except in a receptacle specifically designated for that purpose.

10. All rubbish shall be placed in containers provided by the Bureau. No rubbish shall be deposited in any type of toilet facility. At those areas where the Bureau has a carry in/carry out policy, users shall be responsible for carrying out all their refuse.

11. Soliciting is prohibited.

12. Campsite vacancies will be filled either by the State Park Campsite Reservation System or on a first come, first served basis. All campers must register in person when arriving at a State park campground.

13. The camping day is from 1:00 p.m. until 11:00 a.m. Camping shall be limited to a cumulative total of fourteen (14) nights from the last Saturday in June through the last Saturday in August.

14. Campsite occupancy will be limited to one camping party that shall be defined as: a) a family consisting of father, mother and any number of their unmarried children; b) a maximum of six (6) individuals, including children; c) one (1) R.V., trailer, camper van, or slide-in camper allowed per campsite; d) not more than two motor vehicles, including the visitor's vehicle.

15. Campsite visitors will be allowed as follows: a) After 9:00 a.m. by paying the day use fee and leaving before 8:00 p.m. Limit one visiting park campsite; the total number of people will not exceed ten, and the limit at Sebago Lake State Park be eight.

16. Quiet in camping areas is required between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.

17. Trails will be opened and closed by the Bureau as warranted by environmental and safety conditions.

18. The use of chain saws and power equipment is prohibited. Generators may be used between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 7 p.m. as long as they do not bother other visitors.

19. The use of floating devices, face masks or snorkels is prohibited at surf beaches. Scuba diving may be allowed by permit obtained at the park.

20. Hunting and trapping:

All hunting and trapping shall take place in accordance with the laws of the State of Maine, the laws and rules of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, and local ordinances.
The possession and/or use of firearms or weapons is prohibited in all areas between May 1 and September 30, except where hunting is allowed during this period. Firearms or weapons may be transported across the Restricted Zone of the Allagash Wilderness Waterway, between May 1 and September 30, provided they are securely and completely enclosed in a cover, fastened in a case, or dismantled in at least two pieces in such a manner that they cannot be fired unless the separate pieces are joined together.
Hunting is not permitted at any time at State Historic Sites or Memorials, or at any of the properties listed below: Andrews Beach State Park; that portion of Bradbury Mountain State Park west of State Route 9; Cobscook Bay State Park: Crescent Beach and Kettle Cove State Parks; Damariscotta Lake State Park; Ferry Beach State Park; Holbrook Island Sanctuary State Park; Nickerson Lake State Park; Owls Head Light State Park; that portion of Quoddy Head State Park within 1,000 feet of the lighthouse; Reid State Park; Sebago Lake State Park; Shackford Head State Park; Two Lights State Park; and Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park.
Hunting is not permitted between May 1 and September 30 at any of the properties listed below: Restricted Zone of the Allagash Wilderness Waterway; Aroostook State Park; Birch Point Beach State Park; Bradbury Mountain State Park east of Route 9; Camden Hills State Park; Grafton Notch State Park; Mt. Kineo State Park; Lake St. George State Park; Lamoine State Park; Lily Bay State Park; Moose Point State Park; Mount Blue State Park; Moxie Falls State Park; Peacock Beach State Park; Peaks-Kenny State Park; Popham Beach State Park; Quoddy Head State Park, except as provided in paragraph C. immediately above; Range Pond State Park; Rangeley Lake State Park, except that portion posted as part of the Rangeley Lake Game Sanctuary; Roque Bluffs State Park; Swan Lake State Park; Warren Island State Park.
The discharging of any weapon is prohibited from or within 300 feet of any picnic area, camping area or campsite, parking area, building, shelter, boat launch site, posted trail or other developed area.
Trails which are closed to hunting will be posted to that effect at access points. On trails posted as closed to hunting, loaded weapons are not permitted on the tread way and weapons may not be discharged within 300 feet of the trail.
Work areas and areas with significant public use may be temporarily posted as closed to hunting by park management in the interest of public safety.
Baiting of wildlife for the purpose of hunting is prohibited
Trapping may take place only in accordance with the laws of the State of Maine, the laws and rules of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and local ordinances. Trapping in state parks or historic sites in organized townships requires the written permission of the Bureau.
Bureau employees or their representatives in the official conduct of their duties and in accordance with bureau policy with prior approval from the bureau are exempt from the above rules.
In addition to any criminal and civil sanctions imposed by law, the Bureau may evict any person violating these rules or other State laws or regulations.

Further Suggestion That Ferry Beach is out of touch

Notes of a Focus Group involving State Parks Folks. I have emphasized the important part with Smileys.

ERD

Focus Group #1: “Connecting People with Outdoor Recreation Opportunities”
State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP)
Augusta City Hall, 3/26/09 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Participants:
Rex Turner –Maine Bureau of Parks & Lands, Outdoor Recreation Planner
David Green [Facilitator] – WardGreen Group. Also: Maine Guide, Scoutmaster
Dick Thomas – Chewonki - Chief of Staff & Alumni Relations, former director MaineYouth Camp Association
Michael Marion –Acadia National Park, Park Ranger/Trainer (Education District)
Leif Dahlin –City of Augusta, Director of Community Services
Lenard Kaye –University of Maine Center on Aging (Director), Professor in School of Social Work
Noelle Merrill – Eastern Maine Agency on Aging, Executive Director
Mick Rogers – Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands, Grants and Community Recreation
Carol Leone – Teens to Trails (Founder)
Vicki Foster – Spectrum Generations, Healthy Aging Coordinator

Overview of SCORP process: led by Rex Turner
SCORP – Purpose is to look at outdoor recreation supply, demand, trends, and opportunities for your state and to craft a plan to address recreation needs.
· Public input required
· Final plan needs to be done by the end of the calendar year
· This is the beginning of the public part of the process; there will be more public input over the summer
· Why youth and seniors? Maine is a very gray state, currently 10th oldest; by 2030, recent census figures show that only Florida will be “older” than us, and not by much.
· New Take-It-Outside events in past year: First time campers program, Mount Blue State Park (500 people sledding, skating, etc.), Lake St. George St. Park (80+ kids in a snowstorm)
· There is a fear that many kids are not engaged in the outdoors. Results of a generation less connected to nature are troublesome (one analysis of 2,000 people: there is a link between experiences with the outdoors at age 11 or under and adult environmental decisions).
· Based on Outdoor Industry Foundation research, as a whole, the population is recreating more than the previous year or two, but youth participation did not increase, and girls were even less active outdoors than boys over the same period.

Exercise 1— Youth: brainstorming session led by David Green
How can we get more kids to make being in the outdoors an essential part of their life?
Procedure:

Paired interviews
Group reporting
Suggested best practices

Results: “Best Practices” for getting youth involved in the outdoors
Highest ranked practices (in rank order):
· Outdoor engagement needs to be locally accessible: thoughtful planning is necessary (green growth, smart growth). Plus, accessible trails / facilities / natural areas are needed.
· Consistent positive messages about the outdoors are needed; Reduce negative messaging around dangers: more communication of benefits
· Important to connect kids with the outdoors in an unstructured way.
:D· Combine technology with outdoors (geocaching example); attracts youth:D
Next highest ranked practices (all similarly ranked):
· Parents need to get kids involved
· In schools there are different “tracks”; the “college” track and the “outdoor” track … combine technical / physical / intellectual
· Get kids to summer camps
· Don’t just target children: target the “informal support network”—family, friends and neighbors
· Parents need to be role models to model behavior
Other suggested practices/issues:
· Separate activities for girls
· Different approaches work for different ages
· Need to feel safe
· Balance structured with unstructured activities (planning can enable safe, unstructured play in the outdoors).

Recommendations to make these things happen in the community:
· Schools: promote structured and unstructured time outdoors
· High school outing clubs can serve as a vehicle to connect kids with the outdoors
· Locally accessible trails/facilities/natural areas are vital for youth participation in the outdoors.

Exercise 2 — Older demographic groups: brainstorming session led by David Green
Gallery writing (response) exploring the following questions:
1) What facilities are going to best serve older residents and tourists?
Highest ranked practices (in rank order):
· Degree of difficulty mixed and identified (top-ranked response)
· “Wayfinding” signage
· Parking easy to maneuver
· Inexpensive or free
· Bathrooms clean
Other suggested practices/issues:
· Low Impact
· Large lettering
· Easily accessible/safe
· Easy access/knowledge of the “Maine Recreational Icons”
· Well-lighted
· Seniors would like to be able to use the local schools for activities like walking
· Not congested

2) What programs are going to best serve older residents and tourists?
Highest ranked programs/activity traits (in rank order):
· Social interaction (top-ranked response)
· mix of physical and sedentary
· Fitness
· New knowledge
Other suggested programs/activity traits:
· Give them a “rush”/high (some risk)
· Programs available thru area agencies on aging and senior centers, senior housing, senior colleges
· Tourists: programs attached to resorts/hotels
· During daytime (in daylight)
· Intergenerational
· Fun activities
· Hunting
· Educational (i.e. elderhostel)
· Provide transportation during winter months

3) What activities will aging baby boomers most want to engage in?
Highest ranked programs/activity traits (in rank order):
· walking trails (top-ranked response)
· can do on their own—still independent
· “Water sports”
Other suggested programs/activity traits
· access to the coast/ocean
· Hunting
· Camping
· Less rigorous (kayaking vs. whitewater rafting)
· find some solitude
· more competitive opportunities like marathons, canoe races, triathlons
· Birdwatching
· Snowmobiling
· Nordic Skiing
· History
· Travel
· Walking/running the dog
· Sailing
· Fishing
· Bicycling
· Stargazing
· Geneology/cemeteries
· Nature podcasts

4) Are there demographic groups besides youth and elders that demand focus? If so…who are they? How can we best provide for their recreational needs?
Highest ranked responses (in rank order)
· Teens are a separate group from younger children and require separate focus—important to provide safe unstructured outdoor opportunities that they can do with friends (peers; high school outing clubs) (tied for top-ranked response)
· Parents (often financially responsible for kids and elders) shouldn’t be overlooked. (tied for top-ranked response)
· Extreme activities for those in late teens-30ish
· Working adults (middle ages)—work with employers to publicize outdoor opportunities
· Disabled persons

5) What are the strategies for attracting/retaining young professionals with recreational opportunities?
Highest ranked responses (in rank order)
· Build in opportunities for socializing and networking
· Exciting” … fast paces, energetic, fun, an element of technology
· Easy access—close-by
· Engage them in program design/decision-making
· Empower them – knock down barriers, build bridges
Other suggested strategies:
· Bike paths, running paths throughout Maine
· Continuing Education/College (college credit/certification courses)
· Professional association

Conclusion: Discussion and selection of previously discussed items to flag for potential focus in SCORP plan:
Guiding question: What can the state of Maine do to effectively plan/provide outdoor recreation opportunities that appeal to different generations and that facilitate lifelong outdoor recreation?
The following concepts were identified, based on the previous exercises and discussions:
· Funds for grass root local/home grown projects (based on significant trends).
· Green policies… promote recreational planning based on smart/green concepts.
· Remove policy barriers
· Universal Design… People of all capacities can make use of program (disabilities, age, etc.)
· Integrate recreation planning and recreation offerings/awareness through community entities such as schools, workplaces, community centers, senior centers, etc. Consider coordination with:
o Workplace wellness policies and programs
o outdoor experiences through schools
o environmental education programming
· Focus on effective communications to promote awareness for existing recreation opportunities and their associated benefits to users. Additionally, consider ways to help people get started in recreational activities.
· New trail building
o Help communities build and connect trails
o Accessible bathrooms
o Continue Land for Maine’s Future program
o Continue to seek conservation easements on private land
o Incentives for developers to build trails
· “Community Stewardship” – using stewardship activities such as community clean-up days or days of service to connect people with their community resources.

This is an interesting development, at best. Actually sounds like the Park Manager has the cache in hand - for some reason.

I hope the CO/adoptive owner can meet with the PM and find out more. As we head into our tourist season, this is not a good time for this to disabled.

There are many State Parks which do have caches, which don't seem to be of issue. Some leg work and discussion certainly needs to be done at Ferry Beach (a park I have not visited and was looking forward to in order to do this cache). Now it will be on my watch list.

Interesting indeed.

Kudos, Ed. Some rather great research and done in quick time! In that the manager is apparently choosing to not interact with Mike, perhaps it's at a point to go above him. Armed with Ed's contribution here and the fact that the State of Maine does support geocaching, seems the favor is on our side here.

That said, managers may have the ability to make local decisions that impact the park as well.

Parks

The allowance of Geocaches in state parks is fully up to the managers of each individual park. I worked at Colonial Pemaquid / Ft William Henry for 4 summers as a laborer and this is currently my dad's 15th year there as a ranger. I placed a cache there and it was been heavily visited as its one of the smallest state parks there is. The cache has been through three managers and as each new one comes in, my dad goes through, shows them the cache, where its located and explains everything. Its not in a place where it effects the history in any way nor causes a geotrail or anything so they've all approved of it. As long as you get permission first, I don't forsee any manager putting up a huge stink. Besides, those parks with gates that charge admission are only going to benefit from it.

On a side note, my cache actually fits into a loophole as its located in a stone wall surrounding a cemetary that the state doesnt actually own. They maintain the headstones and mow it but because they dont actually own the grounds just where the cemetary is, they couldnt say no.

This thread clearly points out the need for continuing education and the need of recommitment annually with groups, organizations, state parks and others. A CO should not probably be complacent with old agreements or arrangements as staff and management change. Also, I was not aware, until pointed out to me - there were instructions on the cache page for folks to circumvent paying the park fee to access the park.

MOU raises some very valid points. Perhaps the real sticky piece to this one is parking outside and going in - without talking to the PM no one will know. I am hopeful the CO will make contact with the PM soon and resolve any issues.

Thank you to all the Southern Maine contingent who may work to restore this 2001 cache.

Thank you Ed for all the info.

I hope NativeMainer doesn't feel I'm stepping on his toes, but I have little to do now and this intrigues me.

This is what I know thus far. Talking with his minions this is not a new Park Manager. The issues arouse when the last cacher from NH was there.

I just what to know what transpired to prompt the Park Manager to take this action. Like all things in life nothing can be done differently if we don't know what is causing the problem.

I would hate for this kind of thing to spread.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ekidokai

Thank you Ed for all the info.

I hope NativeMainer doesn't feel I'm stepping on his toes, but I have little to do now and this intrigues me.

This is what I know thus far. Talking with his minions this is not a new Park Manager. The issues arouse when the last cacher from NH was there.

I just what to know what transpired to prompt the Park Manager to take this action. Like all things in life nothing can be done differently if we don't know what is causing the problem.

I would hate for this kind of thing to spread.

Mike - I will EM you - as I did inquire.

Just edited my comment to appease the Northern Maine contingent who see fit to complain to others who then contact me. If anyone has anything to say to me of importance, say it to me. And mind you, the only reason I did edit this is because I respect the individual who contacted me. If no one here can appreciate sarcastic, scathing humor and they actually believe that a one sentence comment on this site is going to get Geocaching banned from all State Parks, then go kick rocks. I love this sport, but when it goes the route of Politically Correct, lovey dovey whining , on a site which is all about Geocaching discussion, OPEN Geocaching discussion, then I want nothing to do with you all.

Good evening.

I don't know the specifics about Ferry Beach (ironically, it was my first ever find!), but some land managers would consider any cache in violation of Rules 1 and 10.

On the other hand, there is a lot of support for Geocaching. Pat McGowen, then Maine's Conservation Commissioner, listed Geocaching as one of the activities encouraged at Maine's parks when a few local cachers were recognized as "land steward's of year" by the Androscoggin Land trust!

One thing that really irritates park managers is when hiders place a cache with out permission or with permission from the wrong person.

Look at what the cache page says about access.............there is parking at and a trail map sign and then alternative parking.........is this perhaps to circumvent paying to enter the park?

I hope the Cache Owner (the one who should do this) goes to visit the Park Manager and discuss what may be issues and perhaps work towards an equitable resolve. Although this cache has been in place since 2001, maybe no one has revisited the park manager to continue their blessing (if given originally) and thank them.

There may be some simple steps to be taken for this cache to remain in this park - the Cache Owner has this discovery and negotiation in their hands, if they wish to pursue it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tat

I don't know the specifics about Ferry Beach (ironically, it was my first ever find!), but some land managers would consider any cache in violation of Rules 1 and 10.

On the other hand, there is a lot of support for Geocaching. Pat McGowen, then Maine's Conservation Commissioner, listed Geocaching as one of the activities encouraged at Maine's parks when a few local cachers were recognized as "land steward's of year" by the Androscoggin Land trust!

One thing that really irritates park managers is when hiders place a cache with out permission or with permission from the wrong person.

Good points TAT. Then again, I would hope that there is consistency within the State Parks here in Maine. Look at Bradbury Mountain State Park! There are like 30 or 40 caches in there. Have they all been placed with permission?

Quote:

Originally Posted by hollora

I hope the Cache Owner (the one who should do this) goes to visit the Park Manager and discuss what may be issues and perhaps work towards an equitable resolve. Although this cache has been in place since 2001, maybe no one has revisited the park manager to continue their blessing (if given originally) and thank them.

I could not agree more. This should be handled by the cache owner and only the cache owner unless that owner does not follow through or is no longer active (which is not the case with this cache). Having 20 members contacting the land managers with their own opinions is sure to annoy them all the more and risks the cache owner look like an ass.

I am all for offering the cache owner advice and/or support but any conversations with the land manager should be left to one person - the cache owner.

Hollara, Could you EM me as well, as I am also wondering what happened at this park.
Thanks.

Hiya, All,

This thread got started while I was at work.

I adopted the cache about a year ago when the previous owners moved out of the area. Instead of seeing the cache archived, I said that I would adopt it, and I did. The first problem that I heard regarding this cache was the message from the last person to find the cache, saying that I needed to contact the Park Manager and pick up the cache(it sounds like the park manager has the cache in hand). I have called the number provided, but I have not received a return call as of yet. I will call again tomorrow, and swing by if I don't get a response (it's only about six miles from where I live). If I have to archive the cache, I'll be disappointed, but life goes on.

True Indeed

Quote:

Originally Posted by NativeMainer

If I have to archive the cache, I'll be disappointed, but life goes on.

Life does go on and this is only a geocache. That being said, I've e-mailed a cache owner of a few caches that are among the class of 2001 hides. Haven't heard back yet, and I managed to find two e-mail addresses for the CO. He hasn't been active since last September and then only visited the gc.com site. We'll see.

Nope

Quote:

Originally Posted by brdad

I could not agree more. This should be handled by the cache owner and only the cache owner unless that owner does not follow through or is no longer active (which is not the case with this cache). Having 20 members contacting the land managers with their own opinions is sure to annoy them all the more and risks the cache owner look like an ass.

I am all for offering the cache owner advice and/or support but any conversations with the land manager should be left to one person - the cache owner.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JustKev

Life does go on and this is only a geocache. That being said, I've e-mailed a cache owner of a few caches that are among the class of 2001 hides. Haven't heard back yet, and I managed to find two e-mail addresses for the CO. He hasn't been active since last September and then only visited the gc.com site. We'll see.

Completely disagree.

Like most everything else this can just be the beginning. As you can see from the interest generated with this simple post there is a lot of concern for this issue.

This is not only a geocache. This is all geocaches in State parks, municipal parks, Land Trust agencies and any place else where an agency or organization will ban caches for a reason or issue that could be taken care of now before it becomes a federal project.

My interest is in the reason for this decision by the Park Manager. I have the time and the avoidance issue intrigues me.

I was in State law enforcement and in a division that had great authority to interpret and modify the regulations, so decisions had to be backed up by logic and fact. If these employees of the State are making decisions that are affecting me, the tax payer and many other citizens of these lands, I demand, deserve, and have a right to an answer. Right or wrong the decision must be explained. If the Manager or anyone else is annoyed by questions about their actions then they need to be in another profession and I 'm willing to help with that determination. These people are employees of the tax payers. They answer to us.

Now, I agree, NativeMainer should take the lead on this specific issue.

Anyone afraid of asking questions because they are afraid of annoying a public official seems way out of line. And if the public official is annoyed by these questions they need to be removed from that position immediately. Having 20 or 100 people asking the same questions will have a positive impact in the show of concern on this issue. They will quickly find out that we the people will not be intimidated.

These public officials are getting out of control and I for one will not stand for it.

But this thread was originally aimed at one cache in one state park.

If we want to work out issues with all caches in all state parks, I think it is still best to have a dedicated, organized individual or group approach the entities controlling all the parks. That was part of the reason this site was formed - so that in these cases we can pool our resources and ideas and communicate with landowners effectively. I would love it if gcmaine had ongoing communication with state park authorities as well as other landowners that would benefit both sides.

That is an excellent idea. I think we should show a united entity. We should make contact and the flow of information will begin. All the officials I have dealt with are very ignorant of geocaching or how it works beyond the very basic. Some have completely skewed perspectives.

I don't see the direct connection here. This thread was started to discuss this particular issue and instance. I want to know why this Manager has taken this action? If his issues are something that is going on in other parks it can be taken care of here before it becomes a problem in the other areas. He is a public official and has a fiduciary responsibility of explain his actions.

Very well, we can see what NativeMainer finds out, and if he gets nowhere he can ask for help or ideas and we'll most likely have to contact someone on the next step up.

I have placed most of the caches in Bradbury and yes I have gotten permission

The way I read it was that this was one cache in one state park. Maybe once NM talks to the park manager this issue will be resolved? Hope for the best.

I was reading this thread, and this was also one of my first caches. This is a favorite place of mine as well. It would be a shame if it does get archived. Anyways, just a thought, but I was thinking, I wonder if it is because it gives alternate parking cords to get to the cache the back way? I know when I did the cache it was during summer season and I knew where to park,(being from the area) so that I didn't have to pay the park entrance fee. Maybe they want people to park and pay, and NOT sneak in the back?! Not sure if this makes sense, I was just thinking this could be part of the problem. The state sure does like it's money! :)

Bradbury

Penny, Iampaw, is a very responsible cacher. You can be assured she got permission to place the many fun caches that are at Bradbury.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CARoperPhotography

Good points TAT. Then again, I would hope that there is consistency within the State Parks here in Maine. Look at Bradbury Mountain State Park! There are like 30 or 40 caches in there. Have they all been placed with permission?

And I know, parmachenee received permission for his at Fort Knox State Park!

The second set of coords is not so much a back way into the Ferry Beach cache, it is at the gate. If the gate is closed you can walk in from there - I think that is allowed there as it is some other parks, but if that has changed it should be so noted. I did the cache in winter, so I parked at the gate.

It's two caches and I don't think they can find the other ones.

Quick status update: I called Thursday (7/1/10) at 11:45 AM. Left a message with someone in the office.

Sorry this seems to be going agonizingly slow.

OK, new status update: First, it looks like the number I dialed other other day was a wrong phone number (I realized this a short while ago). The person who's answering machine I left a message on was probably scratching his/her head and just deleted the message.

Anyhoo, I called today. I left a message. The park manager did give me a call back (yay! progress!). The gist of the conversation is like this: He does not have a problem having a cache within the borders of the state park. He does, however, have a problem with the cache being off trail and for that reason the cache is now in his hands (and yes, the cache was about 50 feet off the trail, this is where it was when I adopted the cache, and when I checked up on it back in April, I saw no reason to move it as I had no idea there was a concern about it's placement). I asked him if there was a place that I could place the cache that would meet his requirements and he said he would look around and give me a call sometime in the middle of next week.

So, at this moment, it looks like Ferry Beach Cache will survive. I will update the GC listing to reflect any changes and probably change the parking info a little bit as well (I know some expressed that concern here, that was not something that the park manager brought up).

Quote:

Originally Posted by NativeMainer

OK, new status update: First, it looks like the number I dialed other other day was a wrong phone number (I realized this a short while ago). The person who's answering machine I left a message on was probably scratching his/her head and just deleted the message.

Anyhoo, I called today. I left a message. The park manager did give me a call back (yay! progress!). The gist of the conversation is like this: He does not have a problem having a cache within the borders of the state park. He does, however, have a problem with the cache being off trail and for that reason the cache is now in his hands (and yes, the cache was about 50 feet off the trail, this is where it was when I adopted the cache, and when I checked up on it back in April, I saw no reason to move it as I had no idea there was a concern about it's placement). I asked him if there was a place that I could place the cache that would meet his requirements and he said he would look around and give me a call sometime in the middle of next week.

So, at this moment, it looks like Ferry Beach Cache will survive. I will update the GC listing to reflect any changes and probably change the parking info a little bit as well (I know some expressed that concern here, that was not something that the park manager brought up).

Sounds like wonderful progress. Thank you Maine Native for working so diligently on this. Best of luck!

Quote:

Originally Posted by brdad

But this thread was originally aimed at one cache in one state park.

If we want to work out issues with all caches in all state parks, I think it is still best to have a dedicated, organized individual or group approach the entities controlling all the parks. That was part of the reason this site was formed - so that in these cases we can pool our resources and ideas and communicate with landowners effectively. I would love it if gcmaine had ongoing communication with state park authorities as well as other landowners that would benefit both sides.

This was the main reason that we started this website to begin with and that was to make sure that if any issue came up regarding the placing of caches then we would have exactly the correct answer and the resources to deal with this exact scenario. Glad you brought that to everyone's attention Dave.

One of the recent cachers at the park was given a cache by a park ranger. The cache handed over to them was the "A Day at Long Pond" container. These folks were on their way home out of state and have tried to contact the cache owner with no results. Anyway, I have been in touch with the folks who have the container (which they would mail to the owner if they would answer their emails) and they have shared this comment and link with me for their home state - interesting!

"Don't know if this will help you build a case in Maine, but I pass it on anyway.
I just learned this since we last communicated. Ga. has a very different attitude towards geocaching it seems. they have their own contest.

http://gastateparks.org/geocaching "

Quote:

Originally Posted by hollora

One of the recent cachers at the park was given a cache by a park ranger. The cache handed over to them was the "A Day at Long Pond" container. These folks were on their way home out of state and have tried to contact the cache owner with no results. Anyway, I have been in touch with the folks who have the container (which they would mail to the owner if they would answer their emails) and they have shared this comment and link with me for their home state - interesting!

"Don't know if this will help you build a case in Maine, but I pass it on anyway.
I just learned this since we last communicated. Ga. has a very different attitude towards geocaching it seems. they have their own contest.

http://gastateparks.org/geocaching "

all the more reason... I have often given state parks the upper hand. but i have camped at many of them, and not been impressed. have visted pretty much every stat park in maine. although I do enjoy them, I find their goals to be very skewed... I told myself last year, no more camping in state parks, and after seeing this kind of stuff go on, and their attitude towards visitors and geocachers. I don't think I'll be setting foot in a state park in maine for quite a while.... sad.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hiram357

all the more reason... I have often given state parks the upper hand. but i have camped at many of them, and not been impressed. have visted pretty much every stat park in maine. although I do enjoy them, I find their goals to be very skewed... I told myself last year, no more camping in state parks, and after seeing this kind of stuff go on, and their attitude towards visitors and geocachers. I don't think I'll be setting foot in a state park in maine for quite a while.... sad.

Did you go to the GA site and read what they are doing - not that is Cool!

I would love to see our state do something like that .....the kids would love it!!! not to mention a parent or grandparent or two hehe

You have to figure with all the extra cachers paying to get into the parks, they have plenty of money for the prizes and extra for the park.

After paying to get into Bradbury state park to cache and the ranger said they didn't have enough money to even provide me with a map, and other problems, I wouldn't cache in another Maine state park myself.

It would be nice to see the state be more open to ideas like Georgia.

I received an odd request regarding a cacher and the Maine State Parks Passport Program. Perhaps I'll tell the story in chat if anyone brings it up, names withheld of course.

PA has a similar challenge

We just completed the AGT (Allegheny Geo Trail) in northern Pennsylvania. You need to find 6 caches in each of 10 counties and stamp your passport at each find. When you present your completed passport, you get a coin for each county and a bonus coin if you completed all 10 counties. The coins are beautiful and the program was a cooperative effort of the local chambers of commerce.

Next year's Geo Woodstock is going to be right smack dab in AGT country. It took us 5 caching days (10-12 hours per day) to complete the whole challenge. *ALL* of the caches we found were ammo cans.

Allegheny Geo Trail