Policy
It is the policy of the Open Space and Mountain Parks Department (OSMP) to allow virtual geocaching where off-trail travel is allowed. Virtual geocaching will also be allowed along a designated trail in an area where off-trail travel is prohibited or in Habitat Conservation Areas (HCAs) with an Off-Trail Permit. Geocaching in its more traditional form, where a “treasure cache” is left behind for searchers to find, is not allowed. Competitive geocaching sporting events, as defined by BRC 8-8-10, are not considered passive recreation and therefore are not allowed on OSMP lands.
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to provide visitors to OSMP lands the opportunity to participate in geocaching while complying with Leave No Trace practices and established ordinances BRC 5-4-2 and 5-4-13 – which prohibits activities that damage public property or involve littering are prohibited.
Scope
This policy applies to all visitors to City of Boulder OSMP lands.
Supervisory Responsibility
It is the supervisor’s responsibility to ensure that all staff are aware of this policy.
Employee Responsibility
Employees are responsible for providing information to the public that is consistent with the procedures outlined in this policy. It is the Web Manager’s responsibility to maintain and update the OSMP geocaching website as necessary. Rangers are responsible for enforcing violations as appropriate.
Procedures
A designated OSMP employee will monitor the website geocaching.com (a popular website to post geocaching locations) and other related sites for “treasure cache” sites located on OSMP lands. Rangers will continue to remove geocaches and notify the sponsor of the cache that they have 90 days to retrieve their cache or it will become abandoned property. If a social trail develops to a virtual cache, the Recreation Resources Program Coordinator will be notified upon detection so appropriate action can be taken.
Best Management Practices
OSMP will continue to promote Leave No Trace principles for locating and searching for virtual geocache sites.
Exceptions/Changes
This policy supersedes all previous policies covering the same or similar topics. Only the OSMP Director or their delegate may grant an exception to this policy. This policy may be reviewed and changed at any time.