Ask Cavers: Should Geocaching in Caves Be Banned?
September 11, 2013
An “Official” Geocache. Photo by vastateparksstaff/flickr
While most folks were in agreement last time we checked, that geocaching in caves isn’t a good idea, should the practice be banned all together?
Recently, the French Federation of Speleology (FFS) requested that geocachers not place caches in caves. Should other national caving organizations follow the example of the FFS?
Perhaps more effective, should Geocaching.com, the main body behind the activity, add restrictions to forbid caves in their cache placement guidelines?
After all, GPS devices don’t exactly work underground anyway…
Let’s hear your thoughts.
Comments (7)
“Leave nothing but footprints.”
_Dave NSS 12295
I’ve seen too many geocaches lost and forgotten, they would become cave junk. IMO they should be kept out of caves, we should not be encouraging eveready holders from entering a cave.
NSS, TRA
I love the idea of finding a cave because of a geocache placed there. If there is any danger this should be given in the listing with a warning that the cave is suitable for experienced cavers only. A compromise might be to have the cache near the entrance to the cave with the option of entering the cave left up to he geocacher.
I think it probably should be banned. Putting geocaches in caves can put the caves and inexperienced people in danger. Plus they literally have the rest of the planet to place their geocache.
Plenty of other places to put them.
The Geocaching site says no caves as it is too dangerous for kids or old folks. But people like to place them just outside them out here in Oregon they have them at few lava tube caves that are well known locally, as that is the real push of Geocaching engine, too promote local areas to strangers or unknowing locals.
It is already happening as it may, so there really is no question of if or when. Good luck trying to stop it!, the train has left the station hours ago!
I am surprised to see such an overwhelming favor of banning this activity altogether, considering that it comes from the same group who complained about the United States government’s reaction to the WNS issue. I am in favor of making responsible decisions on a case by case basis. Don’t put a blanket ban on Geocashing in caves.
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