Geocaching

Introduction:

The Harvard Conservation Trust (HCT) recognizes geocaching as a family-friendly recreational activity that can encourage people to explore and appreciate the natural world. This policy is established to provide guidelines for geocaching on HCT properties, ensuring that the activity is compatible with our primary mission of preserving open space, wildlife habitats, and historical landscapes. Our goal is to balance public access and enjoyment with the need to protect the sensitive natural and cultural resources under our care.

Note: Review and permission is required to place geocaches within lands overseen by the Harvard Conservation Trust (HCT).  The following requirements are drawn from the guidelines published by Geocaching HQ (https://www.geocaching.com/play/guidelines), and the Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation, both of which should be followed as a minimum standard.

General Principles:

• Applicants, herein referred as owner, shall be at least 18 years of age to register a traditional cache, multi-cache, mystery cache, or letterbox hybrids.
• All geocaching activities on HCT properties must adhere to the principles of “Cache In, Trash Out” (CITO). Participants are responsible for removing any litter they find, whether or not it is associated with the geocache.
• Geocaches and their placement must comply with all local, state, and federal laws.
• HCT reserves the right to remove any geocache at any time without notice if it is found to be in violation of this policy or if it is determined to be a threat to the property’s resources.  If any HCT staff/Trustees determines that the location of a permitted cache poses a risk to property visitors or significant impact to natural or cultural resources, the owner will be contacted and notified that the cache has been removed. All information regarding public safety risks and or resource disturbance is to be recorded on the original permit. If the owner wishes to relocate the cache, a new permit must be applied for.
• If at any time the terms of the permit are violated, the HCT has the authority to revoke the permit, remove the cache from its location, and should attempt to notify the owner or indicate on the appropriate website that the cache has been removed. Justification for these actions is to be recorded on the facility copy of the permit.
• No monies or profits can be derived from the placement of a cache by the owner or an affiliated business or organization.
• Multi-caches are limited to three total sites, yet treated as one cache and require only one permit.
• Non-permitted caches shall be removed.

Permission and Review Process:

• Prior to placing a geocache on any HCT property, the owner must submit a request for approval to the Harvard Conservation Trust via the application form. The request should include the proposed coordinates, a description of the container and its contents, and a brief explanation of the placement location.
• HCT will review the request to ensure it aligns with this policy and the conservation goals for the specific property.
• The Stewardship Committee shall evaluate the submission during their upcoming meeting and provide an email response to the owner.
• Approval is not guaranteed and is subject to the discretion of the HCT.

Location and Placement Restrictions:

• Geocaches may not be placed in or near ecologically sensitive areas, including but not limited to wetlands, vernal pools, rare plant habitats, or areas known to be critical for endangered or threatened species.
• Caches shall avoid impacting any historic features, such as stone walls or foundations, or environmental features, such as tree crevices, dens, or require trampling or bushwhacking, particularly through wetlands.
• Caches must be placed within 10 feet of HCT defined trails to minimize off-trail foot traffic and prevent the creation of new paths.
• Geocaches must be placed at least 100 feet away from any historical structures, archaeological sites, or known cultural resources.
• Caches must not be buried.

Cache and Container Guidelines:

• Cache containers shall be sufficiently transparent to be able to discern that contents are harmless.
• Permitted caches must be clearly labeled as being an HCT permitted geocache. 
• Caches should include “instructions for finders,” and must include a logbook for geocachers to record their visit.  Where applicable, we encourage inclusion of information describing/educating about sensitive or interesting features beyond, but near the cache location (HCT may provide said information).
• No digging or excavation is permitted at any time in the placement or retrieval of a cache.
• No defacement or alteration to HCT property, including but not limited to signs, benches, buildings, or natural features is allowed.
• No removal or significant disturbance of vegetation, plant growth, or other flora is permitted at any time in the placement or operation of a cache.
• Caches will not contain food, alcohol, firearms, drugs, dangerous items (e.g., fireworks, matches, sharp objects, chemicals, etc.), or sexually explicit material. No natural or cultural materials from any HCT property shall be placed into the cache.

Best Practices:

• Geocache owners are encouraged to periodically check their caches to ensure they are in good condition and have not become a source of litter or disturbance.
• Any geocache that is removed or needs to be retired must be reported to HCT so the coordinates can be removed from our internal records.

Disclaimer:

Geocaching on HCT property is done at the participant’s own risk. HCT is not responsible for any injuries or damages that may occur during the activity. By placing a geocache or participating in geocaching on HCT property, you agree to abide by this policy and to hold HCT harmless from any and all claims.