City of Duluth Parks and Recreation Department Geocaching Policy

Geocaching is a recreational pursuit that brings technology and nature together. A geocache is normally a hidden container containing trade items and a logbook. The location of the geocache is recorded with a Global Positioning System receiver and is posted online. Other individuals then try to find the geocache, sign its logbook, trade an item, and later record their find online.

The Duluth Parks and Recreation Department welcomes responsible geocaching and has developed the following policy in the interest of all park users and geocachers.

1. When hiding, finding, and trading items in a geocache you are subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws including park hours.
2. Hiding or finding a geocache should never alter, damage, or otherwise negatively impact the parks, trails, or surrounding areas. Geocaching should never interfere with or detract from other park visitors' experiences. New geocaches should not be placed within 1/10th of a mile (528 feet) of existing geocaches.
3. Geocaching is not allowed in sanctuaries, campgrounds, zoos, environmental preservation areas, and places that are ecologically sensitive. The City of Duluth Parks and Recreation Department reserves the right to disallow geocaching in any area of any park.
4. A geocache hider must notify the City of Duluth Parks and Recreation Department with the geocache name, coordinates, URL of geocache listing, and valid contact information when a geocache is hidden. The hider is responsible for maintaining the quality of the geocache and it must be of value to other geocachers. The hider is also responsible for the upkeep of relevant information about the park and area the geocache is located in. The City of Duluth Parks and Recreation Department will notify the hider if there are any seasonal restrictions or relevant policy changes concerning the park or geocache area.

If you have any questions about this policy, or if you hide a geocache in a Duluth park, please contact Erin Wenneson with the City of Duluth Parks and Recreation Department at 218-525-0838 or by email at ewenneson@duluthmn.gov.

If you would like to learn more about geocaching, please visit the Minnesota Geocaching Association at http://www.mngca.org.

Please note: the MnGCA has posted these these guidelines as a service to the Duluth Parks and Recreation Department.