Things to consider when placing a cache……

By Hartman

 While reading through the various forums on Geocaching.com and these NM forum topics that apply, there seems to be a general consensus of what makes a cache hide ‘good’.

Since we became geocachers in 2005, we have experienced first hand a wide variety of caches. One of the forum suggestions I appreciated was: “review all your caches on a regular basis, archive or upgrade the cache hides that no longer meet your minimum personal standards”

CHECKLIST

Location:

Is there something about the location or cache that is scenic, educational, entertaining, unique or special, and/or worth the time and effort of geocachers to visit?

Is the cache hidden in an area that would not be damaged or cause a new path to be created if more than a few people, day after day, were looking for the cache in a perimeter of 20 feet of the cache hide?

Is the cache disguised, secured, and/or otherwise situated in a manner that minimizes it being muggled? Is the hide placed in a way that best shields geocachers from being seen by bystanders?

Is the area free of broken glass, excessive trash, nearby firearm use, crime, homeless residents or other undesirable characteristics?

Is the cache within 50 feet of an active railroad? Is so, there must be a
suitable barrier between the cache and the railroad.

Is legal and safe parking located nearby? If not, is suitable parking locations specified in the cache listing?

Container:

Is it appropriate for the location? If it could be exposed to moisture is it reliably waterproof? If it’s in an urban setting, is it clearly labeled and would in no way be misidentified as a possible explosive.

Check out http://www.todayscacher.com/2006/dec/containers.asp

And http://www.todayscacher.com/2006/nov/containers.asp

Is a Stash Note provided? (sometimes this is called a Cache note, it's a sheet of paper indicating that this is a Geocache, what Geocaching is, and what to do if accidentally found.

Label: Is the cache container labeled on the exterior. Some disguised caches may not need this.

Log: Is there a quality logbook or sheet and a marker (or a note to bring a marker) in a separate compartment, bag, etc.

Maintenance:

If there has been a log reporting a problem with the cache, was it addressed within two weeks? If the cache was disabled, was it re-enabled within a few weeks?

Does the owner plan to inspect the cache to insure it is still located as intended and the trade items are appropriate

Feel free to use the provided “stash notes” and the Geocaching Brochure (intended to be printed on a two sided sheet of paper and then tri-folded)