OregonSAGA

CITY OF SALEM
PARKS, STRETS AND PUBLIC SPACES
ADMINISTRATIVE RULES AND REGULATIONS
PROPOSED AMENDMENT:

3.13 GEOCACHE ACTIVITIES

• 3.13.a

Geocaching is recognized as a significant and positive recreational opportunity that is gaining in popularity. Anyone desiring to place a cache on city of Salem property shall follow the “Guide to Creating and Hiding a Cache” as described at www.geocaching.com.

• 3.13.b

Vehicle Access – geocachers are not authorized for vehicular access to turf areas, pathways, or sensitive areas without prior and written permission from the Director of the Department of Community Services.

• 3.13.c

Whenever possible, Geocachers are directed to stay on park system trails, roads, and/or pathways. For caches located in remote areas, or in designated sensitive areas, geocachers shall travel on durable surfaces, i.e., rock, nonvegetative. Note: The City’s Sensitive Area Study can be viewed at www.cityofsalem.net.

• 3.13.d

Avoid creating new trails – Caches which are located in remote areas where newer user trails and damage to vegetation is evident will be relocated or removed.

• 3.13.e

Placing a physical cache within the following areas is prohibited:

1. Historic Bush House and Greenhouse
2. Historic Deepwood Estate and Gardens
3. Pioneer Cemetery
4. Public restrooms
5. Any areas marked “No Trespassing”
6. Any elevated structure which requires climbing or the assistance of tool such as a ladder, etc.
   

• 3.13.f

Caches located in City of Salem parks, open spaces, or facilities shall not consist of “ammo cans” or containers which might be described as “suspicious containers”. The use of clear containers where the contents can be easily seen is preferred.

• 3.13.g

All caches located in City of Salem parks, open spaces, and/or facilities shall be identified by an “Official Geocache”” sticker and/or listed on www.geocaching.com. Caches found by City staff and not identified by www.geocaching.com and/or the official sticker may be removed and destroyed.

• 3.13.h

Cache In Trash Out (CITO) – Cachers who desire to sponsor, schedule, hold, or participate in a CITO event are directed to contact the Department of Community Services for training and/or information on the collection and disposal of trash gathered on City of Salem property.

• 3.13.i

Cache Contents – The following items shall not be placed in a cache located in City parks, open spaces, or facilities:

1. Explosives
2. Fireworks
3. Ammunition
4. Butane Lighters
5. Knives
6. Firearms
7. Drugs and Drug Paraphernalia
8. Alcohol
9. Food
   

• 3.13.j

Commercial Caches – Commercial caches, those that attempt to use geocaching to solicit customers, are prohibited in City-owned parks, open spaces, and facilities.