What is Geocaching?

Geocaching is an outdoor adventure activity for users of global positioning systems (GPS).  Individuals and organizations set up geocaches (caches) all over the world and share the coordinates of their locations, often through the internet.  GPS users can then locate the caches through published coordinates and site descriptions.  Most commonly, a geocache is an object or container holding small objects for exchange.  The finder may remove the enclosed "prize" and leave another, sign a logbook, or utilize a number of variations.  Some caches are simply locations with unusual vegetation or unique land features that the cache owner wants the cache hunter to experience (virtual caches).  There is also a derivative form of the activity that searches for published coordinates of an existing historical monument, plaque, or benchmark.  While geocaching has become the standard name for the sport, other terms include Navicaching, GPS Orienteering, GPS Stash Hunt, and Benchmarking.

Information needed for placement of geocaches on Corps of Engineers property at Allatoona Lake: 

        - A letter requesting the placement of a geocache on Corps of Engineers property with the following information: 

                - The geocache coordinates and location. 

                - Name, address and phone number of the geocache owner. 

               - A copy of the geocache owner’s current picture identification to confirm applicant’s identity.

 
Requirements of geocaching objects or containers: 

        - Must be clearly identified as a geocache object or container. 

        - Containers must be transparent due to homeland security issues. 

        - Geocaches should not contain alcohol, illicit, illegal or otherwise inappropriate material.

Restrictions on Geocache Locations: 
 
        - Placement of geocaches are not allowed in prohibited areas which include: 

        - Designated restricted areas including, but not limited to: 

                - The areas surrounding the dam. 

                - Webster’s Overlook and Little River cliffs. 

        - Areas that, directly or indirectly, would negatively affect ecologically, environmentally, or socially sensitive areas (threatened or endangered      species, critical habitats, cultural resources, tribal lands without consent, etc.) including, but not limited to: 

                - On or around the Cooper’s Furnace structure. 

                - Allatoona Pass. 

        - Areas that may pose safety risks, such as unstable banks, cliffs, or other potential hazards. 

        - Areas where geocaching activities may interfere with established public uses, such as boat launching, picnicking, swimming, etc. Geocaches may be placed in campgrounds, but only after the seasonal close date and must be removed prior to the campground opening date. 

        - The lakebed or other areas below the 840 foot elevation level (normal summer pool). 

        - Areas where geocaching activities may interfere with the operation of Allatoona Lake. 

        - The Allatoona Operations Project Management Office. 

        - Areas where the security of Allatoona Lake and/or public safety would be at risk.

For information about our geocaching policy, please visit the following link:

http://corpslakes.usace.army.mil/employees/cecwon/pdfs/05jun16-geocache.pdf

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