Conservation Authority welcomes geocachers
Enjoy geocaching or want to give the real-world, outdoor treasure hunting game a try?
The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) welcomes everyone to enjoy the game on its publicly-accessible lands during seasonal operating hours and in keeping with its geocaching guidelines.
For starters, geocachers must apply to TRCA for permission prior to placing a cache on its lands using this application form. Geocachers must travel on marked and maintained trails or in maintained public areas.
Caches can’t be placed within any culturally, ecologically or geologically significant areas. No digging or disruption of the ground is allowed when placing a cache. If marked and or maintained trails don’t exist, geocachers must seek approval for geocaching from the conservation area coordinator, superintendent or land manager before entering the property. All caches must be placed outside any building or structure on TRCA property.
Regarding geocache contents, trade items are permitted in caches provided they’re family and environmentally friendly. A cache can’t contain a trade item that could attract wildlife or is potentially harmful to humans, wildlife or the environment. Finally, a cache can’t contain food, alcohol, firearms, drugs, dangerous items, batteries, adult items or any other items deemed unacceptable by TRCA.
Geocachers must pay all applicable fees and follow all rules and policies, including using only designated access points or parking areas and visiting only during regular hours of operation. TRCA has the authority to monitor and limit the number of caches in specific locations on its lands and can remove a cache if it fails to adhere to its policies.
Geocachers are encouraged to follow the “cache in, trash out” (CITO) practice which contributes to the maintenance of Conservation parks and lands. Learn more about this clean-up practice. Visitors are also encouraged to visit the Leave No Trace website, which offers helpful principles and practices for planning safe and environmentally respectful outdoor recreational activities.
Bruce’s Mill Conservation Park is located at 3291 Stouffville Rd. in Stouffville. Visit Geocaching – Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) to learn more.
Image courtesy of Toronto and Region Conservation Authority.