The Observer article “Geocaching gets cash boost” has generated a lot of attention from the geocaching community. Concerns have been expressed about commercialization, quality and longevity of caches.

Wade Peacock, an avid geocacher known online as KnightOrc wrote a letter to the Salmon Arm Observer articulating some of these concerns. We got together with KnightOrc and fellow geocacher Marty Anstey, aka Rhondle to discuss these concerns. Geocaching.com guidelines state that they will not publish caches placed with the primary intent of soliciting customers or generating commercial gain.

We have been in contact with representatives from Geocaching.com, the BC Geocaching Association and Interior Geocaching for guidance and were advised by geocaching.com co-founder, Bryan Roth that our approach is in keeping with their guidelines.

The intention of the Shuswap GEO Quest project is to promote tourism by providing more quality geocaching opportunities. Caches often contain items for trade such as key-chains, pins and coins. Local businesses are providing prizes such as free dinners, horseback riding, boat rentals, golf, mini-golf, bike rentals and ice-cream. There is no obligation to buy anything or to go into a business.

To ensure quality, long-lasting caches it is important to involve new and existing geocachers. KnightOrc and Rhondle have developed creative geocaches and have offered to provide advice and assistance.

Hiding is just as much fun as seeking; when you hide a cache you become its owner with the ability to monitor and update the on-line listing and log. Geocache owners are responsible for periodic maintenance to ensure that it will be available during future visits. To ensure that hidden caches will be maintained we are encouraging new and existing geocachers to work with us to hide and adopt caches.

We are planning to meet regularly with people interested in geocaching. On July 23, we will have an informal meeting at Podollan Inn (N 50º 42.185’ W 119º 16.060’) to provide an opportunity to get to know geocachers in the area, discuss the project and do a series of five temporary event caches.

Beginners and non-geocachers are welcome to attend. We have some GPS units available for those who do not have their own.

Please contact us at 250-833-3111 or Geoquest@futureshuswap.com to let us know if you will be attending.

James Gjaltema,

Project Co-ordinator

Shuswap GeoQuest