Georgia Geocachers Association
Meeting Minutes
November 13, 2004


The November 2004 meeting was held in Savannah, GA at Kings Ferry Park. Just before the official meeting start, several stalwart ‘cachers went canoeing down the Ogeechee River in search of some new hydro caches. Only one ‘cacher (who shall remain unnamed) fell in. Fun for all, however! [editor's note: I was corrected by ZackJones that both the 'cacher AND his spouse fell in. Zack advises it was all HER fault anyway! ]

The official meeting was “M.C.’d” by Mtn-man. There were 18 current members and 9 new members present. Mtn-man welcomed the new members and explained a little about how the GGA functioned, about the Steering Committee and about the web site and forums. It was highlighted that Mtn-man and ~erik~ have been re-installed as SC members and will be serving new three-year terms.

Mtn-man presented an update of the US Forest Service ban of geocaches on FS land. Thanks to the recent meeting with FS management representatives and ~erik~ and Mtn-man, The FS has told the GGA that if the GGA applies for a permit, they will probably allow geocaches to be placed as long as the FS is aware of where they are placed. In some cases, the FS may request that a cache in a sensitive area be relocated. It is all good news, and the application for the permit will most likely be submitted in the next two weeks.

Mtn-man also reminded everyone that they should submit pictures for the 2005 GGA Calendar. To be used, the pictures should be taken with a digital camera with at least 1.3 megapixel resolution. In addition, regular photograph prints can be submitted if they are large and can be scanned.

Next came a break. BBadMonkey brought his laptop computer and had loaded a recording of the Savannah TV news article about geocaching. He showed the entire article to everyone present. The article “starred” local cachers and was upbeat about geocaching in general. For anyone who has not seen it, it can be found here under the 8/17/04 date.

After the break, Mtn-man showed us some of his GeoCoin collection and discussed the concept of GeoCoins. He mentioned that he would post a topic on the forums to see how many GGA members might be interested in purchasing some GGA GeoCoins if they were available. Watch for it.

We then were treated to some stories and good kidding about the experiences on the canoe-caching trip. Sounds like everyone enjoyed the experience!

Then came the drawing for door prizes. A couple of special prizes were donated including an all leather laptop computer case donated by Rainbow Cache, and a hand carved walking stick, made and donated by Rainbow Cache also. Mtn-man began the drawing by pulling out his number first. In good sport, he put it back and drew another ticket -- HIS again! He was sent to the back of the room, and Penny of Penny and Chaos completed the drawing. There were enough door prizes for everyone present to get one. Also, there were many fun Travel Bugs present, and they all were claimed.

After the drawing, the meeting was adjourned, and most attendees headed to the nearby Love’s Fish Camp for supper.

Special thanks go to Penny and Chaos, and her husband and son, for making all the arrangements for the meeting and the entire weekend worth of events. Also, thanks to everyone who brought door prizes and Travel Bugs. And thanks to Tool Team, Lil Moose and Big Bear for the work on the canoe trip and for hiding the caches.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Trailerman,

Regarding the FS ban. Perhaps if GA had some sort of geocaching placement form similar to this one Cache Placement Formthat is used in PA.

Some additional geocaching info in PA can be found Geocaching Guidelines Page

The cache page where I found this information displayed a logo stating that it was approved, etc.

Zack

That's a good form. I'll suggest it to the FS.