Event: Geo Cache Bash, February 23, 2008

Park: Cattail Cove State Park
Guests: Cattail Cove Park Manager Gary Peaslee & Volunteer Host Nancy Winters Koenig
Summary: Guests explain the basics of Geo Caching, including how it started and good geo caching practices on public lands. Plus, learn what will be happening at this event on February 23. Additionally, a brief explanation of Cattail Cove's 28 Boat-in campsites.
Time: 6:15

Intro Music:

HOST:
Welcome to the Arizona State Parks Update. Today we're talking about the 2nd Annual Geo-Cache Bash at Cattail Cove State Park in western Arizona to be held on February 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Geo Caching is related to orienteering where people find their way using a compass, except that Geo Caching takes advantage of personal, handheld Global Positioning Systems, commonly referred to as GPS to seek out a specific location. Joining us today to discuss this event and the park is Cattail Cove Park Manager Gary Peaslee. Welcome to the program Gary.

PARK MANAGER GARY PEASLEE:
Thank you very much

HOST:
Also joining us is the coordinator of Geo Cache Bash, Cattail Cove Volunteer Host Nancy Winters Koenig. Hello Nancy.

VOLUNTEER HOST NANCY KOENIG:
Hello. Thank you for having me.

HOST:
So, Nancy, geo caching is like a 21st century treasure hunting adventure game. I understand it started in the year 2000 after the Defense Department stopped scrambling the signals beamed to GPS receivers from military satellites, making it easier for recreational users to find specific locations. Explain to us the basics of what Geo Caching is.

KOENIG:
Well "geo" stand for geography and "cache" for a temporary hiding place. So it is much like a scavenger hunt using a GPS handheld receiver. You'll have your coordinates and be able to go on a hiking trail and with that receiver you'll be able to zoom in on where the treasure's hidden. And then in finding the treasure, it's usually a container with items to trade and a log book to sign in. However here at Cattail we're offering what's known as an "event cache." So our items will be trinkets you'll actually be able to take, but still have a log book to sign in on.

HOST:
And what specifically will be happening at the Geo Cache Bash on February 23, walk us through the day's events.

KOENIG:
Well everyone needs to get down here at Cattail Cove. At 10 a.m. we'll have a welcome introduction. At 10:30 we'll break into some geo caching groups and register out for the hike. And at 10:45 the search begins. We've got about 12 treasures that are hidden. And then at 12:30 we're hoping everyone gets back in, and registers in, and then we'll have prize drawings on our beach and a food vendor available.

HOST:
Now tell us a little more about the raffle. I hear there's 4 grand prizes. Tell us what those are.

KOENIG:
There is. They're great prizes. Two-nights at Cattail Cove State Park. Two-nights (in a cabin or yurt) at Lyman Lake State Park. Two-nights (in a cabin) at Roper Lake State Park, and a standard day use annual pass that's good for one year.

HOST:
Now Gary, last year's Geo cache event was a big success and its a unique way to encourage people to come out to the park. What are some general guidelines people should follow when Geo Caching on public lands, including state parks?

PEASLEE:
As in any natural area we ask everybody to stay on defined trails that are located in the park. Another thing that we'd like people to be aware of is that everyone should always go out in groups of at least two or more and that's why we have a sign out procedure. We will have, for those who are having their first time out, a guide that will help them get to the treasure without having to worry about the technical aspects. They can kind of go along and see what it's all about. We're going to find also that many people who have their own GPSs have done this before and they're out for a new adventure. We'd like people to know they need to go around obstructions. The arrow points one way but that doesn't always mean that's a safe way to go. You need to understand you need to go around major obstructions to get to the cache. And we will explain more of that the day we have the event.

HOST:
And we want to encourage responsible Geo Caching practices, including limiting graffitti, digging, trash, illiegal off road vehicle use, vandalism, caches near archeological sites or commercial use.

PEASLEE:
Absolutely. That goes without saying in any natural area, but it's a good idea to remind that these things are not allowed.

HOST:
Now Cattail Cove offers 61 traditional campsites with a board spectrum of activities, but your park also offer 28 boat in campsites. Tell us about these sites.

PEASLEE:
In a partnership with the BLM (Bureau of Land Management), there are approximately 100 sites altogether, 28 of those sites are located both north and south along the shoreline from Cattail Cove. No fires are allowed anytime out on the lake because of the fire dangers. There's a picnic table provided, garbage cans, and more primitive outhouses, so it is a primitive experience. There's no roads to any of these sites. It's very popular for people who just want to go out and enjoy their boat in a pristine environment.

HOST:
Now Nancy, you've been a volunteer campground host for 4 seasons, why do you enjoy volunteering for Arizona State Parks?

KOENIG:
Oh I think my number one reward, personal reward, is just the interaction with guests, both old and new. People who are attending our park. This is such a beautiful area and it's fun to be able to share it with others.

HOST:
Thank you both for joining us today.

KOENIG:
Thank you.

PEASLEE:
You're very welcome, thank you.

HOST:
Cattail Cove State Park is located on State Route 95, 15 miles south of Lake Havasu City, in western Arizona. Park entrance fees will be waived for those attending the Geo Cache Bash. Campsites with electricity are available for $21 a night. To contact the park directly please call 928-855-1223. To learn more about recreational opportunities at Arizona State Parks visit our website AZStateParks.com. The 2nd annual Geo Cache Bash will be held February 23 at 10 a.m. at Cattail Cove State Park.

Music:

Commentator:
Arizona State Parks: Managing and serving Arizona’s natural, cultural and recreational resources for the benefit of the people both in our parks and through our partnerships.  Visit us on the web as azstateparks.com.

Music: End

Next Audio Update -->

Audio Update Index