I just wanted to put in my two cents on this
issue. I have been reading the messages regarding the article in the AZ
Watch written by Shelly Rasmussen. I am a site steward and would like to
say that she does not represent all site stewards, in fact, I think most site
stewards disagree with her views. I do not geocache myself, but hope to in
the near future. I am the regional coordinator for the Yuma Region and
have an avid geocacher in my group. I also have a few sites with caches
near them, but I have never had any trouble with vandalism at these sites.
As a site steward our job is to monitor and carry out the wishes of the land
managers, not be the police, judge, and jury regarding geocaching. As I
understood it from speaking with Mary Estes, you had a productive meeting on
September 27th, and had high hopes for future cooperation. I also understand
that many landmanagers have no problem with geocaching, nor do they have
policies against it. Please do not allow Ms. Rasmussen's comments to undo
the good that has been done. I plan to speak to Mary Estes myself and ask
her to no longer allow Ms. Rasmussen to publicly speak as if she was speaking
for all site stewards. Hopefully this will put an end to this issue.
Keep up the good work.
Sincerely,
Jill McCormick
Regional Coordinator
Yuma-Quartzsite