Prairie Winds - Where Millions Once Roamed Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

Cache Effect: I have received no response from the cache owner, so I must regretfully archive this as per the request of the land manager.
Thanks!
Cache Effect
Volunteer Reviewer

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Hidden : 2/13/2011
Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
3 out of 5

Size: Size: regular (regular)

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Geocache Description:

This cache is part of a series called the “Prairie Winds Adventure Trail” developed by volunteers of the Canadian Badlands Geocaching Association. Enjoy the hidden secrets of Southern Alberta by getting off the beaten trail to sites seldom visited, scenic views and historic sites and buildings. Prairies are not flat and there is a reason for calling our trail “Prairie Winds”.

If you were standing at this spot in the early 1800’s you may have witnessed an incredible sight; Bison, thousands of them grazing on the grasslands as far as you could see. If you looked closely, you would see packs of plains wolves and huge plains grizzlies following along with the herds, looking for their next meal. You may have also seen elk; they also inhabited the plains, in the thousands.
Bison once roamed from Canada to Mexico, grazing the great plains of North America. Their numbers so great that early explorers could only guess. Numbers ranged from 30 million to 200 million. By 1880, only a few thousand would remain and the plains wolves and plains grizzly gone.

SPECIAL PLACES

At this location, you are in the Twin Rivers Heritage Rangelands which is protected as part of the Special Places program in Alberta. The rangelands covering 19,000 ha (47,000 ac) encompass the confluence of the north and south Milk Rivers. Twin Rivers is one of six large blocks of grasslands left on the plains of North America and is considered internationally significant.
Grasslands evolved under a history of grazing by bison. In the absence of bison and to maintain grassland ecology sustainable livestock management by ranchers has replaced this process.
Enjoy, Experience and reflect on what once was.

Some Rules and Cautions
- please obey posted rules
- do not drive off designated trail (do not park or drive on grasslands)
- leave no garbage
Access to this site is remote but can be made by car. DO NOT attempt if the road is wet or snow covered. 6.5 km of access is dirt trail.

NOTE: Approach the cache with care or you might surprise one of the local residents. Make some noise so he can slither away before you get there.

To receive a Prairie Winds Geocoin, you must have logged, as found, at least 40 of the Prairie Winds caches and then send an e-mail to lthbridge@gmail.com. We will check your profile and contact you for mailing arrangements. There are 100 geocoins available.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Ab uvagf arprffnel

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)


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