Goat Island EarthCache EarthCache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(not chosen)
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This EarthCache is located on Goat Island in the Missouri River.
There are a few ways in tackling this EarthCache. You can start
upstream at the west boat ramp(see waypoint) and take a kayak/canoe
downstream to Goat Island. Follow the river and stop at each way
point along the way. Once completed, make your way to the east boat
ramp(see waypoint). It will take a few hours to complete and that’s
without finding any of the 20+ geocaches on the island. Another way
would be to use a motor boat of some type and put in at one of the
boat ramps. This method isn’t encouraged as the river has numerous
sandbars that will be very difficult to navigate around. The ideal
time to attempt this cache is from spring through to fall during
moderate water flow. This will assist in avoiding sandbars and make
the trip less tiring for kayakers/canoeists. Please use extreme
care, travel in groups and remember if you’re kayaking/canoeing,
arrange a pickup &/or drop off at the boat ramps.
By seeking this cache you assume all risks involved.
Geological Make Up of the area:
Goat Island is situated between the glaciated and unglaciated
portions of the Missouri Plateau in the Great Plains Province of
the Interior Plains. The river’s course marks the terminus of the
southern advance of the Mankato substage of the Wisconsin
glaciation period in the region. The adjacent areas along this
stretch of the Missouri River is characterized by gently sloping
bluffs to the north and steep dissected bluffs rising sharply from
the floodplain on the south. The floodplain consists of sandy soil
deposited by the river since the Pleistocene.
The Creation of Goat Island:
The Missouri River is forever flowing and is in a perpetual
shifting, dynamic state. Natural shifting sands formed Goat Island
over the past few 100 years. Since the creation of Goat Island
changing water levels due to releases from the Gavan’s Point Dam
and moving sand drive changes to the river creating sandbars and
nearby islands. The land that adjoins the rivers is also dynamic.
Weather and climate change, geologic processes, and human-caused
factors are only a few of the agents of change that have helped
create Goat Island.
Who Owns Goat Island? In Which State is Goat Island
Located?:
Goat Island doesn't officially belong to anyone or any state, as
when the river was first surveyed it was deemed a sandbar. The
dispute has been in and out of the courts for years. The only way
to solve the dispute is to get the Island officially surveyed again
by the The Federal Bureau of Land Management and determine which
side of the island the main navigateable channel lies and if in
fact, Goat island is island. If this channel flows on the south
side of Goat Island it belongs to South Dakota, and if it flows on
the North side of the island it belongs to Nebraska. To get the
island officially surveyed again it takes an act of congress. To
date this seems very unlikely.
To claim this EarthCache you will need to perform the following
tasks:
Please read thoroughly before setting off on your
adventure.
1) Make your way to the West Goat Island waypoint and perform the
following tasks:
a. Take note of which way the most navigateable channel flows
around the island.
b. Take a photo of yourself (or group) with GPS in hand pointing to
this channel.
2) Make your way along the full length of the southern side of the
island examining the main geological problem you encounter on the
edge of the island. (Note: You will need to make a stop half way
along as indicated below)
3) Once you reach the midpoint of the island, make your way to the
EarthCache location.
a. Take note of the layout of the area and whether it looks like an
island or a sandbar.
b. Take a photo of yourself (or group) with GPS in hand showing the
typical terrain in the background.
4) Make your way to the East Goat Island waypoint and perform the
following tasks:
a. Take note of which way the most navigateable channel flows
around the island.
b. Take a photo of yourself (or group) with GPS in hand pointing to
this channel.
Once completed you will need to:
- Post the 3 photos indicated above in your log (feel free to
upload any additional photos)
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Email me answers to the following questions: Do not post these
in your log.
- Which side of the Goat Island does the main navigateable channel
flow?
- Which state “should” claim ‘Goat Island’?
- Describe the geological problem that appears along the south side
of the island.
- From all the waypoints visited and your exploration of the
interior, do you consider it an island or a sandbar?
- Would you consider it a towhead?
Towhead definition:
A towhead is a sandbar or islet within a river that often features
a small grouping of trees. The term itself may also be used in a
broader sense, simply reffering to any island or visible landform
which exists inside the current of a river.
Additional Equipment for your adventure:
- Watercraft (preferably a kayak or canoe)
- Personal floatation device
- GPS
- Camera (fully charged or extra batteries)
- Extra GPS batteries
- Drinking water & snack/lunch
- Sturdy shoes for walking on Goat Island
- Pen and paper for your notes and if you wish to find any of the
geocaches on the island
- Mobile phone
Additional Waypoints
West Goat Island: N 42 46.045 W 97 06.262
East Goat Island: N 42 45.825 , W 97 02.277
West Boat Ramp: N 42 46.335 W 97 07.292
East Boat Ramp: N 42 45.956 W 97 00.202
Additional Hints
(No hints available.)