TeamSeekAndWeShallFind: We were so excited when we adopted this cache from cruzbike and couldn't wait to get it up and running but it is with great sadness that we must archive this old cache now and say goodbye. As it turns out, Turkee Run... sat for all these years in a State Nature Preserve which, according to the new KCFPD guidelines, are areas where Geocaching is not permitted. As it happens, Burlington Prairie, where this cache was, is one of Kane County's most sensitive prairies. Mr. Holan has informed us that some areas of Burlington Prairie haven't seen human footprints in hundreds of years !
We spoke back and forth with Mr. Holan for quite some time. He's a very busy man which is why this cache has sat disabled for so long. Below is a quote taken directly from his last letter concerning this matter:
"Sorry for the time delay. Along with being busy, I was on vacation earlier and after coming back for 2 days had to leave on bereavement."
"I spoke to our Director of Natural Resources regarding your cache. Burlington Prairie was left off the original list because it is a state nature preserve and geocaching is not an allowed activity in SNP’s. I know some people were trying to adopt caches in state owned state nature preserves and I do not know if exceptions were made on the few they tried. Sometimes exemptions are allowed but the controlling agency (the District in this case) would need to apply for an exemption which takes staff time to fill out paperwork and justify the change and I do not think we want to do so at this point."
Mr. Holan's letter went on explaining all the technicalities etc... and in the end he said he couldn't grant a permit at this time.
As sad as we are to have to archive this, we stand behind the KCFPD and their rules and regulations regarding our sport. Though we might get upset at the limitations placed upon us and our sport at this time, we must keep in mind that the KCFPD and FPD's everywhere, are the ones who protect the most beautiful and sensitive areas in the country and as Geocacher's isn't that what we're supposed to do too ? We must be aware of our natural areas and help protect them for future generations.
We adopted this cache because we remembered it well and it stood out as one of THE best hikes to a single cache we ever took. Burlington Prairie is absolutely outstanding and we hope that even though this old cache is now gone, you'll come here sometime and experience the delicate beauty of this prairie for yourself.
Thank you to everyone who hunted, "Turkee Run...,"
TeamSeekAndWeShallFind [:(] [:(]