NCreviewer: Given the path between the sign where the final cache coordinates are obtained and the final cache location is in an area off-limits to off-trail activities, this cache needs to be reworked so you approach the final cache location us entirely off of NPS land. That might mean a several mile bushwhack in extremely rough terrain where loss of limb or life is even more possible in order to reach the final cache coordinates (which is off of NPS land).
The actual cache location is not a problem.
The off trail expectation is the problem. If the cache is modified such that seeking it does not involve off-trail and off-limits / prohibited activity on this NPS land, then this cache should be resubmitted as a new cache with a new approach that is entirely off of NPS land.
Given that a large number of non-geocachers were already visiting the ridge, I suspect the NPS ranger(s) would have had a tough time knowing who the violators were. Now it will be clear that only non-geocachers will be using the off-trail prohibited areas that are inside NPS managed lands.
Perhaps the ranger who posted the note will consider it theft to leave NPS land to remove something that belongs to others. I know if it were my geocache I would not appreciate someone venturing outside the boundaries of land they manage to remove my container. That would be my job.
To the cache owner : please contact the ranger at the # provided to arrange for cache removal. Please coordinate your off-trail activities with the ranger so you are not fined for removing your cache.
To everyone watching this cache, please visit the NPS web site to see their organizational creation statement sometime. It's very enlightening -- http://www.nps.gov/legacy/organic-act.htm
NCreviewer
Volunteer geocaching.com reviewer