Caches & NY DEC Regs

[JPD1600]

Does anyone know whether it is against NY DEC regulations (or any other regulation or law for that matter) to leave caches containing gear and food in the Catskills for pickup/use/resupply on longer trips?

[MattC]

I don't believe it is against regs, but I could be wrong. I don't see how caching gear is any different than leaving a campsite w/ a tent set up or dropping a pack somewhere for a while. I would leave a note with gear stating something like "Please do not disturb. This is important gear needed for a long distance hike. It is not litter."

As for food, I would suggest using a bear canister for a cache. I don't think I'd want to leave a bear bag hanging for more than a day or so, even a really good hang. If not bears, sooner or later little critters or even birds may get at it.

You can always contact DEC directly, too:

NYSDEC
Region 3
21 South Putt Corners Rd
New Paltz NY 12561
845-256-3018

Matt

[AlpineSummit]

I'd just keep them out of sight so that nobody is the wiser.

Personally, this is minor, but I have 3 water bottles stashed along Rocky Peak Ridge for a traverse planned later this summer. They won't be found by anyone and as long as I pick them up, it's not litter.

[JPD1600]

Thanks for the suggestions. Since the caches are likely going to mostly contain food, I was planning on using small bear cannisters. Honestly, it hadn't even occurred to me that this might be against DEC regulations until I mentioned my plans to a very experienced Catskill hiker and he mentioned that it might be against DEC regs. I've scanned through the DEC Regs on their website (they are not searchable so I read through the headings and skimmed the sections that seemed relevant) and couldn't find anything on point. To anyone reading this, please don't consider this authoritative, I have not read the regulations throughly enough to say with confidence that there is no DEC reg relating to caching. When I get a chance, my next step is to give the DEC a call as Matt suggested.

[imarchant]

§190.4 Camping permits

a. Temporary camping in one location for four nights or more is prohibited except under permit. Except during the big game hunting season, no temporary camping permit will be issued to any person for a period in excess of 14 consecutive nights. No temporary camping permit may be renewed, or a new permit issued, to the same person for the same location in the same calendar year.

b. Temporary camping is restricted in certain posted areas and no person may camp on such areas without a permit.

c. Upon termination of camping all equipment and supplies must be removed from State land. The storage of personal property on State lands is prohibited.

d. No temporary camping permits will be issued to individuals under 18 years of age.

e. No group of 10 or more individuals may camp on State lands at any time except under permit.
If the cache is there for more than 4 days you MIGHT need to get a permit. The permits are free. Check with the DEC.