Sorry that this is such a long post, but I'm sure there are some
of
you who will find the humor in this document. I received this in
response to a letter I wrote to the Georgia DNR. It seems that when
they (VERY recently) updated their policy they copied most of it
directly from their orienteering policy, a hobby with which they
appear to be much more familiar.

I've saved the full document in the files section of
letterbox-usa
and letterbox-southeast (filename GDNR Policy). What appears below is
cut directly from the letter. Maybe there are some of you who have
successfully contacted the "Powers That Be" in your home
state and
can give me some tips as to how I should proceed from here.

"June 30, 2004
Dear Mr. [Red],
Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites treats the activity of
letterboxing similarly to geocaching and orienteering. Letterboxing
is permitted under limited circumstances, on our sites. I am
attaching our current policy.
Thanks for your interest in Georgia State Parks and Historic
Sites. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact
me at 404-656-6524.
Sincerely,
Larry [name withheld]
Program Manager
*****
[attachment]
Non Traditional Activities Updated 6/30/04

Geocaching and Letterboxing --- Activities in which participants use
a GPS to locate a predetermined location in unfamiliar territory. In
geocaching, a geocache is placed at the GPS coordinate location for
the participant to find. The geocache is kind of a treasure box where
the participants can log-in that they have found the geocache and so
they can exchange novelty type items. In letterboxing, a letterbox is
placed at the GPS location for the participant to find. The letterbox
is kind of a treasure box where the participants can log-in that they
have found the letterbox, collect the letterbox stamp and so they can
exchange novelty type items.

Geocaching and Letterboxing is permitted on our State Parks and
Historic Sites under the following conditions to be determined by
manager's discretion.
1.That the site has the land base and has an area suitable for
geocaching or letterboxing. This location will be safe for the
participants and/or spectators.
2. Any geocaching or letterboxing activity cannot be located on a
site or in an area that would damage the natural resource.
4. The site manager determines if geocaching or letterboxing is an
appropriate activity that fits the sites interpretive goals.

Geocaching and Letterboxing can be held our State Parks and Historic
Sites in the following two circumstances:
1.The park or historic site establishes and maintains a geocache or
letterbox for its guests to find.
2. The park or historic site can allow outside groups to establish a
temporary geocaching course or a temporary letterbox course for guest
to use on a limited basis. The group establishing the geocaching
course or the letterbox course is responsible for inspecting the
premises including the course itself to insure no unusual hazards
exists. The park will provide someone to accompany the group
inspecting the premises and the course itself.
3. No park or historic site will allow unsecured outdoor geocache
(treasure box) or an unsecured letterbox (treasure box) except for
very limited times for weekend geocaching or letterboxing events.
Parks or historic sites should have the markers for there site
sponsored geocache or letterbox locations that would give a
combination to open the treasure box, which should be maintained at a
park office or interpretive center. The park staff would not have to
open and to close the geocache or the letterbox, but the guest could
use the combination lock to have access and to trade their novelty
items. Park staff should inspect geocaches or letterboxes
periodically to insure no inappropriate items are left in the
geocache or the letterbox.
4. Geocaches or Letterboxes on Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites
will not allow any items that violate any park rules, policies,
regulations or state laws. Furthermore inappropriate items for
children such as weapons, sharp objects, lighters, matches etc. will
not be allowed. Additionally, food or drink items will not be
permitted in geocaches or letterboxes.
5. Due to insurance and indemnity issues, outside groups sponsoring
geocaching or letterboxing events that charges any type of fee will
be required to have a concession agreement with the department. The
concession agreement will require the outside group to have insurance.
6. Outside groups that charge participants of an geocaching or
letterboxing event will be required to pay a fee to the
department."

Well, if you've read this far I hope you've got some good
ideas for
me.
Thanx,
-Red