Getting permission in NYC

[mtgilbert]

I'm new to geocaching (1 find so far!) and am surprised that there aren't more discussions about getting permission to place caches. I'm in NYC during the school year, but spend time in the Adirondacks during the summer. Up here, a permit is required by New York State for hides on state land. They are free, and good for two years. What is involved for getting permission in the Big Apple? Thanks.

[everettlane]

Welcome!

As for permissions, do we have a FAQ on this yet? If not we probably should...

In general (and the more experienced cachers probably can tell you more) you still need permissions for any State or Federal land / parks. (As in, no.) The city-run parks are generally fine. As for the non-park areas, obviously you need to hide them in a public space, and ask yourself: would someone call the Department of Homeland Security if they stumbled on this? So rule out bridges, monuments, etc. I'd say start finding stuff in NYC and that will give you a sense of what is acceptable.

[halijusapa]

The permit the OP is thinking of is a special permit that applies to NY State parks. In many parks below that level (or public places in general), no permit, permission, etc. is needed, keeping everettlane's common sense guidelines. The only other city or county level I know of that requires a permit in regards to caches in their parks is Rockland County, and they only passed that in the last couple of years. Hope that helps. I also advise (similar to everettlane's suggestion) that you find some more caches before you hide one as it will give you a good idea of a "good hide" that won't cause trouble. Enjoy!

[mtgilbert]

Halijusapa is quite right - the permit apples to NYS parks, not all NYS lands. I have been in touch with a very helpful official at the DEC and learned that forest lands under their jurisdiction do not require permits, with the exception of wildlife preservation areas which require special permission from the manager. All the DEC asks is that the owner label the cache with his/her name and address, and that trees not be harmed.

[Child Of Atom]

The only restricted parkland I can think of around here is on the west side of Manhattan, and Governor's Island. (Though I'll admit I am not as familiar with stuff in the outer boroughs.)

Riverbank is a state park. There is some discrepancy as to where it stops and starts. The website says that it is only the elevated area between 145th and 137th (it's really cool, it's built on the roof of the waste treatment plant that is there, rendering it as useful land.) But I have had caches rejected in the strip of land north of there because Admin says it is part of Riverbank.

Half of Governor's Island is Federal Park, but the other half is city park, so be careful about permissions out there.

The city parks are pretty "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." Especially Central Park. The Central Park Conservancy is definitely aware that there are caches in there, but I don't think they know exactly how many or where. There have been several of us who have bumped against the CPC, mostly workers assigned to specific areas that are really protective of their home turf, or specific trees, or whatnot.

[addisonbr]

[everettlane]

[addisonbr]