Fwd: DISCOVER GEOCACHING AT FLORIDA'S STATE PARKS AND TRAILS

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Florida Department of Environmental Protection <FloridaDEP@public.govdelivery.com>
Date: Wed, Jun 25, 2014 at 8:18 AM
Subject: DISCOVER GEOCACHING AT FLORIDA'S STATE PARKS AND TRAILS
To: iammejtm@gmail.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 25, 2014 CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850.245.2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us DISCOVER GEOCACHING AT FLORIDA'S STATE PARKS AND TRAILS ~Join the new outdoor geocaching craze at Florida State Parks~    TALLAHASSEE – Adding to the already dynamic recreational opportunities at Florida state parks, the availability of geocaching is now expanding at many locations around the state. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Florida State Parks is excited to begin offering Operation Recreation GeoTour, hosted by Geocaching.com. Geocaching is an outdoor game using hand-held GPS devices or smartphones. The game is an inexpensive, interactive high-tech treasure hunt that teaches geography and outdoor recreation skills. Participants use location coordinates to find caches. Some caches are easy to find; others are more difficult. "Geocaching is a popular activity at Florida's state parks," said Donald Forgione, director of the Florida Park Service. "The biggest reward is not finding the cache. It's discovering a place where you've never been or seeing a familiar place in a new way." The new GeoTour stretches from Pensacola to Key West and includes 74 state parks and state trails. With Operation Recreation GeoTour, visitors will be inspired by the recreation opportunities and scenic beauty, which help strengthen families, educate children and foster community pride. The first 75 cachers to visit 40 different caches will earn the Official Operation Recreation Geocoin. Cachers can visit the GeoTours webpage to view each one of the 70 caches and download the Official Tracking Sheet to begin the geocaching adventure. If you need help finding a cache, hiding a cache or understanding some of the geocaching vocabulary, please visit the Florida State Parks Geocaching webpage. Geocaching should have minimal impact to the environment and conscientious land-use ethics should be followed when participating in the activity. About Florida State Parks, Greenways and Trails The Florida Park Service is the proud recipient of three National Gold Medals for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management, making Florida America's first three-time Gold Medal winner. The awards were received in 1999, 2005 and 2013 from the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration and the National Recreation and Park Association. Florida's 171 state parks and trails inspire residents and visitors with recreation opportunities and scenic beauty that help strengthen families, educate children, expand local economies and foster community pride. With 161 parks, 10 state trails, nearly 800,000 acres, 100 miles of beaches and more than 1,500 miles of multi-use trails, visit soon and often to enjoy Florida's natural treasures. Download the Florida State Parks Pocket Ranger® mobile app, available on iTunes and Android Market, to plan your trip and enhance your experience while visiting.  For more information, visit www.FloridaStateParks.org http://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLDEP/bulletins/bf9ff8 SUBSCRIBER SERVICES: Manage Preferences  |  Delete Profile  |  Help CHECK OUT DEP'S ONLINE NEWSROOM This email was sent using GovDelivery, on behalf of: Florida Department of Environmental Protection · 3900 Commonwealth Boulevard · Tallahassee, FL 32399-3000 · 850.245.2118

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Jeremy Tobias Matthews