STATE PARK TREASURE HUNT UNDERWAY

Third year for geocache contest; 50 first-prizes include annual camping permit or two-night cabin rental; contest runs through Nov. 1
PRATT — For the third year in a row, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) is sponsoring a geocaching contest in Kansas state parks. From May 1 to Nov. 1, each state park and some other KDWP locations have two hidden caches. The coordinates of the first cache at each site are posted on the KDWP website, www.kdwp.state.ks.us. (Type "geocaching contest" in the search box.) Participants use hand-held global positioning systems (GPS) to find and open the first cache, where they will find the coordinates of the second. Upon finding the second cache, the participant signs a log sheet and takes a certificate to that park office. Then they receive a park-specific location ink pen and the official statewide KDWP Geocaching Entry Form. Entry forms can be validated at all KDWP park and regional offices, as well as the Pratt Operations Office, for each second cache found.

Prizes will be awarded based first on how many points are earned. Every second geocache found at each participating location will be worth one point. Prizes will be awarded on a point and time system after the contest ends Nov. 1. First place prizes (maximum of 50 winners) will be a choice between two nights in a KDWP camping cabin or one annual camping permit for 2011. The first 50 participants to earn all of the 31 points and submit their forms win a first-place prize.

Those who earn 31 points but mail their forms in after the first 50 will receive second-place prizes, a choice between one night in a camping cabin or a 14-day camping permit for 2011. Two nights camping and utilities will be awarded for third place winners.

This is the third year of this outdoor recreation opportunity, one that may introduce many new patrons to state parks and other KDWP areas, as well as provide new activities for regular customers.
-30-