Minutes of the NSS Cave Conservancies Committee

Cave Conservancy Home

July 14, 2004. NSS Convention - University of Northern Michigan

Meeting opened by John Wilson, Chair NSS Cave Conservancies Committee.

Introduction of attending conservancies (no list available).

Subcommittee Reports

Insurance Subcommittee, Rane Curl, Chair, presenting.

Contacted Nathan Harland of the Land Trust Alliance to discuss the recent cave conservancies’ insurance cancellation. According to him, the underwriter, Chubb, is not willing to insure properties with caves and karst features as the risks are considered too great for the amount of premiums possible from such a small population of potential policy holders (this includes possible premiums from NSS and their members). A booming stock market created a profitable investment strategy underwriters used to allow and encourage inexpensive premiums to quickly raise monies that, when invested in the stock market, created more profit than profits generated by traditional means. Now, a declining stock market is causing underwriters to re-evaluate investments/insurance coverage strategies. Mr. Harland stated he would investigate this matter further.

Rane will respond to Mr. Harland emphasizing that karst lands no different then any other vacant lands.

Premium costs may depend on whom, the trip leaders or the conservancy is accepting liability for people entering these caves?

Problems/ Solutions

Wide variety/levels of uses by various cave conservancies, so one type of policy will not cover all conservancies. /No solution.

Not a large amount of potential premiums, even when including NSS, so little money and incentive for underwriters to insure karst lands./ Contact small insurance companies/brokers to insure conservancies. Data needed to show accident rates vs. usage. Bing in expert testimony about caves being a geographic feature. Emphasize that caves have dangers, but don’t pose any additional liability risks over and above any natural or man-made features.

Old Business

New Business

Establishment of Additional Sub-Committees

None needed at this time.

Funding Opportunities

Keith Dunlop will create and update list of funding opportunities for cave conservancies.

Expanded Program for 2005 NSS Committee

Proposal to add a Conservancies papers session for 2005 Convention was rejected.

Alternative plan suggested asking Val Hildreth-Werker to include Conservancies papers within the Conservation and Restoration session. John Wilson will ask Val if this would be possible. This may also help avoid conflicts with other presentations.

New Round Table Meeting Day

Proposal to move Cave Conservancies Round Table to Thursday for 2005 Convention. This may allow/encourage BOG members to attend.

Official BOG Cave Conservancies Representative

Motion to ask BOG to designate an official representative from the NSS Nature Preserves to participate in the NSS cave Conservancy Committee functions. Seconded, and vote was unanimous

Coordination of Cave Conservancies Fund Raising

The Issue raised of conservancies selling similar items for fund raising purposes at Conventions. Motion made for Conservancies Committee to coordinate fund raisers to avoid duplication. Motion died for lack of a second.

Link to NSS Cave Conservancies Website

It was agreed that all conservancies should place a prominent link to the NSS Cave Conservancies website and allow this site to serve as their link to other conservancies. This will make for easier updates by individual conservancies.

Adjournment

Motion made to adjourn was seconded and accepted.