Great Saltpetre Committee

By: Wes Keifer

In September 1989 GCG signed a 10 year lease agreement with the Felburn foundation to manage the Great Saltpetre Cave property. GCG recognized that the management of the property was too much work for on grotto. We approached the BGG grotto and they agreed to co-manage the property with GCG.

The management committee consists of 8 members, 4 from each grotto. Within each grotto's representation is a co-chairman. The committee's first task was to prepare a management plan for the property. Briefly the plan states that we will manage the property as an educational, scientific, historical and nature preserve.

Some of our accomplishments have been to repair the gates to the cave, prepare the house for occupancy (almost done), general clean up of the grounds and installing some basic comforts (read shithouse) for camping. Some of our plans in the near future include: a timber survey of the property; preparing a brochure on the cave; having an annual open-house, improving the camping facilities, and the "big one" - attempt to generate enough income from the property to pay our fixed operating costs such as insurance, taxes and maintenance. So far we have been meeting our expenses thru donations. We wish to thank everyone who has donated money, time, or materials. Since we are in the process of improving the camping facilities the committee is considering starting a nominal fee (read mandatory donation) for any and all who I camp on the property.

The committee welcomes input from all members on how and what to do in managing the property. Please feel free to attend committee meetings to present your ideas. The committee meets on a "as required" basis , is. Attend your local grotto meetings to find out when and where the meetings will be held.

Wes Keifer - GCG CO-CHAIRMAN.

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