It sometimes happens that cave visitation must be restricted due to
run- away vandalism or sensitive biological resources. The preferred means to accomplish
this objective is to spread the word why access is limited and provide
a mechanism for controlled, legitimate access. However, some cavers refuse to cooperate.
When all attempts to achieve appropriate management objectives fail, or landowner relations
require access restrictions, cave gating becomes a necessary evil.
Pictured at right is the first gate installed by the IKC. At that time,
gating was a controversial topic in the caver community. This gate was repeatedly vandalized
and some bad feelings resulted. Yet in the intervening years, most cavers have come to
recognize the merits of protecting these resources from those who aren't as respectful. The
IKC also established a "grotto liaison" policy that helped restore the trust of
organized cavers.
Cave gating isn't nearly the controversial issue that it was in 1985. Still, an improper gate can restrict the passage of air, animals and nutrients into the cave system and may damage the very resource it was designed to protect. Although gate design has improved substantially (a gate constructed in 1997 is shown at left), cave gating remains a management approach that should be avoided whenever possible.