MINIMUM IMPACT CAVING CODE
Hildreth-Werker 2/00, 8/02 werks@worldnet.att.net
This code of ethics encourages practices that minimize negative impacts to caves. As we learn more about cave environments, we evaluate and redefine caver ethics. This code describes low-impact caving techniques that come from the experiences and contributions of many cavers. Think safety, take care of yourself and your team. Move with stewardship. Avoid damaging aesthetic, cultural, paleontological, geological, hydrological, biological, as well as microbial resources. Cave softly … and leave no trace.
1. Packs, vertical gear, boots, aqua socks, gloves, helmets, and lint-free clothing, should be freshly washed to avoid transfer of microbes from other environments.
2. Use only non-marring/non-marking soles. Soles should not leave marks on cave surfaces. Cave-friendly soles can be either light or dark colored. No heavy waffle-stompers. No black Vibram™ soles. Strike the sole across limestone or concrete to determine whether it is safe for cave surfaces.
3. Use soft or padded cave packs. Avoid hard-edged boxes. Choose gear that is smaller, lighter, and more compact.
4. Always spot each other in fragile areas. Spot the feet, too.
5. Don't disturb bats or other cave dwellers.
6. Many critters and insects make their homes in caves and play active roles in the ecology of cave systems. Look before you step and avoid disturbing habitat.
7. Wear gloves. Check your gloves for mud, dirt, and holes to avoid extra impact.
8. Rather than grabbing handholds along the trail, use a gloved knuckle for balance where possible.
9. Pack in clean gloves for use in pristine sections and for restoration. Powder-free, non-latex surgical gloves are recommended.
10 Carry freshly washed flowstone shoes--lightweight, lint-free, soft-soled aqua-socks or water sports booties. Check and clean mud from flowstone shoes frequently. Take along a plastic bag to carry dirty boots.
11. Know where clean clothes, shoes, and gear are required. To help keep pristine passages clean, avoid wearing general caving attire in these areas. (Tyvek suits for painters or clean rooms pack well and are washable).
12. Avoid isolated pools. Tens of thousands of skin fragments and debris fall from each of our bodies every minute.
13. Do not comb or brush hair in the cave. Avoid scratching hair and skin. Develop caving practices that will reduce the input of organic carbons.
14. No smoking or use of tobacco in caves.
15. Remove all solid and liquid wastes. Carry an emergency pee bottle and burrito kit. Carry urine, feces, spit, vomit, etc. out of the cave.
16. Avoid dropping crumbs and food particles. Eat over a plastic bag. Carry out crumbs and debris. Do not eat on the move.
17. Stay on established trails. Do not impact the cave beyond well-established trails. Sit inside the trails. Be careful not to set packs outside the trails.
18. Always look for and use the most impacted areas when stopping. Photographers and photo gear should also remain within impacted trails.
19. Rather than retracing footprints and handprints, gently erase and restore.
20. Move carefully through the entire cave. Move gently through delicate areas.
Move slowly enough to avoid kicking up dust.
21. Don't lean on walls, ceilings, or formations. Don't sit on formations. Touch as little as possible. Use small points of contact for balance rather than dirty open palms.
22. Avoid touching anything you don't have to touch when moving through a cave.
23. Be willing to point out unsafe or damaging behavior. It is every caver's responsibility to ensure that cave environments remain as pristine as possible and that every team member is safe.