Northern Arizona Grotto
Founded:  March 14, 1997

In early 1995, there was a transition within Central Arizona Grotto (CAG) which did not meet our expectations of grotto purpose for promoting fellowship among cavers, caving and speleology.  Laura and Robert Bellospirito decided to make an inquiry to the National Speleological Society (NSS) as to the requirements and to see what was involved in starting a new grotto. 

After attending CAG meetings and not seeing a northern contingent, and less and less member turnout at meetings, we decided to put out feelers to see if there was interest in starting a new northern grotto.  Most of the people attending the initial meeting at our home, to discuss the possibility of starting a new Grotto, were also  members of the CAG.  They live in various locations north of Phoenix that required long drives to attend the CAG meetings.

It was in January of 1997 that the final decision was made, and the first meeting was held on February 8, 1997.  The members attending that meeting, Robert and Laura Bellospirito, Christopher Paul, Roy Barton, Holly and Gary Stedman, Jon Matthies, Larry Zimmer, Susannah Loveland, Kim Wegesin, and Mike Zimmer, spanned all age groups as well as geographical caving origins.  There was a wide diversity of backgrounds and caving experience.  Initial discussions revealed a basic interest in all aspects of speleology and a desire to promote camaraderie among it's members. 

Members of CAG gave us their blessing and offered help and encouragement.  Since the February 8, 1997 meeting, a great deal of progress had been made in the area of communication with the US Forest Service (USFS).  As most of the cave systems are on public land, the Grotto will go to great lengths to ensure NAG and cavers are involved, to help establish a working relationship with the USFS.

In order to have a well balanced Grotto, we will try to attract and recruit professional members who are interested in the various scientific aspects of the caving environment as well as other members who join for the friendships and love of caving.

The general thrust of the Grotto will be aimed at establishing safe caving methods, tread lightly attitudes, and highly ethical awareness within the caving community.  A Grotto newsletter is in the making, "The NAG Rag", which will present itself as both an informative forum and a bonding catalyst for the membership as a whole.

Sincerely,

Robert Bellospirito                                             Laura Bellospirito
NSS#-  38075                                                    NSS#- 36838
 

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