Cave Conservation Policy

Northern Arizona Grotto Policy for Cave Conservation Approved by NSS Board of Governors December 28, 1960

The National Speleological Society believes that:

That caves have unique scientific, recreational, and scenic values; That these values are endangered by both carelessness and intentional vandalism; That these values, once gone, cannot be recovered; and That the responsibility for protecting caves must be assumed by those who study and enjoy them.

Accordingly, the intention of the Society is to work for the preservation of caves with a realistic policy supported by effective programs for the encouragement of self-discipline among cavers., education and research concerning the causes and prevention of cave damage and special projects including cooperation with other groups similarly dedicated to the conservation of natural areas.

Specifically:

All contents of a cave - - formations, life and loose deposits - are significant for its enjoyment and interpretation. Therefore, caving parties should leave a cave as they found it. They should provide means for the removal of waste, limit marking to a few small and removable signs as are needed for surveys; and, especially, exercise extreme care not to accidentally break or soil formations, disturb life forms, or unnecessarily increase the number of disfiguring paths through an area.

Scientific collection is professional, selective and minimal. The collecting of mineral or biological material for display purposes, including previously broken or dead specimens, is never justified as it encourages others to collect and destroys the interest of the cave.

The Society encourages projects such as establishing cave preserves, placing entrance gates where appropriate; opposing the sale of speleothems; supporting effective protective measure; cleaning and restoring over-used caves; cooperating with private cave owners by providing knowledge about their cave and assisting them in protecting their cave and property from damage during cave visits; and encouraging commercial cave owners to make use of their opportunity to aid the public in understanding caves and the importance of their conservation.

Where there is reason to believe that publication of cave locations will lead to vandalism before adequate protection can be established, the Society will oppose publication.

It is the duty of every Society member to take personal responsibility for spreading a consciousness of the cave conservation problem to each potential user of caves. Without this, the beauty and value of our caves will not long remain with us.

I, the undersigned, being desirous of caving, exploring, or otherwise entering upon and under land and premises, and being aware of the risks and hazards inherent in caving and having elected voluntarily to participate, do hereby release fellow cavers and all persons, unincorporated associations or corporations from any and all liability either in law or equity for any injury, death or damage which might ensue. This release shall bind myself, my heirs and/or representatives.

I desire to be admitted as a member of the Northern Arizona Grotto of the National Speleological Society. I will uphold the Constitution, Bylaws and policies of the National Speleological Society and the Northern Arizona Grotto.

I have read, understand, agree with this application and the above NSS Policy for Cave Conservation and have been given and received a copy thereof.
 

Applicant's Signature:________________________________________________ Date: _____________________
Parental Signature: __________________________________________________ Date: _____________________
(If applicant is under age of 18)

version dated 2/12/99    v. 9/97  

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