Saving Unique Cave Resources through Gating

Saving Unique Cave Resources through Gating

Dale Green has spent nearly 50 years searching and protecting the cave resources of Utah. In the late eighties, Dale stumbled what he claims as his greatest cave discovery. The cave contains a profuse amount of totally pristine cave formations including fabulous floor vents and crystal-tipped stalactites.

For many years Dale has used secrecy to protect the cave. However, recently climbers have been developing routes within a few hundred feet from the cave's entrance. Its discovery was becoming imminent. Dale took trust that the BLM would be supportive of the continued protection the cave. He began by taking two BLM employees to the cave to discuss the necessary actions to protect the cave. In the spring of 2005, the BLM granted permission to gate the cave. After the successful completion of the Crystal Cave gate, Dale contacted Jon Jasper to help with the construction of a gate.

Due to the remote access of the cave, the construction of the gate had interesting challenges. The cave was a long distance hike with a 1,000 ft elevation gain. Very little funding was available and attention to the cave was to be at a minimum.

A May visit was made to the cave to make one-time measurements for a gate and to become familiarized with the obstacles involved. The gate was preconstructed so the bars could be anchored with 6 to 9 inch long rebar. On October 12, 2005, the gate was installed within 10 hours by Dale Green, BLM employees, and Timpanogos Cave NM Staff.

The cave's access is restricted to only research and management purposes. Even though the cave is gated, the location still remains confidential. This cave is protected to inspire the importance of preserving pristine resource for the next generations.

A small sample of the protected resources

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Maintained by Jon Jasper - last updated January 22, 2006