The 189th regular meeting of the NSS Board of Governors was held on October 20, 2001, at Glendale Community College, Phoenix, Arizona. These minutes, when accompanied by corrections accepted by the Board, constitute the official record of the meeting.
The meeting was called to order by President pro tem Hazel Medville at 9:10 A.M. Lee Stevens was present as Recording Secretary.
1. Roll Call and Announcement of Proxies
OFFICERS:
Hazel Medville, President pro tem
Thom Engel, Administrative Vice President
Scott Fee, Operations Vice President
Paul Stevens, Secretary-Treasurer
DIRECTORS:
Hazel Barton Olsen
Linda Baker Devine
Bill Bussey
Dave Jagnow
Bill Klimack
David Lester (seated as noted)
Douglas Medville
Gary Moss
Philip Moss
Jim Olsen
Dave Taylor
Bill Tozer
PROXIES:
Ray Keeler for Don Paquette
ABSENT:
Mike Hood, President
Don Paquette, Executive Vice President
2. Approval of the April 7, 2001 and July 23 and 27, 2001, Board of Governors Meeting Minutes
Jagnow moved the approval of the April 7, 2001 Board meeting minutes as published. Stevens seconded.
P. Moss moved to substitute: Approval of the April 7, 2001, minutes be postponed until March 2002 so that the vote count on the e-mail ballots held prior to the April 7, 2001, meeting can be included in the minutes. Taylor seconded.
VOTE to substitute:
In favor: Rest
Opposed: Bussey
PASSED
VOTE on the motion to postpone:
In favor: Rest
Opposed: Bussey
POSTPONED
Bussey moved the approval of the July 23 and 27, 2001 minutes as published. Jagnow seconded.
Stevens moved to amend: Moved that the minutes be amended to reflect our policy on retaining the name of the originator of a motion considered by the Board as long as the mover was entitled to make the motion when it was made. Engel seconded.
VOTE to amend:
Unanimously in favor
PASSED
Note: The effect of this amendment is that Cheryl Jones’ name will replace that of Thom Engel in the minutes of the July 23 and 27, 2001 Board meeting on those motions she originally placed on the July 2001 Board meeting agenda.
VOTE to approve the July 2001 minutes as amended:
Unanimously in favor
PASSED
3. Officer’s Reports
President – Mike Hood’s report was presented by President pro tem H. Medville
Executive Vice President - Don Paquette’s report was presented by Ray Keeler
Administrative Vice
President – Thom Engel
Additions to the submitted written report are as follows:
1. Warrens Cave Preserve
The diseased trees on the property have been cut for the cost of
the wood. The Preserve property has been surveyed but never
"monumented". The Society may need to pay the cost of a
re-survey, approximately $1,000, if our neighbors do not monument
when they re-survey.
2. Barton Hill Karst Preserve
A successful rescue took place at the preserve in early October.
3. The Education Division Committee Report will be sent out. It was not attached to the earlier AVP report.
4. The NSS Salons Committee
Lee Stevens reported that Paul Stevens has digitized and
up-loaded numerous cave ballads from past salons onto the NSS
Cave Art web site. More ballads will be added as they become
available.
All salon sub-committee chairmen were asked to revise the entry requirements and contact persons for their respective salons so this information can be published in a future issue of the NSS NEWS.
Operations Vice President – Scott Fee
Secretary-Treasurer – Paul Stevens
Committee Reports
A. 2002 Convention – Joe Levinson
B. 2003 Convention – Peri Frantz and Lynn Fielding
C. 2001 National Cave and Karst Management Symposium – Cheryl Jones
D. Trimodal Transpark, Kentucky – Hilary Lambert Hopper
Suspend the Agenda
Bussey moved to suspend the agenda to remember Dr. George Huppert and to also observe a moment of silence in his honor. Agreed to by unanimous consent.
Recess
The President pro tem declared a short recess at 11:10 A.M. The meeting resumed at 11:25 A.M.
5. Election to Fill the Vacant Director’s Position
Hood moved: David Lester is appointed to fill the un-expired director’s position created by the resignation of Dr. William R. Halliday. The person selected will serve until a successor is elected by the membership.
Those nominated were Cheryl Jones, Tom Lera, David Lester, and Joseph Levinson.
Bussey moved that the list of nominees be accepted.
Barton seconded.
After two rounds of balloting, David Lester was selected to fill the vacancy.
VOTE on the motion appointing David Lester to fill the
un-expired director’s term:
Unanimously in favor
PASSED
David Lester was seated as a director at 12:45 P.M.
6. NSS/NPS Memorandum of Understanding
Hood moved: The Memorandum of Understanding between the NSS and the National Park Service (Attachment ____ to these minutes) is approved. Barton seconded.
VOTE:
Unanimously in favor
PASSED
7. Appointments
Barton moved to consider items 7A through & 7E as a group.
P. Moss seconded.
VOTE on the motion to consider as a group:
In favor: Rest
Opposed: D. Medville, Bussey
PASSED
VOTE to approve all appointees in 7A through 7B:
Unanimously in favor
PASSED
7A. NSS Nominating Committee
Hood moved: Connie M. Hillebrand, NSS 41155RL, is confirmed as Chairman of the NSS Nominating Committee in the Department of the President.
Connie M. Hillebrand
16147 Darden Rd
Granger IN 46530-9509
219 277-1351
cavrbab@mindspring.com
7B. Annual Report Committee
Paquette moved: Bert Ashbrook, NSS 25104LF, is confirmed as Chairman of the Annual Report Committee in the Department of the Executive Vice President.
Bert Ashbrook
1257 Lehigh Pky S
Allentown PA 18103-3875
(610) 797-3981
ashbrook@alum.mit.edu
7C. NCRC Training Coordinator
Engel moved: David Ashburn, NSS 35855, is re-appointed training coordinator of the National Cave Rescue Commission and to the NCRC Board of Regional Coordinators for a three-year term ending in the summer of 2004.
David Ashburn
125 Dana Lane
Chickamauga GA 30707
706 375-5185
7D. NCRC Medical Coordinator
Engel moved: Dr Sam Chewning, NSS 33358, is re-appointed medical coordinator of the National Cave Rescue Commission and to the NCRC Board of Regional Coordinators for a three-year term ending in the summer of 2004.
Dr. Sam Chewning
21111 Lagoona Dr
Cornelius NC 28031
(704) 892-1738
7E. NCRC Southeastern Region Coordinator
Engel moved: Tim White, NSS 26949, is appointed Southeastern Region coordinator of the National Cave Rescue Commission and to the NCRC Board of Regional Coordinators for a three-year term ending in the summer of 2004.
Tim White
111 Sanibel Circle
Madison AL 35757
256 721-9115
8. Transfer of Funds
8A. Publications Fund to the Endowment Fund
P. Moss moved: $10,000 is transferred from the Publications Fund to the Endowment Fund.
By unanimous consent, consideration of this motion was postponed to the afternoon session. See item # 16.
8B. Convention Surplus Fund to the Endowment Fund
P. Moss moved: An amount equal to one-half of the profit made by the 2001 Convention will transferred from the Convention Surplus Fund to the Endowment Fund when the 2001 Convention books are closed.
By unanimous consent, consideration of this motion was postponed to the afternoon session. See item #17.
9. NSS-NSF Trust Fund
Stevens moved: The NSS request the NSF accept the following change to the NSS-NSF Trust Fund contract concerning the Vandalism Deterrence Reward Fund:
“4. Rewards given by the Society and administrative costs of the program will be reimbursed according to <Act 18-411, as amended, of> <<policies established by>> the Board of Governors of the Society <which act is made a part of this agreement by reference>.”
P. Moss seconded.
VOTE:
Unanimously in favor
PASSED
10. Library Restricted Fund
Stevens moved: Rescind the July 2001 Motion #21 Library Restricted Fund. “Any unspent funds in the NSS Library operating budget at the end of the fiscal year shall be transferred into the Library Restricted Fund.”
And substitute:
The FY01/02 NSS budget is amended to transfer the $1,000 now
budgeted for the NSS Library to the NSS Library Fund.
P. Moss seconded.
VOTE:
In favor: Rest
Opposed: None
Abstained: Lester
PASSED
11. Annual Report Budget
Paquette moved: The Annual Report budget is increased to $3,500.
D. Medville seconded.
VOTE:
Unanimously in favor
PASSED
12. Appendix AR, NSS Travel Policy
G. Moss moved: Amend Appendix AR, the NSS Travel Policy to add a new paragraph F in “Who Should Receive Authorized Travel” under “(4) Individuals who need to travel and who have a budget approved by the Board, which explicitly approves the expenditures of funds for travel costs. Current examples are:” The new paragraph F is to read:
“(F) NSS Recording Secretary to attend required non-convention meetings.”
Devine seconded.
VOTE:
Unanimously in favor
PASSED
13. Grotto Service Award
Klimack moved: A Grotto Service Award be established. < Each> <<All>> internal organizations (I/Os) may <submit> <<select>> one NSS member <’s name> annually for recognition for work on the local level. Each <nominee> <<selectee>> must be a NSS member in good standing at the time of submission. Each I/O will establish any additional criteria and rules for selection, as they deem appropriate. Each I/O may submit only one <name> <<nominee>> per year. The submissions will be made with the I/O annual report, as part of the report. Only I/Os that are up to date with their reports may submit <names> <<a nominee>>. <The NSS office> <<A member of the IO Committee>> will prepare certificates and a letter of thanks from the president and mail them to each I/O for presentation. Engel seconded.
Barton moved to amend, deleting "The NSS Office" and inserting "A member of the IO Committee" at the beginning of the last sentence. Accepted as a friendly amendment.
P. Moss moved to amend:
Delete "Each" and insert "All" in the
second sentence.
Delete "submit" and insert "select" in the
second sentence.
Delete the "’s name" in the second sentence.
Delete "nominee" and insert "selectee" in the
third sentence.
Delete "name" and insert "nominee" in the
fifth sentence.
Delete "names" and insert "a nominee" in the
seventh sentence.
All were accepted as friendly amendments.
Fee moved to refer the motion to the OVP for a report at the March 2002 meeting.
Taylor seconded.
VOTE on the motion to refer:
In favor: Rest
Opposed: Bussey, Stevens, Fee, Klimack
Abstaining: Taylor, Engel
REFERRED
Recess
The President pro tem declared a recess for lunch and the closed meetings of the Directorate and the Board at 1:15 P.M.
Reconvene
President pro tem H. Medville reconvened the meeting at 4:05 P.M.
14. Report of the Closed Session of the Directorate
Bill Tozer, Chairman of the Directorate, reported that Paul Stevens had been re-elected as NSS Secretary-Treasurer.
15. Report of the Closed Session of the Board
H. Medville reported that no formal actions were taken by the Board in closed session.
16. Reconsideration of 8A - Publications Fund
Moss moved: The Foundation Trustees are requested to amend the Publication Fund contract between the NSS and the NSF by inserting a new paragraph 6:
“6. The Foundation, upon passage of a suitable resolution by a 2/3 vote of the Board of Governors of the Society, shall transfer any part, or all of the Publication Fund to another of the individual funds as specified by the NSS Board of Governors.”
Subsequent paragraphs shall be renumbered accordingly.
Medville seconded.
VOTE:
Unanimously in favor
PASSED
17. Reconsideration of 8B - Convention Surplus Fund to the Endowment Fund
P. Moss moved: An amount equal to one-half of the profit made by the 2001 Convention will transferred from the Convention Surplus Fund to the Endowment Fund when the 2001 Convention books are closed. Bussey seconded.
VOTE:
In favor: Rest
Opposed: Jagnow, Engel, Keeler
PASSED
18. Act Section 18 – Funds
Stevens moved: Amend Section 18, Miscellaneous Funds, as follows:
Olsen seconded.
ACT SECTION 18 — MISCELLANEOUS FUNDS
All payments for or toward life or family-life
membership shall be placed in the Life Membership Fund. From dues
paid by sustaining or family-sustaining members, this includes
only the actual excess of dues over regular or family dues, and
not the 10 percent bonus credited to the life-membership
account.>
The Foundation is requested to convey to the Society,
each year, the net income of the Ralph W. Stone Research Fund.
Any excess above the amount needed for the Ralph W. Stone
Research Grant shall be added to the budget of the Research
Advisory Committee to supplement its regular grant program.
The Foundation should invest the Ralph W. Stone Fund
to achieve the twin objectives of income for the Ralph W. Stone
and other research grants and continued capital appreciation of
the Ralph W. Stone Fund. All donations received by the Society
for the Ralph W. Stone Fund shall be conveyed to the Foundation
to augment the principal of the Fund. (See Appendix C).>
The Mitchell Fund was established to encourage
research by younger members by presenting an annual "James
G. Mitchell Award" for the outstanding paper presented at
each annual convention by a person 25 or younger. Selection is to
be made by the Awards Committee.>
A Building Repair Fund is established for the purpose
of financing major maintenance and repairs on the office
building. An office equipment fund is established for the purpose
of financing maintenance or replacement of office equipment or
software. Money will be included in the annual budget to maintain
these funds.>
| 18-289 | Loans to Conservation Task Forces | 11-16-74 |
The Executive Committee, upon recommendation of the Conservation Committee, may make interest-free loans to Conservation Task Forces (CTFs) to facilitate the carrying out of their purposes and goals. The money for the loans shall be taken from the Save-the-Caves Fund, and shall be repaid by the CTF to that fund. In the event that a CTF is unable, within a reasonable time, to repay the loan through fund raising, donations, or other means, the Board of Governors, upon recommendation of the Conservation Committee, may, at its option, declare the loan cancelled. Although loans are to be considered as interest-free, CTFs are encouraged to donate money to the Save-the-Caves Fund above and beyond the principle.
The Conservation Funds of the Society are defined as
follows:
A. The Save-the-Caves Fund shall be used to support
the general conservation goals of the Society. Money may be
expended by Board action on the recommendation of the
Conservation Committee and the AVP or as authorized by Acts
18-289 (Loans to Conservation Task Forces), 50-321(Conservation
Grants), 88-288 (Conservation Research Grants), and 43-116
(Conservation Award).
B. The Cave Acquisition Fund shall be used for the
purchase or lease of caves or to obtain easements on cave
properties. This fund may also be used to pay transfer costs
(e.g. lawyers fees, title searches, land surveys, closing costs)
for caves acquired in any manner by the Society. This fund may
also be used to make loans or grants to NSS Internal
Organizations, Conservancies, or institutional Members wishing to
acquire cave properties. Money may be transferred from this fund
to the Cave Preserve Fund as deemed necessary by the Executive
Committee.
C. The Cave Preserve Fund is the fund established by
the National Speleological Foundation (Appendix C, Attachment G)
to be used for the maintenance of NSS Cave Preserves.
D. The NSS Support Fund is a fund of the National
Speleological Foundation which was established in 1974 in
compliance with the wishes of the original donor. The income
earned by the fund may be given on an as-needed basis to the NSS
for conservation purposes upon request of the NSS Administrative
Vice President or the Chairman of the Conservation Committee. The
principal is to remain intact and, hopefully, to be increased by
future donations. The Board of Governors may, upon a 3/4 vote,
request that the Foundation trustees use all or part of the
principal of the NSS Support Fund for a special purpose of the
Society.>
The National Speleological Foundation is requested to
establish a Cave Vandalism Deterrence Reward Fund. The purpose of
such a fund shall be to support the NSS Cave Vandalism Deterrence
Reward Program.
The NSS Executive Committee, by majority vote, may
request funds from the NSF Cave Vandalism Deterrence Reward Fund
to pay expenses associated with the establishment or maintenance
of the NSS Cave Vandalism Deterrence Reward Program including the
granting of rewards.>
The International Exploration Fund is established to
assist Society sponsored speleological expeditions to be
supported by contributions raised for this specific purpose.
Applications for grants from the International Exploration Fund
will be directed to the International Exploration Committee which
will develop appropriate guidelines and require an accounting of
how money is utilized by expedition organizers. It is not the
intent of this Act that grants will be routinely awarded for
expeditions within the United States or Canada. Grants from this
fund shall stipulate that the expedition will provide an article
on the expedition for publication in the NSS NEWS, or an
audio/visual program for distribution for the NSS A/V Library
within one year from receiving the grant.>
| 18-462 | Expedition Sponsorship Guidelines |
|
Guidelines are established for Society sponsorship of speleological expeditions. (See Appendix M)
The Sara Corrie Memorial Fund is established for the
purpose of funding group cave exploration projects in the United
States. Money should be very easy to obtain with a minimum of
restrictions and paperwork. (See Appendix AG).>
The Cave Legal Defense Fund is composed of donations
and accrued income. The Board of Governors may authorize
expenditure of part or all of this fund for expenses of
litigation necessary to further one or more purposes of the
Society stated in Article II of its Constitution, provided that
no expenditure from this fund is contrary to section 501(c)(3) of
the Internal Revenue Code or the corresponding provision of any
future United States Internal Revenue law as determined by the
Legal Committee. In addition, the Executive Committee may
authorize expenditures of small sums from this fund as seed money
for special funds established for defense of owners of wild caves
made party to adverse legal action because of their ownership of
caves. These funds shall not exceed $5,000.00 at any one time.
The Cave Legal Defense Fund shall be reimbursed from such special
funds to the greatest degree possible. The Executive Committee
shall review any proposed use of this fund prior to presentation
to the Board and report alternative ways of accomplishing the
goal intended to be accomplished by legal action with the intent
that legal action shall be the last resort and a large balance be
maintained in this fund to support any such legal action which
may be found necessary. Principal and investment income of this
fund shall not be used to defray expenses of litigation in which
the Society is a defendant.>
|
The Schoharie Caverns Preserve Fund is established as
a restricted fund of the NSS. The fund will consist of donations
and camping fees which will be used to rebuild the Schoharie
cabin and Preserve. These funds may be spent by the Chairman of
the Schoharie Cabin Management Committee subject to the approval
of the AVP.>
The purpose of the NSS A/V Library Restricted Fund is
to provide funds for NSS A/V Library programs, equipment, or
equipment maintenance. These funds may be spent by the A/V
Library chairman subject to OVP approval. All funds (fees in
excess of postage cost) raised through the A/V Library rental
program will go to this restricted fund.>
The purpose of the "NSS Library" restricted
fund is to provide funds for NSS Library capital equipment. These
funds may be spent by the NSS Library chairman subject to OVP
approval.>
The purpose of the "NSS Museum" restricted
fund is to provide funds for NSS Museum capitol equipment. These
funds may be spent by the NSS Musuem chairman subject to OVP
approval.>
The purpose of the "Gage Caverns" restricted
fund is to provide funds in support of NSS operation and
maintenance of the Gage Caverns property in Schoharie County, New
York. These funds may be spent by the Barton Hills Karst Preserve
Committee chairman subject to approval by the NSS AVP.>
|
The purpose of the "John Guilday Cave
Preserve" restricted fund is to provide funds in support of
NSS operation and maintenance of the John Guilday Cave Preserve
property in Pendleton County, West Virginia. These funds may be
spent by the John Guilday Cave Preserve Committee chairman
subject to NSS Secretary-Treasurer approval.>
The purpose of the Salon restricted fund is to support
NSS Salons. These funds may be spent by the NSS Salon Committee
chairman subject to AVP approval.>
The purpose of the "NSS Cave Legal Defense"
restricted fund is to support implementation of NSS ACT 18-501
and may only be spent in accordance with the provisions of NSS
ACT 18-501.>
|
The purpose of the Contemporary Cave Use Study
restricted fund is to support the study of cave visitation. These
funds may be spent by the Chairman of the Contemporary Cave use
Study Committee with the approval of the Administrative Vice
President. >
The NSS Convention Surplus Designated Fund is
established to provide funds to cover NSS convention deficits.
Each year the full convention surplus for that year shall be
transferred to the Convention Surplus Fund. Each year one-fifth
of the Convention Surplus Fund may be transferred to the NSS
Operating Fund as revenue provided a $15,000 balance is
maintained in the NSS Convention Designated Fund to cover an NSS
Convention deficit.>
The NSS News
Restricted Fund is established to receive donations for the
purpose of augmenting the publication of the NSS
News. At the end of the fiscal year any
unexpended NSS News
advertising income shall be transferred to this fund. This fund
may be spent by the NSS News
editor, subject to approval of the Executive Vice President.>
The Journal
Restricted Fund is established to receive donations for the
purpose of augmenting the publication of the Journal
of Cave and Karst Studies. At the end of
the fiscal year any unexpended Journal
advertising income shall be transferred to this fund. This fund
may be spent by the Journal
editor, subject to approval of the Executive Vice President.>
The NSS Library/Museum Building Trust Fund is
established to hold money designated for the purchase of land and
the construction of a building or buildings to house the NSS
Library, or the NSS Museum, or both either in separate buildings
or combined in the same building. The purpose includes the
design, construction, and outfitting of an appropriate building
or buildings including all normal and customary offices, display
areas, stacks, archive facilities, research rooms, storage
facilities, utilities, and equipment such as environmental and
fire prevention and control systems appropriate to the
irreplaceable nature of the collections to be housed in the
Library or Museum. Procuring furniture, computer equipment, and
other capital items associated primarily with the outfitting of
an NSS Library of Museum are also proper uses of the money in the
Fund. Such a building or buildings may, or may not, include
existing structures, or portions of existing structures, located
on the present NSS property in Huntsville, Alabama. After
completion of the construction and outfitting of a central
facility or facilities to house the NSS Library, or the NSS
Museum, or both, any remaining money in the Fund may be used for
the acquisition of speleologically-significant publications and
memorabilia to be housed in the NSS Library and/or Museum. No
money from the Fund will be used to pay for the ordinary
operation of the NSS Library and/or Museum including such
expenses as personnel salaries. Decisions regarding the use of
this fund for the above purpose shall be at the discretion of a
two-thirds majority of the NSS Bard of Governors. (See Attachment
P of Appendix C)>
The NSS Cave Education Restricted Fund is established
to promote cave and karst education programs for primary and
secondary students. The Executive Committee may fund grant
proposals from this restricted fund.>
The purpose of the Guide to Responsible Caving Fund is
to provide money for the publication of The
Guide to Responsible Caving. The Special
Publications Committee chairman, subject ot Executive Committee
approval, may spend these funds.>
The purpose of the Cave Restoration Fund is to support
the repair of human-caused damage, both malicious and
inadvertent. The Conservation Committee chairman, subject to AVP
approval, may spend these funds.>
The purpose of the Membership Committee Fund is to
support the work of the Membership Committee. The NSS Membership
Committee Chairman, subject to President approval, may spend
these funds.>
The purpose of the National Cave Rescue Commission
funds are to support the National Cave Rescue Commission.
The National Coordinator of the National Cave Rescue
Commission, subject to AVP approval, may spend these funds.
Subsidiary funds may be established to support NCRC regions and
they may be spent by each region's NCRC Regional Coordinator
subject to AVP approval.>
The purpose of the Fine Arts Salon Fund is to support
the Fine Arts Salon. The Salon Committee chairman, subject to AVP
approval, may spend these funds.>
| 18-648 | Support for Owner of Spring Hill Cave | 03-18-00 |
The NSS will offer monetary and expert witness support to the cave's property owners, Helen G. Beckner, 143 Moody Hollow Road, and Sharon A. Beckner Todd and Ronald Todd, 911 Mehaffey Road, all in Claxton, Tennessee, to support their efforts against the suit by Karen Bishop, et al, concerning the death of Jason Bishop in October 1998. The monetary support will be up to $1,000 from existing funds and any money collected from the membership for this specific purpose. The funds to be used will be determined by the Secretary Treasurer based on the purposes of the funds as specified in the Board of Governors Manual.
The Spring Hill Cave NSS Restricted Fund is
established to assist the landowners of Spring Hill Cave,
Tennessee, in their defense against the lawsuit concerning the
death of Jason Bishop in October 1998. Money from this fund may
be spend with the approval of the President. Money remaining in
the Spring Hill Cave NSS Restricted Fund after the suits are
settled will revert to another NSS restricted fund established to
support cave owners in their defense against liability suits.>
The Landowner Assistance Fund is established and will
be composed of donations and accrued income. To preserve access
to caves and favorable caver-landowner relations, the Board of
Governors may authorize expenditures from this fund for
assistance to landowners who sustain damage or distress
incidental to the caving activities of any person.>
The Fund for Litigation to Protect Caves, Attachment Q
to the contract between the National Speleological Society and
the National Speleological Foundation, is established.>
$3,147.92 is transferred to the Landowner Assistance
Restricted Fund from the Cave Legal Defense Fund. These funds had
been donated originally to assist the owners of Norman Cave, West
Virginia.>
A $3,000 grant from the Cave Legal Defense Fund is
made to the Cumberland Plateau Conservation Task Force to pursue
legal resources to stop a proposed sewage treatment plant in
Spencer, Tennessee, that would pollute Spencer Mountain Cave
System.>
| 18-668 | Lawsuit Defense | 06-30-00 |
The President is authorized to spend up to $5,000 from the NSS Convention Surplus Fund for legal and other expenses associated with defending the NSS Corporation and its officers, directors, and members of the 1999 NSS Convention staff against suits alleging they violated the copyright of Tom Miller in publishing the 1999 NSS Convention guidebook. the President will work with the NSS Legal Committee to define the legal issues involved, describe our options for defense, and estimate the penalties and risk associated with various potential resolutions. The President will report this information and provide his recommendation to the Board in a manner that recognizes its sensitive nature. The Board of Governors will determine further actions to be taken if and when a suit is filed.
The purpose of the NSS Endowment Fund is to generate
income for approved projects and needs of the Society as
determined by the Board of Governors. The NSS Endowment Fund is a
permanently restricted fund whose principal (along with growth)
shall be retained forever, except that up to 5.5% of the fund may
be returned to the Society each year as income.>
The NSS Operating Surplus Designated Fund is
established to smooth the normal variation in annual fiscal year
NSS Operating Fund surpluses and deficits. At the end of each NSS
fiscal year 50% of any NSS Operating Fund surplus from normal
operations in that fiscal year will be deposited in the NSS
Operating Surplus Designated Fund. Funds will be transferred from
the NSS Operating Surplus Designated Fund to the NSS General Fund
to cover any NSS Fund deficit from normal NSS operations in a
fiscal year. Each year one-fifth of the NSS Operating Surplus
Designated Fund may be transferred to the NSS Operating Fund as
revenue to cover normal operating expenses subject to Board
approval as a part of the normal NSS budget process. The initial
NSS Operating Surplus Designated Fund shall consist of the FY
98/99 and FY 99/00 Operating Fund surplus.>
|
The purpose of the Junior Speleological Society
restricted fund is to support NSS youth educational and
recreational activities, including youth activities at the NSS
conventions. These funds may be spend by the chairman of the
Junior Speleological Society Committee subject to Administrative
Vice President Approval.>
The purpose of the Mammoth Cave Restoration restricted
fund is to support the activities of the Mammoth Cave Restoration
Project in accordance with the Cooperative Agreement between
Mammoth Cave National Park and the National Speleological
Society. These funds may be spent by the Mammoth Verve
Restoration Project agent of the Treasurer subject to
Administrative Vice President approval.>
The purpose of the Caves and Karst Education Program
Restricted Fund is to educate the American public on the value
and fragile nature of cave resources in accordance with the
Cooperative Agreement between Mammoth Cave National Park and the
National Speleological Society, Project Underground, and American
Cave Conservation Association. These funds may be spent by the
Caves and Karst Education Program agent of the Treasurer subject
to Administrative approval.>
The Joe Ivy Endowment for Cave Exploration, whose
purpose is to give grants to young cavers to fund caving trips
primarily to Mexico, is established. Grants will be several
hundred dollars each, large enough to fund the bulk of a four- to
six-week trip: transportation, food, lodging, maps, special
equipment, etc. Grants will be given to individuals for personal
expenses, rather than to projects or groups. Grants will be
awarded based on the following criteria:
| <18-693 | Joe Ivy Endowment Committee | 11-4-00 |
The Joe Ivy Endowment Committee is established in the Executive Vice President's Department. The purpose of this committee is to administer the awarding of grants from the Joe Ivy Endowment for Cave Exploration.>
| 18-694 | NSS Endowment Fund | 11-4-00 |
The NSS shall allocate $5,000 annually for the Endowment Fund starting with the FY 01-02 budget.
And insert the following:
| Audio-Visual Library Fund | The purpose of the NSS A/V Library Restricted Fund is to provide funds for NSS A/V Library programs, equipment, or equipment maintenance. All funds (fees in excess of postage cost) raised through the A/V Library rental program go to this unrestricted fund. These funds may be spent by the A/V Library chairman subject to OVP approval. | ||||
| Building Repair Fund | The Building Repair Fund was established for the purpose of financing major maintenance and repairs on the NSS office building. It is periodically augmented through transfers of unrestricted funds and may be spent by the OVP based upon a budget approved by the BOG. | ||||
| Cave Acquisition Fund | The Cave Acquisition Fund was established for the purchase or lease of caves or to obtain easements on cave properties. This fund may also be used to pay transfer costs (e.g. lawyers fees, title searches, land surveys, closing costs) for caves acquired in any manner by the Society. This fund may also be used to make loans or grants to NSS Internal Organizations, Conservancies, or institutional Members wishing to acquire cave properties. The Fund was established by donors. Money may be spent from this fund with the approval of the BOG or transferred from this fund to the Cave Preserve Fund as deemed necessary by the Executive Committee. | ||||
| Cave Education Restricted Fund | The NSS Cave Education Restricted Fund was established to promote cave and karst education programs for primary and secondary students. The Fund was established by donors. The Executive Committee may fund grant proposals from this restricted fund. | ||||
| Cave and Karst Education Program Fund | The purpose of the Caves and Karst Education Program Restricted Fund is to educate the American public on the value and fragile nature of cave resources in accordance with the Cooperative Agreement between Mammoth Cave National Park and the National Speleological Society, Project Underground, and American Cave Conservation Association. These funds may be spent by the Caves and Karst Education Program agent of the Treasurer subject to AVP approval. | ||||
| Cave Preserve Fund | The purpose of the Cave Preserve Fund is to serve as a source of funds to the Society sufficient to provide for the expenses of ownership of real estate, or any interest in real estate, which has been designated by the Board of Governors of the Society as a Cave Preserve of the National Speleological Society. The Fund was established by donations and transfers of unrestricted funds and is being managed as if it consists of all donations. Each fiscal year an amount up to 5.5% of the total fund value is used for this purpose. In addition to the amounts available annually, the NSS by 2/3 vote of the Board of Governors of the Society, may transfer to the Society any part of the Cave Preserve Fund needed for extraordinary expenses of the preserves. | ||||
| Cave Restoration Fund | The purpose of the Cave Restoration Fund is to support the repair of human-caused damage to caves, both malicious and inadvertent. The Fund was established by donors. The Conservation Committee chairman, subject to AVP approval, may spend these funds. | ||||
| Contemporary Cave Use Study Fund | The purpose of the Contemporary Cave Use Study restricted fund is to support the study of cave visitation. The Fund was established by donors. These funds may be spent by the Chairman of the Contemporary Cave Use Study Committee with the approval of the Administrative Vice President. | ||||
| Convention Surplus Fund | The NSS Convention Surplus Designated Fund is established to provide funds to cover NSS convention deficits. Each year the full convention surplus for that year shall be transferred to the Convention Surplus Fund. Each year one-fifth of the Convention Surplus Fund may be transferred to the NSS Operating Fund as revenue provided a $15,000 balance is maintained in the NSS Convention Designated Fund to cover an NSS Convention deficit. | ||||
| Endowment Fund | The purpose of the Endowment Fund is to generate income and capital gains for approved projects and needs of the Society as determined by the Board of Governors. The Society and others may periodically provide donations and unrestricted funds for the Endowment Fund. The NSS shall invest funds in the Endowment Fund until December 2006 so as to emphasize growth of the capital investment. The Fund was established by donors and is managed as a temporarily restricted quasi-endowment fund. By majority vote the Society's Board of Governors may require the return of up to 5.5% of the NSS Endowment Fund. | ||||
| Endowment Fund for Special Features in NSS Periodicals | The purpose of the Endowment Fund For Special Features in NSS Periodicals is to cover the cost of special features in any NSS periodical. After the net income of the Fund is sufficient to pay for the cost of special features in any NSS periodical, any additional net income may be used to supplement any NSS periodical's budget. The Fund was established by donors. The fund is managed as a temporarily restricted quasi-endowment fund. Each fiscal year an amount equal to 5.5% of the total fund value is transferred for this purpose. | ||||
| Fine Arts Salon Fund | The purpose of the Fine Arts Salon Fund is to support the Fine Arts Salon. The Fund was established by donors and transfers of unrestricted funds. The Salon Committee chairman, subject to AVP approval, may spend these funds. | ||||
| Gage Caverns Fund | The purpose of the Gage Caverns restricted fund is to provide funds in support of NSS operation and maintenance of the Gage Caverns property in Schoharie County, New York. The Fund was established by donors. These funds may be spent by the Barton Hills Karst Preserve Committee chairman subject to AVP approval. | ||||
| Guide to Responsible Caving Fund | The purpose of the Guide to Responsible Caving Fund is to provide money for the publication of The Guide to Responsible Caving. The Fund was established by transfers of unrestricted funds. The OVP may spend these funds. | ||||
| Headquarters Fund | The purpose of the Headquarters Fund is to furnish capital for the purchase or maintenance of real property to house offices of the Society and to purchase additions or improvements to the office building, equipment, software, and fixtures. The Fund was established through donations. The principal, or any part thereof, of the Headquarters Fund shall be returned to the Society to be used for these purposes upon passage of a suitable resolution by a majority vote of the Board of Governors of the Society. | ||||
| International Fund | The purpose of the International Fund is to provide income to the Society for the program of Grants to Support International Speleological Partnerships and Grants to support International Participation and to provide initiation loans or advanced registrations for U.S. participants for the International Congresses of Speleology. Grants may be awarded by majority vote of the EC. The fund is managed as a temporarily restricted quasi-endowment fund. Annually the NSS withdrawals 5.5% of the Fund 's total value for this purpose. | ||||
| International Exploration Fund | The International Exploration Fund was established to assist Society-sponsored speleological expeditions. The Fund was established by donors. Grants from the International Exploration Fund may be made by the International Exploration Committee with the approval of the EVP. | ||||
| James G. Mitchell Fund | The purpose of the James G. Mitchell Fund is to provide income to the Society to be used as a cash award known as the James G. Mitchell Award. The James G. Mitchell Award was established in 1965 to be given for the best scientific paper presented at any of the sessions of the annual convention by a member (or members) of the Society 25 years old or younger who has applied or been recommended for the Award. Selection is made by the Awards Committee. The Fund was established by donors. The fund is managed as a temporarily restricted quasi-endowment fund. Annually the NSS withdrawals 5.5% of the Fund 's total value for this purpose. | ||||
| Joe Ivy Endowment Fund for Cave Exploration | The purpose of the Fund is to provide grants by the Society to cavers to fund cave exploration trips, primarily to Mexico. The Fund was established by donors and is managed as a temporarily restricted quasi-endowment fund. Annually the NSS withdrawals 5.5% of the Fund 's total value for this purpose. By a two-thirds vote, the Society's Board of Governors may require the return to the Society of any or all of the Fund that has not previously been distributed to the Society. | ||||
| John Guilday Cave Preserve Fund | The purpose of the John Guilday Cave Preserve restricted fund is to provide funds in support of NSS operation and maintenance of the John Guilday Cave Preserve property in Pendleton County, West Virginia. The Fund was established by donors. These funds may be spent by the John Guilday Cave Preserve Committee chairman subject to NSS Secretary-Treasurer approval. | ||||
| Journal Restricted Fund | The Journal Restricted Fund is established for the purpose of augmenting the publication of the Journal of Cave and Karst Studies. At the end of the fiscal year any unexpended Journal advertising income and page charges shall be transferred to this fund. This fund may be spent by the Journal editor, subject to approval of the Executive Vice President. | ||||
| Junior Speleological Society Fund | The purpose of the Junior Speleological Society restricted fund is to support NSS youth educational and recreational activities, including youth activities at the NSS conventions. These funds may be spent by the chairman of the Junior Speleological Society Committee subject to Administrative Vice President approval. | ||||
| Landowner Assistance Fund | The Landowner Assistance Fund is composed of donations. To preserve access to caves and favorable caver-landowner relations, the Board of Governors may authorize expenditures from this fund for assistance to landowners who sustain damage or distress incidental to the caving activities of any person. | ||||
| Lew Bicking Fund | The purpose of the Lew Bicking Fund is to provide income to the Society to be used as a cash award known as the Lew Bicking Award. The Lew Bicking Award was established in 1965 to recognize an individual Society member who, through specific actions, has demonstrated a dedication to the thorough exploration of a cave or group of caves. Selection is made by the Awards Committee. The Fund was established by donors. The fund is managed as a temporarily restricted quasi-endowment fund. Annually the NSS withdrawals 5.5% of the total fund's value. | ||||
| Library Fund | The purpose of the NSS Library fund is to provide funds for NSS Library acquisitions and capital equipment. The Fund was established by transfers of unrestricted funds. These funds may be spent by the NSS Library chairman subject to OVP approval. | ||||
| Life Membership Fund | The purpose of the Life Membership Fund is to serve as a source of income to the Society sufficient to provide life members with the services normally furnished to regular members. All payments for or toward life or family-life membership shall be placed in the Life Membership Fund. From dues paid by sustaining or family-sustaining members, this includes only the actual excess of dues over regular or family dues, and not the 10 percent bonus credited to the life-membership account. The fund is managed as a temporarily restricted quasi-endowment fund. Annually, the Foundation returns to the Society all net income from the Life Membership Fund up to 100% of the current regular membership rate for each living life member, not to exceed 5.5% of the Fund's total value. | ||||
| Mammoth Cave Restoration Project Fund | The purpose of the Mammoth Cave Restoration restricted fund is to support the activities of the Mammoth Cave Restoration Project in accordance with the Cooperative Agreement between Mammoth Cave National Park and the National Speleological Society. These funds may be spent by the Mammoth Cave Restoration Project agent of the Treasurer subject to AVP approval. | ||||
| Membership Committee Fund | The purpose of the Membership Committee Fund is to support the work of the Membership Committee. The Fund was established by donors. The NSS Membership Committee Chairman, subject to President's approval, may spend these funds. | ||||
| Merle and Bill Stephenson 50th Anniversary Fund | The purpose of the Merle and Bill Stephenson 50th Anniversary Fund shall be determined by a 2/3 vote of the NSS Board of Governors at its Annual Meeting in the year 2035. The Fund was established by donors. The principle of the Merle and Bill Stephenson 50th Anniversary Fund will be invested to maximize its return until 2035. All income will be reinvested in the Fund until that date. | ||||
| National Cave Rescue Commission Fund | The purpose of the National Cave Rescue Commission Fund is to support the National Cave Rescue Commission. The National Coordinator of the National Cave Rescue Commission, subject to AVP approval, may spend these funds. | ||||
| NSS Library/Museum Building Fund | The NSS Library/Museum Building Trust Fund was established by the Board of Governors of the National Speleological Society to hold money designated for the purchase of land and the design, construction, and outfitting of an appropriate building or buildings to host NSS Library and/or Museum facilities, with any residue available for acquisition of speleologically significant publications and memorabilia to be housed in the NSS Library and/or Museum. It is intended that the fund be funded though donations. The BOG may transfer any part or all of the NSS Library/Museum Building Trust Fund to the NSS upon passage of a suitable resolution by a two-thirds vote of the NSS Board of Governors requesting funds for the above purpose | ||||
| NSS News Fund | The NSS News Restricted Fund is established for the purpose of augmenting the publication of the NSS News. At the end of the fiscal year any unexpended NSS News advertising income shall be transferred to this fund. This fund may be spent by the NSS News editor, subject to approval of the Executive Vice President. | ||||
| NSS Operating Surplus Designated Fund | The NSS Operating Surplus Designated Fund was established to smooth the normal variation in annual fiscal year NSS surpluses and deficits from normal operations. At the end of each NSS fiscal year 50% of any NSS surplus from normal operations in that fiscal year will be deposited in the NSS Operating Surplus Designated Fund. Funds will be transferred from the NSS Operating Surplus Designated Fund to cover any deficit from normal NSS operations in a fiscal year. Each year one-fifth of the NSS Operating Surplus Designated Fund may be transferred as revenue to cover normal operating expenses subject to Board approval as a part of the normal NSS budget process. The initial NSS Operating Surplus Designated Fund shall consist of the FY 98/99 and FY 99/00 Operating Fund surplus. | ||||
| NSS Publication Fund | The purpose of the NSS Publication Trust Fund is to provide funds for the publication of art and literature by the NSS. It was established through the transfer of restricted funds and may be spent for this purpose. It may be spent by the EVP based upon a budget approved by the BOG. It is a temporarily restricted fund and any withdrawals are repaid with interest through sales of the publication for which the money was withdrawn. | ||||
| Office Equipment Fund | An office equipment fund is established for the purpose of financing maintenance or replacement of office equipment or software. It is periodically augmented through transfers of unrestricted funds and may be spent by the OVP based upon a budget approved by the BOG. | ||||
| Peter Gomez Fund | The purpose of the Peter Gomez Fund is to provide income to the Society to be used to foster cave diving in a manner yet to be defined. The fund was established through donations in memory of Peter Gomez, a young cave diver who died circa 1997. | ||||
| Peter M. Hauer Fund | The purpose of the Peter M. Hauer Fund is to provide income to the Society to be used as a cash award known as the Peter M. Hauer Spelean History Award. The Peter M. Hauer Spelean History Award was established in 1979 to be given to an individual or group involved in an outstanding spelean history research project. The Fund was established by donors. The fund is managed as a temporarily restricted quasi-endowment fund. Annually the NSS withdrawals 5.5% of the total fund's value. | ||||
| Ralph W. Stone Research Fund | The purpose of the Ralph W. Stone Research Fund is to provide income to the Society with which to support research activities. Each year the NSS awards a Ralph W. Stone Research Grant. Selection is made by the Research Advisory Committee. Any excess above the amount needed for the Ralph W. Stone Research Grant shall be added to the budget of the Research Advisory Committee to supplement its regular grant program. The Fund was established by donors. The Fund is managed as a temporarily restricted quasi-endowment fund. Annually the Society withdraws 5.5% of the total fund's value for this purpose. | ||||
| Salons Fund | The purpose of the Salon restricted fund is to support NSS Salons. The fund consists of donations, salon entry fees, and transfers of unrestricted funds. These funds may be spent by the NSS Salon Committee chairman subject to AVP approval. | ||||
| Sara Corrie Memorial Fund | The purpose of the Sara Corrie Memorial Fund is to provide income to the Society for grants to fund group cave exploration in the United States. The fund was established through donations and is managed as a temporarily restricted quasi-endowment fund. Each fiscal year an amount up to 5.5% of the total fund value is used for this purpose. | ||||
| Save the Caves Fund | The Save-the-Caves Fund shall be used to support the general conservation goals of the Society. Money may be expended by Board action on the recommendation of the Conservation Committee and the AVP or as authorized by Acts 18-289 (Loans to Conservation Task Forces), 50-321 (Conservation Grants), 88-288 (Conservation Research Grants), and 43-116 (Conservation Award). | ||||
| Schoharie Caverns Fund | The Schoharie Caverns Fund consists of donations and camping fees that are used to rebuild and maintain the Schoharie cabin and Preserve. These funds may be spent by the Chairman of the Schoharie Caverns Management Committee subject to the approval of the AVP. | ||||
| Spring Hill Cave Fund | The Spring Hill Cave NSS Restricted Fund was established by donors to assist the landowners of Spring Hill Cave, Tennessee, in their defense against the lawsuit concerning the death of Jason Bishop in October 1998. Money from this fund may be spent with the approval of the President. Money remaining in the Spring Hill Cave NSS Restricted Fund after the suits are settled will revert to another NSS restricted fund established to support cave owners in their defense against liability suits. | ||||
| Trust Fund for Litigation to Protect Caves | The purpose of the Trust Fund for Litigation to Protect Caves is to pay for litigation necessary to protect caves and their natural contents, initiated by the Society or by cooperating individuals. The fund was established by donors. The principal, or any part thereof, of the Trust Fund for Litigation to Protect Caves may be used for these purposes upon passage of a suitable resolution by majority vote of the Board of Governors | ||||
| Vandalism Deterrence Reward Fund | The purpose of the Vandalism Deterrence Reward Fund is to pay any rewards which may be required to be paid as a result of the Society's standing offer of a $500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of persons guilty of violating cave protection laws. It was established by donors and may be periodically augmented through transfers of unrestricted funds. The funds may be spent by the AVP based upon recommendation of the Cave Vandalism Deterrence Reward Commission. | ||||
18. Act Section 18 – Funds continued:
Stevens moved to amend: The Board approve the “insertions” section of the motion only for the purpose of providing fund descriptions for the NSS audit subject to any changes made by Doug Medville, Davie Lester, and Philip Moss. Devine seconded.
VOTE to amend:
In favor: Rest
Opposed: D. Medville
PASSED
VOTE on the amended motion:
In favor: Rest
Opposed: D. Medville
PASSED
19. Warren Cave Preserve Land Survey
Engel moved: Up to $1,000 is allocated from the current year’s income from the Cave Preserve Fund to re-survey the Warren Cave Preserve and place monuments as needed.
P.Moss seconded.
VOTE:
Unanimously in favor
PASSED
20. Open Discussion Period
Bussey moved: The Board will entertain a period of open discussion for twenty minutes. Lester seconded.
VOTE:
In favor: Rest
Opposed: Keeler
PASSED
President pro tem H. Medville declared the discussion period open at 5:25 P.M.
Director Barton discussed the issue of indiscriminate cave use during the new outdoor fad of “Geo-Caching.” President pro tem H. Medville appointed an ad hoc committee consisting of Hazel Barton/Olsen, Jim Olsen, the NSS Conservation committee chairmen, and representatives of government agencies with whom we have MOUs. The committee’s purpose is to craft a message from the NSS to be posted on the GeoCache web site and the NSS Conservation Committee web site that describes the conservation issues involved and discourages the use of caves for GeoCache sites.
President pro tem H. Medville declared the discussion period closed at 5:30 P.M.
21. Appreciation
Hood moved: The Board of Governors expresses its appreciation to the Central Arizona Grotto for hosting our meeting and providing excellent meeting arrangements.
G. Moss seconded.
VOTE:
Unanimously in favor
PASSED
22. Adjourn
P.Moss moved that the meeting be adjourned.
Bussey seconded.
VOTE:
Unanimously in favor
PASSED
President pro tem H. Medville declared the meeting adjourned at 5:40 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Lee Stevens
Recording Secretary
I. AUTHORITY
This General Agreement is entered into pursuant to the Act of August 25, 1916, 39 Stat. 535, as amended, and is for the purpose of encouraging future participation by members of the National Speleological Society (NSS), (pursuant to the Federal Cave Resources Protection Act of 1988) its Internal Organizations (IO’s), including its local chapters ("Grottos") in the inventory, management, scientific study and protection of caves and cave resources located on lands administered by the National Park Service, hereinafter the "Service."
Whereas, it is the policy of the Service to encourage scientific research and interpretation, for the public, of natural features and processes in areas under its administration; and
Whereas, it is the purpose of the NSS to promote interest in and to advance in any and all ways the study and science of speleology and the protection of caves and their natural contents; therefore
II. AGREEMENT
1. It is mutually agreed that the Service and the NSS will cooperate in conducting studies and other cave related projects within the National Park System. These projects may include but are not limited to cave exploration, restoration, administration assistance, interpretation, mapping, and the development of cave management documents. The Service will develop project and site-specific Operating Procedures (e.g. special use permits) with NSS IO’s and local NSS Grottos. The Service recognizes the independent nature of the NSS IO’s and will not hold the NSS responsible for an IO’s non-participation, lack of compliance, or other actions taken under any specific Operating Procedures. The Service may use the results of NSS studies and projects in its development and application of cave management practices and procedures and in it interpretation of the natural and historic features of the National Park System for the public.
2. The NSS shall provide to the designated Service managers reports on its work and other activities in the parks and any other information acquired from its activities on lands administered by the Service that the Service considers helpful in the preservation, management or interpretation of caves and karst.
3. The permission granted herein to the NSS, its IO’s, and Grottos to conduct exploration, studies, projects, and cartography or interpret caves or karst features on lands administered by the Service in nonexclusive. The Service reserves the right to permit any person or organization which it deems qualified to conduct projects or studies and interpret caves or other karst features within any lands it administers.
4. The NSS hereby agrees that the United States shall not be responsible for personal injuries, death, and/or property damage or loss sustained by third persons (including the public) or by NSS personnel working on or under any lands administered by the Service pursuant to this agreement that is caused by or results from acts or omissions of the NSS, its employees or agents, and the NSS agrees to save and hold the United States harmless from liability, and to indemnify the United States, therefor. Except as provided herein nothing shall restrict the rights of the United States or the NSS as provided by law.
III. OBJECTIVES
The National Park Service and the National Speleological Society agree to pursue a number of objectives within this Agreement. To the extent feasible, the parties agree that-
A. The National Park Service will:
1. Provide access to lands and the caves beneath those lands administered by the Service for the stated purposes of the Agreement.
2. Advise the NSS of opportunities for cave related studies and projects.
3. Advise the NSS of research and cave management policies, and monitor and supervise the activities covered by this Agreement.
4. Lend aid and assistance to the NSS in the development and implementation of safety programs and search and rescue plans for cave and karst related projects and studies.
5. Hold as proprietary and confidential any materials submitted by the NSS or its IO’s.
6. Acknowledge the work products and data gathered by the NSS in its publications and in any transmittal of materials outside the Service.
B. The National Speleological Society will:
1. Conduct projects and studies in caves of the National Park System.
2. Provide to the Service, in either proprietary or non-proprietary form, as agreed in advance (e.g. in Operating Procedures developed with IO’s and/or Grottos for specific projects), a written report of all activities, maps and other documents (e.g. computerized survey data and/or copies of survey notes) which result from work conducted under this agreement.
3. Provide to the Service copies of any annual reports or occasional publications resulting from projects accomplished under the provisions of this Agreement and Operating Procedures with individual parks (such as management or scientific reports) as they become available.
4. Acknowledge the assistance of the Service in its publications and other works resulting from its activities under this agreement.
C. The National Park Service and the National Speleological Society will:
1. Coordinate, as practical, publicity concerning the NSS’ discoveries, findings, and other activities (as long as such publicity does not conflict with the confidentiality provisions of the Federal Cave Resources Protection Act) on lands administered by the Service. The Service reserves the right to issue news releases and other information determined by the Service to be newsworthy without clearance or approval of the NSS.
2. The NSS may write and/or publish trip reports and either popular scientific articles for caving publications and scientific journals without clearance or concurrence of the Service.
3. Sign amendments to this Agreement as needed. These may include, but are not limited to, local Operating Procedures for field operations and other projects. They will include any policy agreements (e.g. specimen collecting permits) between the NSS and the Service regarding research activities on Service administered lands.
IV. TERMS AND DURATION OF THE AGREEMENT
This Agreement will become effective upon approval by both parties, and will extend for a period of five years thereafter. It will be formally reviewed every five years and renewed/altered as appropriate. This Agreement may be terminated at any time by mutual agreement of both parties or upon 90-day prior written notice by either party to the other.
V. KEY OFFICIALS
National Park Service:
Associate Director, Natural Resources Stewardship and Science
Dr. Michael Soukup
1849 C Street NW
Washington DC 20240
Telephone: (202) 208-3884
Mike_Soukup@nps.gov
National Speleological Society:
President
Michael Hood
2813 Cave Ave
Huntsville AL 35810-4431
President@caves.org
VI. GENERAL
All obligations of the National Park Service hereunder are subject to the availability of funds and to such direction and instructions as may have been or are hereafter provided by Congress.
During the performance of this agreement, the participants agree to abide by the terms of Executive Order 11246 on nondiscrimination and will not discriminate against any person because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin or disability. The participants will take affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, national origin or disability.
No member of or delegate to Congress, or resident commissioner, shall be admitted to any share or part of this agreement, or to any benefit that may arise therefrom; but this provision shall not be construed to extend to this agreement if made with a corporation for its general benefit.
VII. APPROVALS
___________________________________________________________________
Associate Director, Natural Resources Stewardship and Science Date
___________________________________________________________________
President, National Speleological Society Date