Contents:
NSS Cave Preserves Committee NSS Conservation Division Mammoth Cave Restoration Committee GIS/ESRI Liaison to NSS Conservation Missouri Cooperative Activity Liaison to NSS Conservation Discovering Caves Brochure Series Missouri Cooperative Activity Liaison to NSS Conservation Resource Preservation Committee Mammoth Cave Restoration Committee Attachments to Conservation Division Report Oregon Caves National Monument: Conservation Recommendations Oregon Caves National Monument Site Visit Report Attachments to Kerbo/McDonald Site Visit Report
Gary Bush, Chairman
E-mail: gary@wgbush.com
Barton Hill Karst Preserve (New York), Thom Engle Update:
We have been talking about shaling part of the road on the Barton Hill Karst Preserve. There is a wet area that is sometimes impassible to vehicles. (If you'll recall, the whole lawsuit by Neil Baumann stemmed from the sheriff deputies thinking our road not usable by emergency vehicles and ordering us to access the cave via Mr. Baumann's road.) Yesterday, I met with a staff biologist with the NYS Dept of Environmental Conservation and had a wetlands determination done. The road is located just inside the northern edge of the wetland.
Therefore, I will be applying, on behalf of the NSS, for a wetlands permit so that the repair of the road is legal. (Considering our history with Mr. Baumann I don't want to give him anything to use against us.) I have to go out and do a little surveying, draw up plans, and submit the application. There is no application fee, but we may need to publish a Notice of Complete Application as a legal notice.
Summer 2003 Report
Jim C. Werker & Val Hildreth-Werker, Division Chiefs
Kathy Nelson inlawsandoutlaws@bellsouth.net.
Roy Vanhoozer (RVanhoo@aol.com)
Bernard Szukalski
ESRI
380 New York St
Redlands CA 92373
(phone) 909-793-2853 ext. 1-1315
(fax) 909-793-5953
(e-mail) bszukalski@esri.com
William R. Elliott, Ph.D.
Cave Biologist
Missouri Department of Conservation
Resource Science Division
PO Box 180
Jefferson City MO 65102-0180
(phone) 573-751-4115 x 3194
(e-mail) elliow@mdc.state.mo.us
Cheryl Jones, Coordinator
Mike Dale, Graphic Design
The newest brochure, Bats, was published in May and is available for distribution. Kudos to Mike Dale, Cheryl Jones, Jim Kennedy, and various reviewers who collaborated to create this latest addition to the Discovering Caves brochure series.
Web site downloads: Between May 28 and July 1 (36
days), NSS brochures were downloaded from the NSS web sites 562
times.
Breakdown by Title:
Bats: 138
Youth Groups: 107
GRC (New): 76
NSS: 72
GRC (old): 59
Fragile Underground: 52
Lava Tubes: 32
Biennial Report: 27
Unknown: 3
The internet brochure request form is proving an effective tool. It identifies those using brochures and provides opportunity to follow up with them. Tracy Copp is working with the brochure committee and receives a copy of every brochure request made through the website. She forwards them to appropriate committee chairmen for action.
Brochure Requests: Since the on-line request option
went live on November 18, 2002, 278 people have requested hard
copies of brochures using the e-form.
Breakdown of total copies requested:
Bats: 3588
Fragile Underground: 2891
NSS Membership: 1632
GRC (old): 1889
Lava: 1098
(Youth Groups and the Biennial Report are available as pdf files only.)
William R. Elliott, Ph.D.
Cave Biologist, Missouri Department of Conservation
(e-mail) elliow@mdc.state.mo.us
As the cave biologist for the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), in 2002-2003 I did a number of cooperative projects with NSS members and organizations, private landowners, governmental agencies, and conservation groups. From the NSS Conservation Division, Kudos to Bill Elliott and people who supplied caver power for tons of cave conservation activity in Missouri and beyond.
The NSS-sponsored Karst Groundwater Model was put to good use in Missouri. I obtained a model on behalf of my home grotto, Chouteau Grotto, in Columbia. I tested the model and photographed it, then I developed a handout for teaching classes and workshops for MDC. I demonstrated the model to the Chouteau Grotto and offered it for loan to others if they agreed to clean it after each use and buy new food dyes when needed.
The model has been stationed most of the time at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, under the stewardship of Scott Schulte and Roxie Campbell. They use the model as an introduction for most of the wild cave tours in Devil's Icebox, a large stream cave in the park, and they use it at public meetings. They estimate that over 1500 people a year have viewed the model in action. The model also was used by Joe Dom in teaching a geology lab at the University of Missouri.
In Missouri the Karst Groundwater Model has had a very good educational return on the original investment. Perhaps NSS could also promote the "Milk Jug Model of Karst Hydrology," as it is more three-dimensional and cheaper to make. The attached handout includes information on the "Milk Jug Model", which Tom Aley originated.
I do many other tasks in my job here. Here are a few of my other MDC projects that were in cooperation with NSS and others:
David Joaquim, Chairman & Conservation Outreach Team
Coordinator
(e-mail) caveconservation@hotmail.com
Plans:
Plans include continuing to use the Karst Hydrology Model as a
teaching tool for schools, grottos and association meetings. I
have spoken with Rick Bowersox, convention JSS coordinator, about
using the model in a presentation for the JSS at convention. This
could become an annual presentation for the JSS. In addition, I
will be starting a project with an Arizona commercial cave, Grand
Canyon Caverns. The management with the caverns would like to
start a cave cleanup project. The Central Arizona Grotto will be
working with the caverns on this project. I can see this becoming
an annual project as well. Arizona caves will also see some
formation repair projects with techniques learned from working
with Jim Werker this year.
Progress:
In May of this year, I had an opportunity to accompany a grammar
school classroom to Kartchner Caverns State Park. Before the
trip, they witnessed the Karst Hydro Model in action in their
classroom. There were many compliments from students, teachers
and parents. I also had the privilege of working with Jim Werker
on some formation repair projects here in Arizona. These are
always a great learning experience and many caves could benefit
from some repairs. This year also saw the finale of the 2 year
PCCP (The Peppersauce Cave Conservation Project) here in Arizona.
Also see Bill Elliott’s Missouri activity report above for
information on extensive use of another Karst Hydro Model.
Problems:
We need to get the word out to grottos nationwide about the
availability of the Karst Hydro Models. Unfortunately, training
people to use the model is difficult because they really need to
learn by seeing and using the model first hand. Maybe a workshop
could be arranged in the future at convention for anyone
interested or an instructional video could be created.
Kathy Nelson inlawsandoutlaws@bellsouth.net.
Roy Vanhoozer (RVanhoo@aol.com)
Kudos to Karen Irving Dennis and Norm Rogers for their multi-year commitment to the Mammoth Cave Restoration Campst. They are both stepping down and we welcome Kathy Nelson and Roy Vanhoozer who have agreed to step into these positions to coordinate NSS restoration efforts at Mammoth Cave National Park with Society members and the National Park Service in collaborative grant-based, cost-share efforts.
Jim C. Werker & Val Hildreth-Werker
NSS Conservation Co-Chairmen
Park Superintendent, Craig Ackerman, invited us (Jim Werker and Val Hildreth-Werker, Co-Chairmen of the NSS Conservation Committee), to visit and offer recommendations on several proposed projects at Oregon Caves National Monument (ORCA). Consultation included discussions regarding the proposed off-trail tour route, installations for photomonitoring systems, restoration objectives along the main visitor trail, and volunteer assistance provided by cavers. Included below are comments addressing each topic area.
While in Oregon, we also met with cavers and presented slide-show-based workshop materials on current best practices in photomonitoring, low-impact restoration methods, improving caver ethics, and speleothem repair techniques. We extend our appreciation to Steve Knutson for organizing the caver get-together. To Dave and Martha Hodges, we extend gratitude for hosting the enjoyable caver meeting in their home. Many promising cave conservation projects are progressing in southern Oregon.
Proposed Off-trail Tour Route
From our conservation-management viewpoint, the route looks to be heavily impacted by previous traffic. The apparent trail compaction and human impact is supported by historical human use of this route over many decades. Like many off-trail tour routes in commercial caves, some points along the proposed ORCA route may be further impacted by caver traffic. For example, quartz dikes that are directly overhead on the proposed route are at risk, but can be protected through careful guide instruction supported by a frequent photomonitoring schedule and specific visitor training about spotting each other near sensitive areas. At least two fragile resource areas have already been withdrawn from the proposed "off-trail spelunker route." We agree that it was wise to withdraw the Rat Hole climb and section of trail passing beside claw marks and pad imprints that are preserved in a fragile mud surface on a ledge about five feet above the floor and trail. We also agree with the decision to withdraw a slick mud-covered slope leading to an area of fragile white speleothems—viewing this area from the upper trail level will offer the benefits of avoiding safety issues and decreasing further impacts to these resources.
We have no official capacity to comment on the significance of paleontological or archeological resources along the proposed route—however, it is our understanding that at least two cave paleontology experts have already visited the site and made recommendations and another is scheduled to visit and offer recommendations later this summer. An archaeologist is also scheduled to visit and offer comments during this summer.
Our recommendations include the following suggestions for the proposed off-trail tour route.
Off-trail Training Programs
The safety and conservation ethics of visitors on any off-trail cave tour reflect the quality of the guide training program and the motivation of individual guides to convey information and monitor visitor actions.
Photomonitoring Installations
Proposed photomonitoring stations were discussed throughout the off-trail tour route and along the main visitor trail. Photomonitoring programs are used to create data sets that document human impact and natural changes in cave environments. Comparative images are used as management tools for defining changes and implementing improvements in procedures.
Impact Mapping
We recommend establishing prototype GIS impact mapping studies at Oregon Caves. In our contacts with Hans Bodenhamer, he has expressed interest in applying GIS to the cave impact mapping system he has developed (Bodenhamer 1995, 2003). We contacted Bernie Szukalski and he expressed interest in assisting with applying GIS systems to both photomonitoring and cave impact mapping at Oregon Caves.
Restoration Along the Main Visitor Trail
We discussed several potential restoration projects along the trails. In past years, extensive restoration has been successfully completed at Oregon Caves. Projects have been accomplished by both volunteer cavers and park personnel.
Volunteers for Conservation, Mapping, and Research Projects
All personnel at Oregon Caves were enthusiastic about resource protection and forthright with information. They were sincerely interested in discussing project ideas and repeatedly expressed enthusiastic interest for increased caver participation in a variety of volunteer projects. Oregon Caves welcomes cooperative activities with the caving community and the following potential projects were discussed. The Monument can accommodate volunteer caver groups of up to 20. Individuals, families, and small groups are also welcome to submit proposals.
Conclusion
Over the years, personnel at Oregon Caves National Monument have actively applied current best practices to the conservation and management of the cave resources.
They sincerely seek state-of-the-art methodologies and cooperative projects with the caving community. Even though the proposed route for the off-trail tour is already heavily impacted and various scientific studies have been conducted in the cave, we recommend establishing baseline data along the off-trail route before reinitiating the proposed tours. We further recommend long-term studies to monitor resources in Oregon Caves. Because the main visitor trail is compact (compared to many other National Park caves) and there are observable seasonal changes along the trail—plus the proposed off-trail tour is only 750 feet in length—Oregon Caves offers special potential as a small prototype site for developing new standards in collecting quantifiable cave management data through GIS systems and digital analyses techniques.
See additional comments, attached, in a site visit report submitted to Oregon Caves by Ronal Kerbo, NPS National Cave Management Coordinator and Greg McDonald, NPS Paleontology Program Coodinator.
Cavers who are interested in participating in any of the volunteer efforts at Oregon Caves National Monument should contact Deana DeWire, phone 541-521-2273.
Cited References
Bodenhamer H. 1995. Monitoring human-caused changes with visitor impact mapping. . In: Rea GT, editor. Proceedings of the 1995 National Cave Management Symposium: Spring Mill State Park, Mitchell, Indiana, October 25-28, 1995. Indianapolis (IN): Indiana Karst Conservancy. p 28-37.
Bodenhamer H. 2003. Visitor impact mapping in caves. In: Hildreth-Werker V & Werker JC, editors. Cave Conservation and Restoration. Huntsville (AL): National Speleological Society. In press.
Boston PJ. 2003. To bleach or not to bleach: Algae control in show caves. In: Hildreth-Werker V & Werker JC, editors. Cave Conservation and Restoration. Huntsville (AL): National Speleological Society. In press.
Faimon J, Zimak J, Stelcl J, Kubesova S. 2003. Environmentally acceptable effect of hydrogen peroxide on cave lamp-flora. Environmental Pollution 122(3):417-422.
Grobbelaar JU. 2000. Lithophytic algae: a major threat to the karst formation of show caves. J Appl Phycol 12:309-315.
Olson R. 2003. Control of lamp flora in developed caves. In: Hildreth-Werker V & Werker JC, editors. Cave Conservation and Restoration. Huntsville (AL): National Speleological Society. In press.
Ronal Kerbo
National Cave Management Coordinator
Greg McDonald
Paleontology Program Coordinator
National Park Service
Geologic Resources Division
Science and Technical Services Branch
Denver, Colorado 80225-0287
PURPOSE AND NEED SCOPING APPROPRIATENESS POTENTIAL FOR DAMAGE TO SPELEOTHEMS AND IMPACTS TO CAVE FLOOR IMPACTS TO FOSSIL RESOURCES HAZARD ASSESSMENT POTENTIAL IMPACT ON CAVE LIFE ATTACHMENTS: 1. A SAMPLE PACKAGE FOR CAVE PROJECTS 2. SAMPLE ACTION PLAN The objectives of this Action Plan are: 3. CLASSIFICATION 4. SURVEYING AND INVENTORYING CAVE SYSTEMS AND THEIR RESOURCES Survey Standards Drawings Survey Crew 5. PROTECTING AND MONITORING NATURAL CAVE SYSTEMS AND CAVE RESOURCES 6. RESEARCHING ENVIRONMENTAL, HYDROLOGICAL, GEOLOGICAL, BIOLOGICAL AND CULTURAL CAVE RESOURCES
The National Park Service (NPS) proposes to conduct an Introduction to Caving tour for visitors to Oregon Caves National Monument. This tour would offer an alternative experience for Monument visitors. Presently the public tour route is the only opportunity for visitors to enjoy the resources of Oregon Cave. This tour is not meant to replace the current tours, but to provide an additional experience. This action is needed to continue implementation of the approved 1998 Oregon Caves National Monument General Management Plan/Environmental Impact Statement (GMP). The GMP recognized the need for additional opportunities for visitors to the Monument. The tour was operated on a trial basis in 2001 with results to be analyzed to determine the feasibility of providing this type experience as a part of the ongoing interpretive and education program at the Monument.
Several people familiar with Oregon Cave have suggested that natural cave conditions will be negatively impacted by this new tour route. The 2001 NPS Management Policies states that “Parks will strive to close caves or portions of caves to public use, or to control such use, when such actions are required for the protection of cave resources or for human safety.” Current guidance for cave management in NPS-77 (still in effect) states that the major objectives of a park's cave management program should include:
1. protection and perpetuation of natural cave, karst, and hydrological systems;
2. opportunities for scientific studies and research in or about cave and karst resources and systems;
3. detailed inventory of resources within cave systems;
4. provision of educational and recreational opportunities for a broad spectrum of park visitors to discover, explore, study, respect, appreciate, and enjoy caves at their individual levels of interest and abilities; and
5. Establishment of regulations, guidelines, and/or permit stipulations that will ensure maximum safety of the cave visitor and conservation of cave resources.
A Categorical Exclusion (CA) analyzes the proposed action and alternatives and their impacts on the environment. This CA has been prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 and regulations of the Council on Environmental Quality (40 CFR 1508.9).
Scoping is the effort to involve agencies and the public in determining the scope of issues to be addressed in the environmental document. Among other tasks scoping determines important issues and eliminates issues not important. Scoping includes any interested agency, or any agency with jurisdiction by law or expertise (including the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation [ACHP], the State Historic Preservation Officer [SHPO], and Indian Tribes) to obtain early input. Scoping for this project was initiated primarily through the GMP process (public and internal) in 1996. Caving/off trail type tours received very few comments regarding the proposed tour. An internal scoping session was conducted on site with Geologic Resources Division employees Ron Kerbo (National Cave Management Coordinator) and with Greg McDonald (National Paleontological Coordinator) in August 2001. An individual who expressed ongoing concern about the tour route was invited to participate in the session with Kerbo and McDonald, but did not do so.
The internal scoping session for the proposed tour route resulted in the following list of issues or impact topics to be addressed in this document:
1. Appropriateness of the proposed tour route,
2. Potential for damage to speleothems, and impacts to cave floor,
3. Impacts to fossil resources,
4. Hazard assessment
5. Potential impact on cave life.
Cave Usage or “Carrying Capacity”: At this time a maximum of 560 visitors people per annum (8 persons (maximum) X 1 trip per day X 70 days) would be the potential number to tour the route if all trips were filled to capacity each time. These figures include two NPS employees with each group and are based on the preferred alternative in the CE.
In the past, carrying capacity has often been addressed and defined in terms of physical or facility capacity limits (maximum sustainable use). This concept is gradually being replaced with new strategies to provide for appropriate ecological and social conditions. That is, carrying capacity is now defined as the type and level of visitor use that be accommodated while sustaining the desired resource and social conditions that complement the purposes of the park. Carrying capacity is established from the correlation of two important types of information: (1) the measured condition of cave resources associated with various levels of use and (2) quality of visitor experience. Recommendation: To help safeguard the quality of park resources and the visitor experience while addressing carrying capacity, the Park should consider using the visitor experience and resource protection (VERP) program to assist in determining carrying capacity for the tour route. GRD staff would be happy to provide a Geologist in the Park position to assist with conducting this study. As applied to the proposed tour route, this program would rely on the concept of management zones that identify how different areas within the cave would be managed to achieve desired resource and social conditions. Each zone has a unique combination of physical, biological, social, and managerial conditions, and different actions would be taken by the Monument in different zones with regard to the types and levels of uses.
POTENTIAL FOR DAMAGE TO SPELEOTHEMS AND IMPACTS TO CAVE FLOOR:
A portion of the route is along a previous developed trail. The downward sloping area near the hand rail at the beginning of the tour is one of the few decorated areas which provides a visual reward for the cave visitor and offers much for an interpreter to discuss with groups. Recommendation: This area should not be entered but only viewed from above. The low area further into the tour with small delicate crystal trees can be protected by the guides steering groups away from the speleothems and making everyone aware of the delicate nature of the cave. The entire tour route is obviously a route that has been heavily traveled in the past. The visitors to these areas are not causal unsupervised groups as in the past but are supervised and even then will not be allowed to enter areas of heavy decoration and risk damage to the speleothems. The tour route must be plainly marked with the current use of plastic replaceable flags or with plastic surveyors tape. The floor of the tour route is an area that cave restoration work could be initiated with the help of volunteer cave groups.
During the survey of the proposed route, bones were observed in some areas. Additionally a fossil footprint and claw marks are present in soft mud on a ledge in a room at the top of the Rat Hole. While some of the bones are large, many are from small animals and may not be immediately recognizable, hence subject to potential damage.
Recommendation: While the preliminary examination of the proposed tour route resulted in the identification of areas with visible bone on the surface, this does not constitute a complete inventory nor assessment of potential damage that may be caused by visitors utilizing this route. ORCA is in the process of conducting an inventory and assessment on the distribution of fossil material within the cave and this assessment can easily accommodate the proposed route. It is suggested that priority be given to the proposed tour route in order to identify those areas that may be impacted. Many sections of the proposed tour route have been historically heavily used (including old but now abandoned steps), thus in all likelihood there has already been a negative impact to any fossil material in the direct route. Examination of potential areas for fossil material included side alcoves that contained sediments. These are the areas that may potentially receive impact from the proposed tours, as these are wide areas where the group may assemble, or rest during the tour. The small size of many bones may result in their damage simply because a visitor may not be aware of their presence when they sit or rest. An inventory of these areas can identify those most susceptible to impact. Any individual involved in leading these tours should be made aware of these sensitive areas, so as to warn participants and to restrict their access to these areas.
While the bones of smaller animals may not be immediately noticeable to visitors, the presence of larger bones or fragments will be more readily noticeable. The presence of these bones along the tour route can contribute to the overall experience of the visitor. They also have interpretive value with regard to the natural history of the cave. As with other fossil resources the location of these bones should be recorded and documented. While vulnerable to removable by tour participants, they are no more vulnerable to theft then any other loose object present on the cave floor. However, being unique, and with their precise location noted, they can be more readily protected, since the second leader of the tour, who is at the end of the party, can note whether the specimen is still in place after the rest of the group has passed the specimen.
The track and claw marks are perhaps the most sensitive and easily damaged of the fossil resources observed. At the moment this section of the tour route is not being utilized, and it is recommended that access to this area be restricted, pending full documentation. These specimens need full photodocumentation, and perhaps, if it can be done safely and with no damage to the specimen, molds can be made. Casts of these specimens can be used for scientific and interpretative purposes in lieu of the originals.
Awareness of the presence of the fossil resources and their vulnerability is an important part of their protection. As part of the orientation visitors should be informed that small bones are presence and they should watch for them as they are crawling in tight areas and they should not leave designated paths. A look but do not touch policy should be emphasized as for all other cave resources. This increased awareness has the potential to result in new discoveries of bones in areas not identified during the preliminary inventory and assessment of fossil resources along the route. Since it is impossible to identify all areas containing concentrations of small bones participants in this tour may actually make a discovery of new areas not previously identified and thus aid in the protection of the resource. It is also possible they may make a discovery of scientific importance.
Visitors to the proposed route are offered a "primitive" or "wild" cave experience, which makes it a highly desirable recreational and learning experience for a fairly large segment of the population. Visitors who fulfill the permit requirements (which may include seasoned cave explorers on one end of the spectrum to flashlight carrying novices with no previous cave experience on the other end) are not "on their own" to navigate their way through the cave, but will be well supervised along a route with only moderate difficulties.
Recommendations: A basic map of the passages should be provided to each member of the group.
Getting lost: Some cave passages involve a multitude of junctions and possible travel routes. In such situations, it is best to always have the guides remind everyone to stay on route and make sure no one is allowed to divert from the tour.
Getting stuck: In most cases, an individual can get out of any passage that they can get into. (One exception may be a narrow slot in the bottom of a keyhole passage). Problems occur when gravity or apprehension becomes a factor in the situation. Calming the person down and/or removing some of their clothing can alleviate most situations. When in doubt, the park should provide a squeeze box as is done at Jewel Cave and make sure the visitor can squeeze through a tight hole.
Darkness: Caves are dark. Backup lights should always be carried. Carry enough light to last longer than the trip’s expected duration.
Hypothermia: Proper clothing should be worn when entering a cave. Hypothermia can become a problem when water is encountered or when the group moves too slowly. It is wise to carry spare clothing.
Dehydration: Dehydration can lead to many other complications, including hypothermia. Sometimes trips can run longer than expected. Carry enough food and water to last longer than the trip’s expected duration.
First aid caches: These should be established at the midpoint of the tour, at the turn around point, and at the trailhead. The guides should carry at least one complete emergency first aid kit with them. A sked litter should be readily available in the case of a serious injury along the route and practice evacuation by park staff and volunteers should be conducted on a regular basis.
POTENTIAL IMPACT ON CAVE LIFE:
A faunal study of the cavern’s biota could include microbiological, invertebrates, and vertebrate species. Such a survey should determine the number and identification of obligate and facultative cave dwellers and accidentals and which use the twilight or dark zones in the cavern. This would require microbiological testing, visual surveys, live trappings, and limited pitfall trapping. Area universities should be asked to assist with this project.
Recommendations: Before tours are resumed we would recommend that a study be contracted and conducted for a year along the tour route. The following parameters can be incorporated into the contract: Cave invertebrates will be sampled in four ways: pitfall trapping, visual inspection, Berlese funnel extraction, and sediment floats.
Pitfall trapping should be conducted by using a standard set of trap sites in specific areas along the tour route (i.e. wet areas/dry areas). Un-baited, sixteen ounce cups with inserts will be buried up to their rims in soil or rubble. These cups will be left for at least a twenty-four hour period. First-time captures in the pitfall traps will be collected for identification. All others will be released.
Intensive visual searches for invertebrates will involve examining organic matter (feces, guano, carcasses, leaf litter), accessible floors, walls, cracks, crevices, pool surfaces, ceilings, and overturning rocks and debris. OptiVisors with a 2.5x magnification lens will be used for the visual surveys. Invertebrates that are found will be photographed and collected. Those not needed for identification purposes will be released. This type of inventory will require several visits per year, since cave biota can be greatly influenced by seasonal changes in temperature, water levels and food input.
Soil samples and other debris will be collected from various sites. Small invertebrates will be extracted using Berlese funnels. Soil samples can also be floated in concentrated salt solution (NaCl) to extract invertebrates.
All field data will be entered on a standard form to ensure consistency in data collection. After data has been validated and reviewed, metadata will be finalized, the data set entered into the NPS DataSet Catalog and NPBib where applicable and appropriate hard and electronic copies filed. Plastic polypropylene bottles will be used for storing the collected specimens. The specimens will be preserved in 75% ETOH, and sent to a qualified lab for identification by a contracted specialist. Voucher specimens will be identified and catalogued by the contracted lab. Data for all vouchers collected will be entered in both the NPS NPSpecies database and the NPS ANCS+ database that is administered by the NPS National Catalog. The specialist will give all original catalog records to the park.
1. A SAMPLE PACKAGE FOR CAVE PROJECTS
Description of Recommended Project or Activity
Initiate an inventory of the parks cave systems by developing and implementing an action plan for the inventory of all known caves. This project will include mapping and assessment of the geological, biological, cultural, and paleontological resources. Park staff will provide oversight for the project, which will involve local university specialists and members of the National Speleological Society.
This package addresses the project needs for a cave reconnaissance and inventory project to support cave resources management planning. The project will include the cartographic survey, inventory, and legal land description of know cave resources or individual cave or cave area. The project needs include but is not limited to the following prioritized list:
Priority 1: Conduct a cartographic survey within +/- 2% error of closure. Data should be delivered on computer disk, compatible with a Geographic Information System, and as finished plan and profile Class 1 maps.
Priority 2: In conjunction with the cartographic survey base line resource inventories will be conducted. Initial data collection will include the following information: geology, mineralogy, archeology (including all cultural associations), paleontology, hydrology, and biology (flora and fauna). This data collection process will be accomplished through contracts, MOUs, and/or park personnel.
These projects are needed to develop a cave management program, which will allow the NPS to manage cave and karstic resources. The consequences of not implementing this program include the following: non-compliance with federal law and NPS policies, degradation of cave resources and increased potential to allow karstic aquifer pollution.
2. SAMPLE ACTION PLAN
The objectives of this Action Plan are:
1. The protection and perpetuation of natural cave systems.
2. The documentation, protection, and interpretation of cultural, paleontological and biological resources.
3. To provide opportunities for scientific study of the cave resources and systems
4. To provide opportunities for experienced cavers to carefully explore, survey, and inventory caves.
5. To provide park-wide guidelines and policies for cave exploration, documentation and cartographic surveys.
3. CLASSIFICATION
All know caves should be classified according to the interim classification system found in the Cave Management Plan. This management system assigns a numerical rating for management type, based on the caves resources and hazards, which are explained in a narrative in the Plan.
Priority assignment for classification must be given to those caves at greatest risk, and/or being entered most frequently. The inventory and survey projects should allow a number to be assigned to the cave being assessed.
4. SURVEYING AND INVENTORYING CAVE SYSTEMS AND THEIR RESOURCES
Survey Standards
A cartographic survey of a prioritized list of caves (determined by the parks cave specialist) will be conducted. In order to impact the caves as little as possible while gathering a maximum of information from each survey trip, the following standards have been developed and will be adhered to by all parties interested in surveying in the caves of HAVO. The main objective of surveying teams should be the gathering of quality data. Archeological resources will be documented as described in "Cultural Resources Management, Inventory Procedures" in the Cave Management Plan.
A detailed survey and inventory of all known caves will eventually be completed. This is a process that is expected to require a multi-year project. The survey and inventory of the cave systems will become the baseline upon which future cave management decisions will be based.
A brass cap may be set at the entrance of each cave. The cave number should be stamped on the cap. The caps should be placed as near the natural entrance of the caves as possible. These caps then become the starting point for the cave surveys. The park should also obtain a cave survey data processing program that handles GIS (Geographic Information) data, such as COMPASS. The park will need to either provide someone to type this data into the program or make a computer and the program accessible to the cave surveyors.
If requested, the park should provide volunteer cave surveyors with all survey gear, including: survey books, water-resistant paper, fiberglass tapes and two-in-one survey instruments.
All surveys will have a cover sheet and should be filled out completely. When filling out the cover sheet, be sure to record the name of the cave, the general area of the cave, and the more specific area if possible. Also record the full name of those individuals participating in the survey. The sketcher’s goal is to produce a quality sketch that accurately depicts the passage that has been surveyed and to record all necessary notes, numbers, etc. that accompany the sketch. The sketcher is responsible for making sure that all needed items are done correctly.
Three types of drawings—the plan, profile, and cross-sectional views—must be produced for all surveys. . All drawings must be drawn to scale, on graph paper, and should have a north arrow and a distance scale on each page. The sketcher should use an appropriate scale for the passage being sketched. The sketch should not be so small that it is impossible to show any detail, but it should also not be so large as to not fit well on the page. If the passage is small to medium in size, then 20 or 30 feet to the inch would work well. If the passage is large to extremely large, then 50 feet to the inch is appropriate.
Data sheets are straight forward and should make note-taking easier. Enter one station per box with the distance, azimuth, vertical angle, and passage dimensions in the corresponding boxes. DO NOT write two station numbers per box. This is confusing when it comes to data entry. Also, record all numbers using decimal points. This makes it much easier for data entry. Sketchers should have designated letters to use for new stations before entering the cave. These will be provided by the expedition cartographer or the park’s Resources Management office.
Heavy dots or small triangles can be used to denote survey stations. Make sure the stations are marked accurately and labeled clearly on the sketch. Any scale changed during the course of the survey will be documented in the notes. The sketcher will also strive to take legible notes that are clean and neat.
Data should be delivered on computer disk, compatible with the a cave geographic information system, and as finished plan and profile Class 1 maps. All original notes will be kept in the park with copies kept by the originating party. The notes will be turned into the Natural Resources Office before leaving the park.
The caves will be plotted on a mylar overlay as part of the park’s 7-1/2 minute RBI/Ecosystem map series. Since confidentiality of cave entrance locations is critical to the protection of cave resources, (as per the FCRPA of 1988) the maps will not be available for public viewing. Cave [entrance] locations will be designated by a circle. Cave numbers will be shown on the map. Cave locations should be incorporated into the park GIS. Brass survey markers at least one inch in diameter will be obtained for marking cavern entrances and tying into surface surveys.
Historic and archeological sites, features, and artifacts will be inventoried. Significant sites, features, and artifacts will be flagged and field identification names/numbers will be assigned. Flagging will identify locations that need to be mapped onto the primary survey map. The cave system will be surveyed and inventoried according to the following standards (adopted from the "Survey Standards for Carlsbad Caverns National Park").:
Drawings
Plan View. This drawing should be done to scale on graph paper using a protractor and ruler. The plan view should concentrate mostly on floor detail. Ceiling ledges and domes, floor ledges, breakdown blocks, cave fill, formations, cave walls, boulders, columns, flowstone, drops in the passage, etc. should be drawn in their proper positions and orientations. Smaller features can be symbolically represented. Smaller features should be added with general symbols such as gravel, sand, mud, dirt, etc. The use of floor-sloping symbols is permissible and may be necessary in places, but the composition of the floor should also be apparent from the sketches. Writing a general statement such as "All floor detail is gypsum" is not an acceptable practice for most situations. Sketchers should take the time to fill all floor detail in on the plan view with the proper symbols.
Profile View. A running profile, taken from survey point to survey point, should accurately depict ceiling height changes, floor changes, height of station above the floor, formations such as stalagmites, stalactites, soda straw areas, rocks, boulders, bedrock, and other important features that help relay more information about that particular passage. Be sure to include ceiling leads on the profile as well. The profile should also be plotted accurately. It can be located next to the plan sketch or done on a separate sheet of graph paper. Label the survey points with heavy dots or small triangles and the station name.
Cross-Sections. Cross-sections are an important part of the sketch and should be done whenever there is a significant change in the character of the passage or every 100 feet or so. There can never be too many cross-sections. Make sure the cross-section and the view direction is clearly marked on the sketches. Like the profile view, cross-sections should depict all important features that are found when looking in cross-section at that particular point in the passage. Obviously, this should include the general shape of the passage. When surveying a large room, cross-sections as well as a running-profile down the middle of the room are very helpful.
If stations have been plotted accurately, any major survey errors should show up in the sketch.
Location of cultural features will be indicated in the notes and mapping. A professionally qualified archeologist will complete the recording of the cave’s cultural features to the standards described in the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Archeology and Historic Preservation (NPS 1983a).
Survey Crew
Each survey crew will consist of no more than four individuals, unless a specific need is shown. During exploration trips no one may enter unexplored or unsurveyed passages without surveying as they go. The survey team will consist of the following members: sketcher, two instrument people and the point person. By distributing the survey tasks among four individuals, no one in the survey will be waiting for the sketcher (usually the slowest position).
Sketcher. The sketcher will be the team leader and the responsible party. Once the team begins to survey, the sketcher is the leader of the team and controls the speed and ultimate direction the team takes. It is the sketcher’s task to make sure that survey standards are being maintained, that no rules are being broken and the cave is not being adversely impacted. He or she must also ensure that backsights are read and recorded. The sketcher must ensure that any unsurveyed passage seen by any member of the team is surveyed on that trip. All other team positions should work with the sketcher to help accurately survey the cave passage.
If a four-person party is being used, the sketcher will only be responsible for recording data (including left [L], right [R], up [U], down [D]) and drawing the plan view. The L, R, U, D data will be taken from the “from” station looking towards the “to” station. All data will be recorded in decimal points. Each page will contain the following items: cave name, date, sketcher’s name, north arrow and a bar scale. A protractor and ruler will be used to draw the sketch to scale. Any unusual symbols used should be identified on the page they are used. Each page will be numbered (1 of 4, 2 of 4...)
Instrument Persons. Two team members will be the instrument readers, one reading foresights and the other reading backsights. All readings will be taken in degrees. The first instrument reader will also have a book and will draw a running profile and periodic cross section views. This method of task distribution allows more attention to be paid to the detail in these two views. A cross section will be drawn whenever the passage shape changes significantly. Both the profiles and cross sections will show formations, dip of beds, breakdown and cave fill. The second instrument reader will also have a book and will be completing the inventory, tying attribute data to the nearest station. This task will require this person to be constantly searching for the inventory items as the survey progresses.
Point Person. The point person locates and marks survey stations and stretches the tape out with the help of one of the instrument people. Only the point will be marked in the cave and not the survey letter designation. No points will be marked on formations. Instead, they will be described by the sketcher.
5. PROTECTING AND MONITORING NATURAL CAVE SYSTEMS AND CAVE RESOURCES
Protecting the non-renewable natural and cultural resources in cave systems is the highest priority. The following actions may be necessary to properly protect delicate natural and cultural cave resources:
a) Installation of a remote intrusion detection system via a VHF communication receiver if it becomes evident that a cave may be subseptible to illegal entry (add an animal filter that would discriminate between pedestrians and four-legged animals).
b) Establish a policy or agreements with adjacent land management agencies to address those cave systems that may have passageways or entrances beneath both agencies administered areas.
c) Caves or portions of a cave determined to be environmentally sensitive may have baseline data gathered with an automated and/or manual monitoring system. This system will involve monitoring the environmental (micro-micro-climatical) conditions in a cave system.
All monitoring data will be made a part of permanent park records.
Environmental Conditions. Temperature and relative humidity can be monitored near natural entrances and deep in the dark zone of each cave using small Temp/Rh data loggers. These parameters need to be monitored constantly for at least three years to create a baseline data set.
Hydrological Conditions. Water quality in any cave systems near major roadways (especially paved roads), parking lots, camp grounds, or any sub-division should be periodically monitored. Water quality in the cave watershed can be determined by testing drip water entering the caves.
Photomonitoring. A photomonitoring project should be established for those caves receiving the highest amount of visitation or other use such as a continuing research project. Both fixed photo points and video can be used. Documentation of cave features and resources (both natural and cultural) should first be concentrated in those areas most accessible from major routes of travel through a cave, and secondarily in more remote cave areas. Photo points must be recoverable points and should be linked to cartographic survey points.
This project will be repeated in ten years. Photos points will be recreated precisely using maps, measurements, compass bearings, and inclinations. The same or similar equipment and film will be used, including use of the same size and type of lenses, and f-stops, camera distance and lighting, and film type. The photographs must be printed on archival paper. Further guidance on documenting cultural resources is included in the Cave Management Plan (NPS 199#)
There is some general resource protection rules that will be followed whenever work is being done in the caves, which are:
a) Any contractor and their workers will be carefully instructed concerning cave conservation and ethics before they work in a cave. A Park Service employee will serve as the contracting officer’s technical representative.
b) Gloves should be worn at all times. Sturdy boots, knee pads and helmets are also required.
c) The number of workers in a volunteer group working on a cave project should be kept under five for each supervisor (the supervisor can be a trained park-approved volunteer).
Many of cave survey and inventory projects could be carried out by small groups of carefully supervised volunteers. National Speleological Society and its internal organizations such as the Hawaii Speleological Survey consist of cavers with a strong cave conservation background already and would be a logical first choice. However, they will still require some training. Other volunteers could also be used if they were trained and closely supervised
6. RESEARCHING ENVIRONMENTAL, HYDROLOGICAL, GEOLOGICAL, BIOLOGICAL, AND CULTURAL CAVE RESOURCES
To properly manage, protect, conserve and interpret the caves of the park, an active hypothesis-driven research program is required. Research needs include:
1. Installation and monitoring of micro-climate stations for meteorological studies.
2. A geological, paleontological and mineralogical survey.
3. A survey and National Register evaluation of cultural material.
4. A biological survey with an emphasis on those areas of the cave that will be available to the public.
Research trips may be separate from exploration and survey groups. Research proposals will be reviewed by the Resources Management Specialist and approved or disapproved by the Superintendent. Only institutions or individuals associated with institutions or other Federal agencies will be granted research privileges. During any trips, absolutely no samples will be collected without an approved collecting permit. Collecting permits for resources in the cavern must be carefully considered. Any collecting should be kept to an absolute minimum. In regards to speleothems, only loose specimens should be collected. Due to the fragile nature of cave ecosystems, visual biotic surveys should be used whenever possible.
Interpretation will be based on current thought and scientific facts learned from on-going research in the cavern. Interpretation of the cave system will be based on thematic interpretation, which is dynamic and creative, moving beyond the traditional fairylanding approach of "cave guides." Regulations and safety concerns must also be an essential components of interpretive programs.
The six major research topics that need to be addressed are:
A. Environmental Conditions
B. Hydrologic System
C. Speleogenetic History
D. Speleobiologic Resources
E. Cultural Resources
F. Paleontological Resources
Environmental Conditions. Determining the natural fluctuations in relative humidity and temperature and wind speed and direction in various sections of the cave system requires research.
Hydrologic System. The healths of the cavern watershed, flow regimes, water chemistry are all subjects that require research
Speleogentic History. Research in this area can provide valuable information for cave interpretation and management. There are three areas of special interest:
Speleogenesis: This research can provide important information in how a particular cave was formed.
Paleoclimatology: Can provide valuable information in past conditions that shaped the development of the cave, deposition of minerals and surface influences on the cave resources.
Cave Sediments: can provide important information on speleogenesis, biology, and mineralogy.
Speleobiologic Resources: A faunal study of the cavern’s biota could include microbiological, invertebrates, and vertebrate species. Such a survey should determine the number and identification of obligate and facultative cave dwellers and accidentals and which use the twilight or dark zones in the cavern. This would require microbiological testing, visual surveys, live trappings, and limited pitfall trapping. Area universities should be asked to assist with this project.
Cultural Resources: The cave systems preserve a record of a rich human history. Archeological testing should be conducted at the entrances and in the twilight zone areas as well as into the dark zone of the caves. During inventory of the cavern’s artifacts and features, additional testing could help further define and describe historic use of the cavern. Oral histories should be conducted to document the more recent use of the caves. These histories should be completed before historical figures associated with the cavern die. Additionally, early photographs (including personal and commercial photographs) of the caves should be collected.
Paleontological Resources: A species determination of animals previously living in the area should be completed. This could identify extinct animals that once used the area or identify animal species that are no longer found in the area. If paleontological remains are found, excavations should be conducted only after extensive consultation with appropriate experts in the field. As a minimum, remains should be dated and identified, pollen samples should be collected, and extinct vs. extirpated species should be determined. A vertebrate paleontologist with experience in recognizing subtle stratigraphic levels should direct any such project. In addition to paleontological remains, C14 and pollen samples should be collected from each natural level. Any charcoal deposits should be carefully collected. Finally, the minimum number of individuals should be determined for the deposits and the species list should be compared to current population lists and ranges. This will help determine which species are extinct or just extirpated from the area. All remains could be stored and cataloged into park collections. If the collections were loaned to a university for analysis, it is important that the university in question have a substantial cave vertebrate collection as well as an osteological collection.