Cave and Karst
Acquisition Committee
Conservancies Committee
Closed Cave Database
Committee
Contemporary
Cave Use Study Committee
Land Owner Relations
Committee
NSS Cave Preserves
Committee
Conservation Committee
Discovering Caves
Brochure Series
Conservation Division Website
GIS/ESRI Liaison to NSS Conservation
NSS
Liaison for The Nature Conservancy
NSS Liaison for KEEP
NSS
Liaison for Virtual Cave Trip
Conservation Task Forces
Resource Preservation
Committee
Mammoth Cave
Restoration Committee
Bat Conservation Liaison
Geo-caching AD HOC
Committee
Conservation Grants
Committee
NSS
Liaison for International Speleothem Protection
NSS
Cave Vandalism Deterrence Reward Commission
Education
Grants and Scholarship Committee
Environmental
Education Committee
Safety and Techniques
Committee
Television/Video
Production Committee
Youth Groups
Liaison Committee
National Cave Rescue
Commission
Convention
Development Committee
2003 NSS Convention
2004 NSS Convention
Junior Speleological
Society
Salons Committee
Congress of Grottos
Attachment C-1 – NSS Potter
Unit Preserve Draft Management Plan
Attachment C-2 – Draft Management
Agreement NSS/FWS Potter Unit Preserve
Attachment C-3 – NSS Caves
Preserves Detailed Report
Attachment C-4 – Kula Kai Estates
Subdivision Grant Request
Attachment C-5 – Kipuka Kanohina
Cave Preserve Management Plan
Addendum to the Administrtive Vice President's Report
Thomas Lera
The Department of the Administrative Vice President consists of 16 Committees, two Commissions, and three NSS Convention hosts Committees, within these are nine Conservation Task Forces, twelve Cave Preserves, ten NSS Conservancies, and several sub-committees. The current name and contact information for the chair of each organizational entity may be found at in the table of Current Personnel. If the name, address or email address listed is wrongly, please notify me.
Once again, there has been a lot of progress made on all fronts. First, I encourage all to read the Cave and Karst Acquisition Committee Report. The NSS Potter Unit Cave Preserve documents are nearing finalization and application for a $5,000 grant by the Cave Conservancy of Hawaii for Kipuka Kanohina Cave System is attached. This is a unique request as there is no cave entrance in CCH’s hands. The Education Division has wonderful things to announce, as does the Conservation Division, however the Convention Division has had no luck in finding a 2005 Convention host. If you have any questions, please let me know.
Convention Report
William Palmer (8654), Chairman
Bill Palmer has made a major family and job move over the last two months. He is currently with the Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory in Colorado and is in the middle of firming up the entire network of all the Rocky Mountain States. He apologizes for this and hopes the Board will understand.
Philip Moss, Chairman
Members: Lee Florea, David Taylor, and David Brace
Progress:
Potter Unit (Oklahoma)– The donation has still not gone
through as of this writing. This is a 189-acre parcel with two
caves on it in Oklahoma. The owners, Dennis and Kenneth Potter,
wish to donate the property to the NSS. The caves provide habitat
for Ozark Big-Eared bats, which are Federally listed as
endangered. The Board has agreed to accept the donation. The U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service has agreed to continue to manage the
property. The Tulsa Regional Oklahoma Grotto (TROG) has
volunteered to cover transfer costs and property taxes (they
believe that it is advantageous to pay the taxes, rather than to
apply for relief from them). TROG has already paid the cost of an
appraisal.
There are three documents involved with the transfer: a donation agreement, a preserve draft management plan, and a draft management agreement between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the NSS. The latter two documents are in hand and the former should be completed very soon. I think that we need to execute the donation agreement before executing the management agreement. However, the draft management agreement (Attachment C-1) and draft preserve management plan (Attachment C-2) are attached for the Board’s review.
Kipuka Kanohina Cave System, Lot #63 (Hawai’i) - The Cave Conservancy of Hawai’i has applied for a $5,000 grant from the NSS to buy a lot in a subdivision overlying the second longest lava tube known in the world. The committee has provided an evaluation of the grant request to the AVP. There is a motion on the agenda addressing this request. (See Attachments C-4 and C-5 for details)
Limrock Blowing Cave (Alabama) – The Southeastern Cave Conservancy (SCCi) has expressed interest in a $5,000 grant from the NSS to help with the purchase of this cave. As of this writing, the committee is awaiting more information from SCCi. I expect to have the information prior to the August 2003 meeting and will provide it to the AVP as soon as practical. A motion on the grant request will be on the agenda if the information is received in time.
Wolf River Cave (Tennessee) - The Southeastern Cave Conservancy (SCCi) has expressed interest in a $5,000 grant from the NSS to help with the purchase of this cave. As of this writing, the committee is awaiting more information from SCCi. I expect to have the information prior to the August 2003 meeting and will provide it to the AVP as soon as practical. A motion on the grant request will be on the agenda if the information is received in time.
Wayne Cave (Indiana) – The Indiana Karst Conservancy has expressed interest in a $5,000 grant to help support the purchase of this cave. Their intent is to have a motion on the Fall 2003 agenda.
Appendix L: Cave and Karst Acquisition Policy – Major revisions of the policy have been drafted. Some of these revisions are intended to ensure that the Board and future CKAC members understand potential pitfalls of land acquisition. There is a motion on the agenda to adopt a revised Appendix L.
Plans:
To continue to review cave and karst properties identified for
acquisition by the NSS, offered as donations to the NSS, and
those applications for NSS acquisition grants.
To create a form to be completed by people requesting a grant through this committee. It would serve to streamline the application process and transfer more of the work to those requesting a grant.
To try to ensure that the Board is aware of the contents of and the rationale for its Policy for Cave and Karst Acquisitions.
Problems:
NSS Director - Recently, an NSS Director demanded that I provide
information that is readily available to anyone in the NSS. I
pointed out where the information can be found and the Director
insisted that was not good enough. I see several problems with
this Director’s approach. The committee’s priorities
are set by consensus with the AVP. I have no problem with anyone
communicating with me directly offering advice, help, or
constructive criticism. I do have a problem with anyone other
than the AVP thinking that they have the right to unilaterally
re-establish priorities. Directors (collectively) make policy,
not make day-to-day decisions on the operation of committees. I
am offended by the approach and I am sure that if this Director
is interfering with other committees, other important volunteers
are being alienated. Volunteers need support, not demands to do
more.
Funding – The Cave Acquisition Fund has a little over $16,000, according to Dave Irving. We currently have $20,000 in expected grant requests. The Board may not fund any of these, however I cannot remember the Board turning down a request. It is likely that the Fund will be depleted no later than Fall of 2003. The good news is that I would have a lot less work to do. The bad news is that we could be advertising that we have money to donate when we would not. I believe that misleading prospective grant requestors is bad public relations with the membership. I recommend that we either find additional funding or maintain a low profile for this grant program.
John M. Wilson, Chairman
Home email: john@wilsonj.org
Plans:
Fundraising Symposium
A symposium for cave conservancies, land trusts with caves, and
related cave management interests has been cancelled for the 2003
NSS Convention. The reason for the cancellation was lack of
pre-registration and interest.
Conservancies Roundtable
The Sixth Annual Cave Conservancies Round Table at the 2003 NSS
Convention in Porterville, California is scheduled for 2:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. on Monday, 4 August 2003. The title on this
session in the preliminary program is incorrectly listed as
Conservation Roundtable.
The session will have three parts:
Details can be found at the conservancy web page at: http://www.caves.org/committee/ccc/
Group Conservation Award
The NSS Conservancies website is hosting information about the
Conservation and Management Section Group Conservation Award. http://www.caves.org/committee/ccc/groupaward.htm
Progress:
Twelve Cave Conservancies are recognized as such by the NSS as of
June 2003.
Problems:
The Western Cave Conservancy is providing some additional
information that has not been received as of June 16, 2003. I
will continue to request this information and hope to have the
website updated in the near future.
Everett Carpenter, Chairman
No report has been received at the time of this writing.
Garrett Czmor, NSS 22709(R)(FE), Chairman.
Plans:
Progress:
Problems:
There is no report from this committee. We are researching why there has been no activity for the last two reports and will have a solution for the next meeting.
Gary Bush, Chairman
E-mail: gary@wgbush.com
==========================================================
REPORT of the NSS CAVE PRESERVE COMMITTEE - JUNE, 2003
==========================================================
I. General:
Reports were received from nine of the twelve NSS Preserves this period. The Preserve Managers' reports I've received are attached, for the record. As is my custom, I've also summarized the status of each report in Section II of this report. Overall, the properties continue to be in good condition.
The previous Alachua Sinks Preserve Committee has distinguished itself by years of accident-free stewardship of that NSS property. As they will be stepping down soon in deference to new management directly by the NSS Cave Diving Section, I am petitioning the NSS Board to publicly thank the retiring members for their years of faithful service to the Society. Led by Chairman Jim C. Taylor, the members are: Tom Morris, Woody Jasper, Jarrod Jablonski, Lamar Hires, Tyler Moon, Bill Main, Ted Cole, Lloyd Bailey, Pat Cushing, Bob Messersmith, Greg Montgomery, John Mosely, Cindy Butler, and Rob Anderson. I am very proud to have had them on my team.
The new Great Expectations Cave Preserve has joined the NSS Preserves this reporting period.
I've recently moved to a new home in a suburb southeast of Columbus, Ohio. My new contact information is:
W. Gary Bush
8238 Woodstream Dr. NW
Canal Winchester, OH 43110-8150
[H] 614-837-5297
[W] 614-228-5602
E-mail: caver@wgbush.com
Progress:
The old gates were removed from the Shelta Cave entrances and new
signs installed. Other Preserves reporting are in good condition.
Numerous maintenance projects have been completed on several
properties. Remodeling of the Gage cabin at the Barton Hill Karst
Preserve is nearing completion. A new parking area, kiosk, and
trail system has been completed at the Wells Cave Preserve.
Plans:
Initial inquiries are planned with the landowner of the property
adjacent to McFails Cave. The collapse of Wickes Hole has opened
another potential entrance into McFails Cave. Monitoring of the
bat population is planned at Shelta Cave to establish a baseline
population to test the impact of the new fence. A wetlands survey
is planned at Barton Hill Karst Preserve in anticipation of
needing a permit to improve the road. A planned dive trip beyond
the sump in Tytoona Cave will be rescheduled.
Problems:
No serious problems have been reported by any of the Preserves
this period. Minor vandalism continues at Tytoona Cave Preserve
— two signs were ripped off. Barton Hill Karst Preserve
continues to have problems with ATV's riding through the
property. The potential problem there is to aggravate the
relationship with Neal Bowman, our neighbor. Late Winter weather
has delayed starting improvements to the GreatX Preserve.
II. Property Status:
* McFails Cave (New York): The cave is open for the summer. Wickes Hole, a sink just off our property, collapsed open over the winter. Tom Rider is investigating the purchase, from the current owner, of the property around the new entrance over to our property line.
* Shelta Cave (Alabama): The old gates were removed from the cave entrances. All promised reimbursements have been received for the new fencing. Bat counts are underway to baseline current activity, so changes can be monitored. An article describing the regating project was published in the NSS News.
* John Guilday Cave Preserve (West Virginia): A bat count was conducted in February. The population remains stable. Searching continues for the "Lost Saltpeter Passage" in Trout Cave, an area whose lead in was back-filled years ago to protect the artifacts. Opening that passage may re-establish past airflows and restore the habitat for the Indiana bats.
* Kingston Saltpeter Cave Preserve (Georgia): In March the KSCP Committee was awarded the Alexis Harris Conservation Recognition Award, presented annually by The Southeastern Regional Association, (SERA) of the NSS. During a recent visit, the cave was found to be in reasonable shape, with a hundred or so bats inside. A recon trip should have occurred in advance of today's planned yearly "teacher's trip." Generally, the cave is in good condition.
* Barton Hill Karst Preserve (New York): There have been seven trips into Gage since the last report, in spite of a rainy season. Work is nearing completion on the upgrades to the Gage cabin. An environmental assessment may be needed to complete the re-gravelling of the road. More fencing and a new gate on the road are planned. Locust 2 x 4's will probably be used to replace the old oak, upper-portion of the ladder in Gage. ATV's are crossing the property, causing potential problems with our sensitive neighbor, Neal Bauman.
* Warrens Cave (Florida): (No Report received this period)
* Donald R. Russell Preserve (Oklahoma): (No Report received this period)
* Schoharie Caverns (New York): (No Report received this period)
* Alachua Sink Preserve (Florida): Due to poor visibility, there has been minimal diving in the Sink so far this year. The past Preserve Committee is deferring to the NSS Cave Diving Section for management of the property. A new Management Plan has been submitted for NSS Board approval. The Preserve name will be changed from Alachua Sink to Mill Creek Sink to reflect recent local map changes. The new CDS Preserve Committee will also change the current guide system to allow unguided diving, subject to approval. The previous Preserve Committee has faithfully served the NSS, providing an accident-free term of care.
* Tytoona Cave Preserve (Pennsylvania): The property continues in good condition. An additional top step was added to the stairs into the sink this Spring. Abnormally rainy weather has reduced traffic into the cave, but the property continues to get many visitors. Vandals did remove two small signs that have since been replaced.
* Wells Cave Preserve (Kentucky): Improvements at the Preserve include a graveled parking area, a marked trail system, and an information kiosk / changing shed. A budget of $200 for this year is requested for the new Preserve to complete the planned improvements. An article about the new Preserve appeared in the May 2002 NSS News.
* Great X Cave Preserve (Wyoming): Starting on the long list of planned activities at our newest Preserve has been delayed by the colder weather early this summer. Bob Montgomery has a long "to-do" list, as can be seen in his attached full report. Determining boundaries and the condition of fence, gates, and locks are high priorities. The development of plans, processes, and resources are also needed soon. The access to the property is restricted to the brief Summer period of the high-altitude terrain.
Respectfully Submitted, June 24, 2003,
W. Gary Bush
Chairman, NSS Cave Preserves Committee
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Details to the NSS Cave Preserves Report Listed in Attachment C-3
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Summer 2003 Report
Conservation Division
Jim C. Werker & Val Hildreth-Werker, Division Chiefs
New email addresses
Robert J. (Bob) Hall rj.hall7@verizon.net
David Joaquim caveconservation@hotmail.com
Norm Rogers nrogers1@juno.com
Hazel A. Barton hbarton@ucdavis.edu
Vision for the NSS Conservation Division: Heighten awareness of the importance of cave and karst conservation. Develop strategies to serve a greater diversity of audiences throughout the U.S.
Mission:
Jim C. Werker & Val Hildreth-Werker, Co-Chairmen
We serve on various national and international committees. Maintain contact with federal agencies. Coordinate communications among members of the Conservation Committee. Define conservation goals. Initiate programs. Network people and expertise. Delegate conservation responsibilities. See that conservation questions directed to the NSS do receive answers. Serve as conservation editors for the NSS News. Represent the NSS in answering the frequent media inquiries from radio and print journalists. We also conduct workshops on cave/karst conservation and restoration/repair throughout the country and are in the final stages of editing work from more than three dozen authors for an NSS book titled Cave Conservation & Restoration.
Publication of Bat Gate Design Manual
The definitive gating manual for designing and constructing bat friendly closure options is complete and ready for printing. Proceedings of the Bat Gate Design Technical Interactive Forum held in 2002 in Austin, Texas, detail state-of-the-art techniques for protecting caves and underground mines. Many of the Steering Committee Members, Session Chairs, and authors are NSS members. All authors are actively involved in cave gating. The NSS helped financially in sponsoring this important event because the presentations were carefully orchestrated to provide current best practices in cave gating with the intent of creating excellent proceedings to serve as the new cave gating manual. (All gating publications now on hand are severely out-dated). The NSS has the opportunity to buy 200 copies of this new cave gating manual at the wholesale printing price. The NSS should support the publication of this important cave protection information and the Conservation Chairmen recommend that the NSS purchase 200 copies. The cost will be recouped with retail sales of about half the books. This cave gating manual is an American publication, but it will serve the international community and the proposed 500-total publication run is likely to be a quick seller. See additional information below in Jim Kennedy’s Liaison report.
Site Visit to Oregon Caves National Monument
The Conservation Chairmen traveled to Oregon Caves National Monument in May, 2003.
Park Superintendent, Craig Ackerman, invited us 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. More is included in our report, attached.
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.
Joint Ventures—Partners in Stewardship Conference
The National Park Service, USDA-Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Reclamation, and Bureau of Indian Affairs are convening the Joint Ventures: Partners in Stewardship conference in Los Angeles, November 17-20, 2003. This conference will focus on partnerships with the private sector and the creation of a nationwide network of healthy and sustainable public places. The overall conference is purposed to explore the changing nature of communities, emerging models of shared leadership, and the skills needed to cultivate partnerships. Trade show exhibit booths (10 x 10 feet) are $800 and will be open November 18 and part of day November 19. In phone conversations with conference coordinators, we were informed that over 700 proposals for 90-minute presentations were submitted to the selection process. About 2,500 participants will be attending.
This conference may provide national networking opportunities and the trade show may be a good venue for promoting NSS book sales to new audiences (California sales tax collection confirmed in phone conversation with Tradeshow Coordinator). We have spoken with Louise Hose, Director of the National Cave and Karst Research Institute, about joining efforts on a booth and splitting the cost. We may add other cave-related organizations to this collaborative effort. Options will be explored during Convention.
Biennial Report
As the Co-Chairmen of NSS Conservation, we request the opportunity to review the final manuscript for the Biennial Report before publication. Several items collected from our Conservation reports were reworded in the first Biennial Report, which resulted in the distribution of misleading and inaccurate information. Please contact Jim & Val with materials for final review: werks@zianet.com phone 505-895-5050.
NSSNews
We are beginning to seek material for the 2004 Conservation Issue. The 2004 Issue will focus on GIS in cave conservation and Bernie Szukalski of ESRI has agreed to partner with us on the upcoming issue.
Encyclopedia
Completed entry on cave restoration/repair/conservation for the Cave and Karst Encyclopedia edited by John Gunn.
Book
The manuscript of Cave Conservation and Restoration has been submitted for layout and is in the final proofing stage. Jim Werker and Val Hildreth-Werker, editors for this manual, are working with EVP Don Paquette; NSS Special Publications Committee Chair; David McClurg; Committee members Gail McCoy and Tom Rea; and many other reviewers who are giving time and energy to produce a quality NSS publication. The book is slated for publication during 2003.
Convention
A broad range of restoration/conservation presentations and discussions are scheduled throughout the week. Kudos to the California Convention staff for establishing a conservation theme throughout the 2003 Convention.
Coordinating time schedule for Convention Conservation & Management Session on Tuesday with the Federal Forum, organized by Hazel Medville, also on Tuesday, to avoid conflicting time arrangements for audience and participants.
Cave Conservation Policy Draft
John M. Wilson, Chairman
Plans:
The Cave Conservation Policy Draft Team of the NSS Conservation
and Management Section is charged by the section with developing
a draft of a revised NSS Conservation policy to be presented to
the NSS Board of Governors. Plans are to submit this draft to the
NSS fall or spring Board meeting.
Progress:
Progress on this report has been slowed by three other cave
related other editing jobs required of me in the last eight
months. Two contributors have made suggestions to this draft; and
it is reasonable to expect that four to eight months could see
this draft ready for presentation.
Problems:
It is almost definite that I will not be able to attend the NSS
Convention this year. A new position I took with Marks Products
requires me to represent them at their major annual trade show in
South Carolina at the same time as the NSS convention.
However, Val and Jim have agreed to facilitate the discussion on Policy Revision, scheduled during the Conservation & Management Section Meeting on Tuesday.
Seminars & Workshops
Cheryl Jones, Coordinator
Mike Dale, Graphic Design
The newest brochure, Bats, is available for distribution. Thanks to Mike Dale, Cheryl Jones, Jim Kennedy, and various reviewers who collaborated to create this latest addition to the Discovering Caves brochure series. The first two of the series were introduced in 2002 and are being widely distrubuted. Kudos to Mike, Cheryl, and reviewers for designing and coordinating these fine products for marketing cave conservation philosophy and promoting the NSS.
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.
Simon Hughes, Coordinator
simon@strumble.com
We hope to establish the NSS Volunteer Value database that will allow cavers to plug in their hours for any cave-related project, from conservation to cleanup to survey to administration. This data will be compiled for presentation in future NSS Biennial Reports. Before work on the database can be started, it is necessary to establish which database system will work best with the current setup of the web server.
Bern Szukalski
bszukalski@esri.com
Recent highlights:
Heather Garland
hgarland@tnc.org
As the Cave and Karst Program Manager for the Tennessee Chapter of The Nature Conservancy, I have the opportunity to meet and work with cavers from across the state. It is difficult to imagine the success of cave conservation without the support and dedication of so many people in the NSS community.
No new NSS involvement in projects—there's nothing coming through on the TNC cave list these days. For now, the best thing going on is just the fact that caves and karst are popping up on the TNC-wide radar screen more and more, and are being recognized on a larger scale.
Hilary Lambert
Hilary@KWAlliance.org
Communicates to the NSS Conservation Committee the status of cave conservation efforts concerning the Kentucky Trimodal Transpark (proposed to be built near Mammoth Cave National Park) and other issues facing the Karst Environmental Education and Protection (KEEP).
Bill Frantz
frantz@pwpconsult.com
Provides advice and encouragement for people wanting to build
virtual cave trips.
Virtual caves may allow many people to visit a cave and create no
new impact.
Virtual cave CDs are being produced for the 2003 NSS Convention.
Robert J. (Bob) Hall, Coordinator
rj.hall7@verizon.net
NSS Conservation Task Forces are sub-units of the NSS, designed to furnish a not-for-profit mechanism to NSS members to address threats to caves and karst. CTFs usually focus on regional, ongoing issues. A CTF is formed under the NSS umbrella for members in common cause where caver-citizen activity, by study, stewardship, publicity, etc., can help landowners, managers, or other authorities protect cave and karst resources. The CTF division of the NSS stands ready to lend assistance with advice, networking, and other help to any group of conservation-oriented cavers who care about the future of the underground. See the NSS Members’ Manual for listing of current CTFs.
There are currently eight active CTFs: Boone Karst, Central Oregon, Hawaii Caves, Klamath Mountains, Mount Adams, Peppersauce Caves, Sloans Valley, and Teton.
Several requests for information were fielded including one from an Australian caver interested in setting up something similar “down-under.”
David Joaquim, Chairman & Conservation Outreach Team
Coordinator
caveconservation@hotmail.com
Presentation material kits for Conservation Outreach Team members include modular slide shows and CDs, handout masters (electronic and hard-copy), transparencies, brochures, booklets, and posters on the benefits of karst and cave protection. Partnering with cave and conservation organizations throughout the country for information, images, and materials.
Norm Rogers, Co-Chairman
Karen Dennis, Co-Chairman
Karen is in the process of turning my job as check-writer for Mammoth Cave over to Kathy Nelson, email: inlawsandoutlaws@bellsouth.net .
She hasn't officially started yet, but will be your future contact with the Mammoth Cave Restoration Committee. I guess that, officially, you will need to advertise for new Committee co-chairmen (Norm Rogers is bowing out, too). In the meantime, Roy Vanhoozer ( RVanhoo@aol.com ) and Kathy have volunteered to act as representatives between Mammoth Cave and the cadre of volunteers working on the ongoing restoration project.
We expect that there will be another grant starting up in the fall, and when that money comes through, we will pay off the money we owe the NSS, and reimburse this coming August camp. It will require opening a new bank account in Huntsville, which Stephanie will do for us.
Jim "Crash" Kennedy
Cave Resources Specialist, Bat Conservation International
Plans:
Progress:
Problems:
Respectfully submitted,
Jim "Crash" Kennedy, NSS 26791 FE
Hazel A. Barton-Olsen (Chairman)
Amy Bern (Committee member)
Larry Flemming (Committee member)
Bob Hall (Committee member)
Nothing new to report at this time.
Albert A. Krause, Chairman
Email: aakrause@ufl.edu
Progress:
Two grants were awarded at the close of FY 2002 as follows and
$2,700.00 remains in this year’s grant budget. No
outstanding grant applications are on hand.
a. The sum of $800.00 was awarded to Genevieve R. Spanjer of the Department of Biology at York University in support and sponsorship of her graduate studies into the Behaviorial Responses of Bats to Dark Zone and External Cave and Mine Gates. Her studies are expected to develop important insights that may lead to the development of better, more effective gate designs and placements.
b. $1000.00 (700 from FY02, $300 from FY03 funds) was awarded to the Cave Conservancy of Hawaii to support the fabrication and installation of a public information kiosk by the intersection of Hawaii and Kona streets on the Main Island of Hawaii. This highly visible, well-trafficked 1-acre site with associated cave entrance was recently acquired by the Conservancy and is next to a major subdivision. The prominent location on a major community thoroughfare makes it an ideal location for a public outreach program. The cave entrance is within sight of the road, which had to be diverted to avoid it.
Problems:
None.
Plans:
Working with NSS website to enhance content regarding
Conservation Grant information, criteria, and application
procedures.
Thomas Lera
Progress:
Continue to communicate with the international conservation
community and promote protection of caves and karst.
Jay Jorden, Chairman
Current commission members:
Gale Beach raybeach@earthlink.net
Tom Rea tomrea@ccrtc.com
John Wilson JohnW@LewisGinter.org
Aaron Atz atz@netpointe.com
Thomas Lera frontier2@erols.com
Progress:
In the months since the last report, the commission has watched
the progress of several pending reports concerning cave
vandalism. However, none of those monitored has yet resulted in a
conviction upon which a reward could be paid.
Committee members have also been in contact with representatives of a commercial cave in Colorado, who want to post information on the commission, its work, and rewards.
The commission, in other action, has contributed information for the NSS News' conservation issue and the upcoming cave conservation book.
Problems:
None noted.
Plans:
The commission intends to review all successful prosecutions of
cave vandals with an eye toward publicizing the Society's
conservation objectives and rewarding diligence on the part of
those individuals who work in furtherance of those goals. Other
means of publicizing the commission's activities are also
envisioned. The commission chair also plans to continue
contributing to the NSS Conservation and Management Section's
publication efforts.
Summer 2003 Report
Amy M. Bern, Division Chief,
Progress:
Plans:
Problems:
Getting more people involved! I hope that the Education Division
Lunch can help with this. I’m also hoping that we can
develop more ways to increase visibility to NSS members.
Enclosure 1
Vision Statement and Resume for Paula Grgich.
Enclosure 2
Vision Statement and Resume for Roberta Serface.
Committee Reports
Paula Grgich, Interim Chairman
Progress:
As very recently appointed to this position, I have been able to
accomplish little more so far than familiarize myself with the
needs of the committee, review the existing structure and
formulate plans for the future. However, I have been unable to
determine committee progress to date, other than having a person
in place to spearhead its activities should really get the ball
rolling.
Problems:
To date, no problems have been noted. However, it will be part of
my efforts during the upcoming year to streamline communication
processes and ensure that redundancy between various NSS
committees regarding grants or scholarships is eliminated. As all
groups are better represented, this should be easier as time goes
on.
Plans:
A number of ideas are being considered as part of the planning
process for the upcoming year. Having an opportunity to discuss
these ideas with other committee members during the 2003 NSS
Convention should make these points more concise.
Principal objective for the upcoming year is to acquire a source of funding that can wholly support the $1,500.00 stipend to Project Underground. As this very worthwhile project grows, our support continues to be vital. However, as this represents 75% of the committees operating budget, there is little remaining to assist other applicants.
The following is a list of brief objectives for the upcoming fiscal year:
1. Establish a formal grant application and complimenting policy/procedure to bring uniformity to the application process.
2. Establish a system of reporting to assess progress from grant recipients
3. Update existing web site to include information for applicants/online application and reporting
4. Develop plan of action for bringing in greater funds for distribution
5. Update the operating plans for the committee to include these and other changes
Finally, I believe that the key to success of any of these endeavors is communication. It is vital that the committee educate NSS members about its mission in order to obtain funding, logistical support and grant applicants. This will be my ongoing and informal goal throughout the coming year.
Barbara L. Moss, Chairman
bmoss@pgcps.org
Plans:
Progress:
Problems:
Submitted by Amy M. Bern
Because of the unfortunate resignation of Dan McConnell, the Safety and Techniques Committee is under reorganization. The activities of the committee are reported above by Amy Bern in the Division Chief’s report.
Roberta K. Serface, Interim Chairman
Plans:
Progress:
Problems/Solutions:
Pat Bingham, Chairman
Progress:
The members of the YGLC are currently working on:
Plans:
Problems:
This committee must be THE point of contact for youth group
caving. There seem to be activities concerning youth group caving
on a national level that this committee is not involved in that
may lead to wasted effort and redundancy. This will take time,
effort, and publicity. Other than that, there are no real
problems beyond making the time to accomplish our goals.
John Punches (National Coordinator)
National Cave Rescue Commission
John Punches (National Coordinator)
633 West Hazel St
Roseburg OR 97470
(home) 541-957-5461
(work) 541-672-4461
(e-mail) national@ncrc.info
NCRC Web site: ncrc.info
Board Of Regional Coordinators (BORC)
Steve Meyer (Eastern Region Coordinator)
David Ashburn (Training Coordinator)
Mark Bowers (Western Region Coordinator)
Bob Rodgers (Southwestern Region Coordinator)
Sam Chewning, MD (Medical Coordinator)
John Evans (Northeast Region Coordinator)
Marc Ohms (Rocky Mountain Region Coordinator)
John Green (South Central Region Coordinator)
Anmar Mirza (Central Region Coordinator)
Dennis Williams (Cave Diving Coordinator)
Efrain Mercado Vasquez (Caribbean Region Coordinator)
Tim White (Southeastern Region Coordinator)
John Punches (Pacific Northwest Region Coordinator)
Staff
Harold Chrimes (Equipment Manager)
Barb Ritts (Education Board Member)
Andy Franklin (NCRC Discussion and Administrative List Manager)
James Hall (Archives Officer)
Bryan Lavender (Education Board Member)
Monty Strange (Education Board Member)
Bruce Smith (Education Board Member/Curriculum Coordinator)
Susan Thrasher (Assistant to the National Coordinator)
Kathy Welling (NCRC Recording Secretary/Financial Officer)
Tricia Daugherty (NCRC Database Manager)
Progress:
Work continues on a replacement of the NCRC's Manual of U.S.
Cave Rescue Techniques. A review panel has been established
and technical review of chapters is underway. About half of the
anticipated chapters have been received from the author (Jeff
Parnell).
The revised NCRC charter has been posted to our Web site.
The Pacific Northwest Region hosted two Orientation to Cave Rescue courses for seasonal employees at Oregon Caves National Monument, and held a small-party rescue course for cavers in Portland and south-central Washington.
The Southeastern Region hosted a modular Level 1 cave rescue seminar.
The NCRC National Seminar was held near Carlsbad New Mexico June 21-28. Over 90 students participated. The seminar attracted a significant number of relatively local (day’s drive) participants, but was not limited to that area. Students attended from all over the United States, as well as from Canada, Puerto Rico, and New Zealand.
NCRC-trained persons assisted in several cave rescue incidents.
Plans:
The 2004 NCRC National Cave Rescue Seminar is being planned for
Indiana June 19-26, 2004. It will be hosted by the NCRC Central
Region.
The NCRC 2005 National Cave Rescue Seminar is being planned for Alabama. Dates have not been identified, and will depend upon timing of the 2005 NSS Convention.
The next NCRC Board of Regional Coordinators Summer Meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 5, 2003, in conjunction with the NSS Convention. Several NCRC officers’ terms will be considered for reappointment or replacement at that meeting. A call for nominations has been posted on the NCRC Web site and distributed on the NCRC Discussion List.
The next NCRC Board of Regional Coordinators (BORC) Winter Meeting is scheduled for February 7, 2004, at the Walker County (Georgia) 911 Center. The NCRC Education Board will meet on the day prior to the BORC meeting.
Problems:
The NCRC still lacks an insurance policy. Ongoing discussions
with an insurance agent have yet to secure a policy, despite the
agent’s repeated assurances that one should be forthcoming.
This could be an issue if owners of potential training sites
require us to hold our own insurance policy. (It was not an issue
for the recently completed national seminar.)
The national gear cache trailer was badly damaged in an automobile accident while en route to the national seminar. Luckily no one was injured and the trailers’ contents were not damaged. A replacement trailer was procured and the equipment reached the seminar site on time.
Carol Tiderman
Carol Tiderman, Chairman
Progress:
Have folks looking for information on hosting a convention
Plans:
Meet with Officials at potential Bail Out site to work out issues
with use of athletic facilities.
Host Convention Development and Planning meetings at the Convention.
Attend planning meeting for 2004 Convention at Convention.
Continue to solicit hosts for Conventions.
Problems:
No confirmed host for 2005
Peri Frantz and Lynn Fielding, Chairmen
High Level Summary:
Everything is progressing extremely well, except for the
registration process, which continues to experience delays in
processing registrations, and responding to queries. Lynn and I
have been working with the team, and there have been
improvements. We are taking steps to assure that on-site
registration runs smoothly. Currently there are 661 people
registered, and we expect a total of between 900 & 1000.
We're all looking forward to the start of the convention, and
believe that everyone will find lots to occupy their interest and
their time.
Progress Highlights (This is just the most visible stuff. There's lots more going on.)
Porterville College:
The college has been caught in the California budget crunch, and
has experienced significant layoffs. In particular, our primary
contact, the Director of Facilities & Maintenance, has taken
early retirement and there will be fewer grounds people to
support us. However the college has done an exceptional job of
providing a transition to the new director, and I do not expect
any major changes in plans, apart from needing to round up more
volunteers to cover for the reduced college staff.
Program:
Carol Vesely has assembled an extensive schedule of sessions,
meeting and workshops. She's well along in process of allocating
space. We still have a few details regarding AV support to
resolve, but nothing serious.
Program Book:
All of the static content is complete, and basic layouts for the
last minute content has been done. Scott Schmitz is working
closely with Carol to assure completeness, accuracy, and
usability of the detailed schedule information. Cover art is
complete. The program will be printed on the campus.
Guidebook:
Merrilee Proffitt has handed the content off to Dave MCClurg, who
is working on the final layout. Once Merrilee has reviewed the
layout, he'll hand it off to the printer about 7/7. The Guidebook
will be shipped directly to the college.
Howdy Party, Banquet:
Michele Richardson is finalizing arrangements with the caterers
and table/chair rental people. Mark Scott and Christopher
Richards are about to close the deals with the beverage
suppliers. Scott has contacted several potential Howdy Party
Bands and will select one shortly. Scott is also responsible for
the physical layout & setup of both events, and plans are
progressing well.
Photo Salon & Art Salons:
The theater is quite self-sufficient, and will be available early
in the week for inspection by the appropriate people (Bruce, the
Stevens, Alex, etc.). We don't expect any surprises, but Gaby
Turek will be there to provide support and solve any problems
that do arise. We also have crew standing by to put up the
scaffolding. We will be building the display stands for the
weeklong "display" salons on Thursday, Friday before
the convention. Iris Huesler will be allocating the space and
will providing the support for the various salon chairmen.
Land Trust Workshop:
This session was cancelled due to lack of pre-registration and a
half-day workshop has been scheduled in its place.
Campground:
Campground plans have had to adjust to recent changes on campus.
The college is launching a new nursing program, and has
undertaken a construction project to house it. This has reduced
available camping space by about 20%. It also raises questions
about dust and construction noise. Major construction will be
completed prior to the convention, however work will continue
while we are there. Bill Frantz and I are working with the
college to minimize the impact. On the plus side, there will be
additional flush toilets, and if the work goes according to
schedule, additional classroom space for our use.
Middle School Gymnasium (Vertical Site):
Another crisis averted. The Middle School is getting a new
principal. We've met with the outgoing principal, and the
vice-principal who is staying and will provide continuity. We'll
also plan to meet with the in-coming principal prior to the
convention. The school district has approved our final, detailed
facilities usage plan.
Jean DeVries, Chairman
DeVriesJ@aol.com
Progress:
Plans:
Problems:
So far so good. If we are unable to secure less expensive liability insurance, we will need to make an adjustment to our break-even number to accommodate the extreme increase in price. Our break-even number is quite low (700), so I am not concerned about this having too negative of an effect on our budget.
No other problems to report at this time.
Rick & Faye Bowersox Co-Chairmen
LavaBeds@lvcm.com
Progress:
Plans:
Problems:
No problems to report at this time.
Paul & Lee Stevens
Every thing is on track for the salon exhibit at the 2003 NSS convention and the Cave Art web page is up to date. No problems are now foreseen.
Chairman: William (Bill) Jackson
Vice-Chairman: Don Shofstall
Chairmen NSS I/O Committee: Evelyn Bradshaw, Keith Wheeland
Plans:
Aside from a Congress meeting, which is scheduled from 2 to 5 P.M. on Wednesday, I have
no other noteworthy plans.
During the Congress it is of course customary that the NSS President, or designee, address any issues submitted the previous year.
Only one issue has been submitted this year, which will probably not cause a lot of discussion.
Problem:
However, I suspect a motion from the floor might submit an issue
regarding the NSS library. It might be nice to have someone
present during the meeting who is knowledgeable on that subject.