MCFAILS CAVE NATURE PRESERVE COMMITTEE REPORT -- 5/30/2004
Progress:
McFails Cave officially opened on 5/22 with the annual
dig-out of the Acks Shack entrance. Apparently there was very
little sand to dig out of the crawl this year. One trip into the
cave was permitted earlier this spring for scientific research.
Plans:
The plans haven't changed since my last report. The gate
at the Halls Hole entrance still needs to be replaced. I hope to
find someone capable and willing to do the job this year. Other
plans include meeting with the land owner of Wick's Hole, the
creation of a brochure describing the property (in-progress), and
an update to the management plan (in-progress). The management
plan is being revised to reflect changes that have occurred over
the last 15-years (e.g., new discoveries) and new requirements
for entry into the cave. Signage on the property and the
paperwork will be revised on a go-forward basis to reflect the
new name of the preserve - the "McFails Cave Nature
Preserve".
Problems:
No problems to report.
Tom Rider, Manager
SHELTA CAVE NATURE PRESERVE REPORT -- June, 2004
Plans:
Weekly bat observations will continue in mid-August and
continue to at least mid-October. We are currently observing once
every two or three weeks.
Progress:
Monitoring of bats resumed at Shelta in mid-March. While
the absolute number of bats exiting the cave is still small in
comparison to other caves, we did notice an increase in the
number of bats that exited the cave on average each observation
night. We are now at the summer lull period where very few bats
are living in cave. We are encouraged that we observed an
increase in the average population this year being just one and a
half years since the gates were removed and a perimeter fence was
installed. It should be noted that the restrictive gates were in
place for forty years and it will take time for bats to realize
they have free reign over the cave again.
Problems:
None
Submitted,
Paul Meyer, Manager
REPORT FROM JOHN GUILDAY CAVE AND NATURE PRESERVE -- June 10, 2004 (Happy B'day to me)
Assuming the name change passes.
Progress:
Work has continued on a dig that shows promise of
leading to unknown saltpetre works. Further geology studies have
been undertaken by Chris Swezey of the USGS. Trips for that
effort have occurred in Hamilton and Trout Caves. After a little
nagging from Gary and consultation with other committee members,
I redrafted the Management Plan. A motion to approve the updated
management will be presented at Convention.
Plans:
The annual Conservacation is scheduled for November 20.
2004.
Problems:
None, of late.
Respectfully,
David West, Manager
John Guilday Cave and Nature Preserve
KINGSTON SALTPETER CAVE PRESERVE COMMITTEE REPORT -- June 5, 2004
This report will serve as the official record of the Kingston Saltpeter Cave Preserve Committee of the National Speleological Society for the period of time since my last report which was dated February 4, 2004.
There has been little "on site" activity at the KSC Preserve since this last report. This was due in part to suggestions to stay away from the cave property if possible due to an ongoing turkey hunt sponsored by the Anheuser Busch Corporation. Busch owns the acreage surrounding our preserve. I have felt that it was best to stay away during this period. However, the season is now over and several trips are planned starting this week.
In March Joel M. Sneed stopped by and checked the outer gates owned by the Busch Corporation. They were found secured.
Twelve new gates, mostly cable type gates have just been installed by Busch. I have been supplied new master keys for these gates as well as to the new locks placed on the retained gate locks as well. I am presently in the process of collecting the old outstanding keys in order that they may be returned to the Busch Corporation. They have recently changed their "recovery farm" management team and in doing so have brought back an old friend of the earlier management team. We look forward to working with him once more.
On February 7 my brother Ronald and I hand delivered a thick stack of our educational handouts concerning the Preserve to the Weinman Mineral Museum our close associates.
A trip is planned to the cave on June 11th for the purpose of allowing an older gentleman and member of the Sons Of Confederate Veterans to see the entrances and front area of the cave proper for research he is conducting on The War Between The States.
Later this month on the 22nd. the annual Weinman teacher's trip and class session will be conducted. This is always a highlight of the year for both us and the Weinman and of course for the teachers. A follow-up of this trip will be outlined in my next report.
As with any "on-going" project we are always searching for literary references to our property and especially to the cave itself. Since my last report a small jewel of information has been located in a 1946 reference book. This information verified a couple of bits of information we had learned early on from interviews with local citizens who had knowledge of the cave. I am pleased to now have it.
ON THE PRESERVE'S NAME CHANGE ISSUE
There has apparently been a lot on-going concerning a behind the back move by the NSS Board to change the names of the cave preserves as indicated in an e-mail dated March 28, 2004 to all the preserve managers from the Cave Preserves Committee Chairman. In part it stated; "This change is NOT open for discussion. The change was made for a variety of reasons." I refute this act. I have not been contacted in any form except via delayed electronic messages. Very little information has been supplied. I must personally reject this foul decision of our Board. We now have in place bank accounts, legal documents with the State of Georgia including those with The Department of Natural Resources to name only one and not at the least a 21-year or so history as the Kingston Saltpeter Cave Preserve. Unless overruled by my own committee then for me and for now and for evermore it will remain so.
Respectfully submitted,
Larry O. Blair, Chairman
BARTON HILL NATURE PRESERVE REPORT -- June 2004
Plans:
Before the end of the year, we plan to pull the top
ladder in the entrance pit and replace the top several feet of
the uprights. The original uprights installed about 12 years ago
are oak. Where they hit the concrete platform, the wood has begun
to rot. The new uprights will be either locust (if we can get it)
or a plastic "wood." Neither one should rot.
Come cooler weather more fencing will be done along the property. Areas of concentration will be where our property crosses the Iroquois Gas transmission line and the east edge of the main parcel.
Progress:
There were a number of trips this year.
I made my first tour of the entire property in a couple of years. The access road runs close to the south edge of the main parcel and the north section is not easily accessible. There are a few old logging roads through it. There have been some storm damage, but the property shows no evidence of human visitation.
Problems:
As noted above the oak uprights of the upper ladder have
begun to rot where they touch the concrete platform in the
entrance sink.
ATVs continue to be a problem. They are not damaging the property and keeping them off would be impossible. However, they are leaving our property at inappropriate locations and riding onto Neil Baumann's property. To accomplish this, the ATVers have removed less permanent obstructions such as trees and brush. Fencing will be placed in these areas.
Larry Davis, Emily's brother, had a slight accident while climbing out of the cave. He lost his footing in a chimney below the ladder and fell 10 feet and rolled farther. He got right up and got out of the cave on his own. Once out of the cave he developed considerably more pain in his ankle. His quick exit probably eliminated the need for a rescue.
Submitted,
Thom Engel, Manager
WARRENS CAVE NATURE PRESERVE REPORT -- June, 2004
Overview:
(1) Site name updated to Warrens Cave Nature Preserve.
(2) Rain ends drought, ameliorates pine beetle issue.
(3) Entrance sink cleared of dead tree.
(4) New nearby land owner, good news.
(5) Updated Management Plan in progress.
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Progress:
To reflect the broader focus of the NSS on preservation
issues, I have edited the name of Warrens Cave Preserve to Warrens
Cave Nature Preserve, or Warrens Preserve, on our (mostly hidden)
resource site:
http://www.afn.org/~afn04143/wcave.html
This was a good idea because we have had an endangered species, Brickellia cordifolia, above ground to protect for some time (please see above web site for details). More changes to printed resources are forthcoming. Comments and suggestions welcome.
The pine beetle issue seems to be resolved. Briefly recapping events: a serious infestation was discovered last year by the Alachua County Division of Forestry and dealt with by heavy logging of property surrounding Warrens Preserve with some trees taken from the edges of preserve property. I managed to avoid any cost to the NSS. Many large old pine trees died. This wasn't an entirely bad development according to several biologists who inspected the site. The trees that died were of a variety that biologists referred to as, "80 foot tall pine weeds." Rather than disrupt the sink stability, some dead trees were left to fall naturally.
From the start the infestation was caused by drought which weakened the trees defenses against the beetles, a fact largely missed by the press. We found some trees with numerous boring insect holes, but no extruded pitch. That meant the trees died during the winter drought when no beetles were present. The dead trees offended the eye more than the proper balance of nature in the area.
With some concern, we waited to see if this year's drought was going to cause more damage. However, we had a reasonably wet winter and our drought ended with a tremendous splash of rain a week ago. So our semi monsoonal season (rain every day in mid afternoon) has started and we are little worse for wear.
One dead pine tree did "take itself down" by falling directly into the sink. This was discovered by Florida Speleological Society (past board member) Brian Williams who quickly led a project to remove it. Some portions of the dead tree were left so that the rotting wood would benefit the soil around the cave. (Many thanks to Brian and the FSS.)
The new land owner of the property located between Warrens Preserve and the main road is a Gainesville ex-police officer, Thomas L. Broils. This is a desirable development because it confers much better protection of our property. Our access road is across his property. We use this (historical road) instead of our plotted easement so that he can have direct influence on those visiting the Preserve. If trespassers give him any trouble, they are on his property and he can arrest them without our assistance. We had a similar arrangement with the former owner, another police officer, and it's worked very well.
Plans:
A new management plan is underway. The previous plan has
been in use for the last 30 years, however, it's time for review
and modernization. There is much new information to add. This is
not a small matter so I've started a Gantt Chart to delineate and
organize the project at:
http://www.afn.org/~afn04143/manplan.html
The chart gives a time line for all of the project elements and resources. I anticipate project completion near the end of August and will provide the new MP in time for the Board meeting. The Gantt will be regularly updated with new resources and possible additional minor timelines, so whoever would like to keep track of the project, please review the chart at least weekly.
Problems:
Brian Williams also discovered that someone buried a dead dog on
the property as he was clearing the dead tree from the sink. I
will *gently* address this matter with the new landowner next to
the cave in case it was his beloved Fido. It's time for a new
lock, the old one is becoming difficult to turn. I'm working on
it.
Summary:
Overall, it's been a quiet year at Warrens: almost no
trespassing, no governmental issues have arisen, and the
ecosystem is back at work trying to make it seem as if man had
never set foot on the property. Nearby land owner relations are
good. With the new management plan in place, we'll be ready for
the next 30 years :-)
Respectfully Submitted,
William H. Oldacre,
Manager, Warren Cave Nature Preserve
DONALD R. RUSSELL NATURE PRESERVE REPORT -- June, 2004
(No Report received this period)
SCHOHARIE CAVERNS NATURE PRESERVE REPORT -- June, 2004
(No Report received this period)
MILL CREEK SINK NATURE PRESERVE REPORT (aka ALACHUA SINK PRESERVE) -- June, 2004
Mill Creek has been divable for most of this quarter. With the considerably less than normal rain fall in the first part of the quarter water levels are down significantly in the sink basin. Visibility in the system is very good with moderate levels of suspended particulate, recent rains have reduced visibility to near zero in the basin.
Clean up of the property (trash pick up) was completed in April and the nature paths cleared of Smilax (vines) and fallen branches. Plans continue to develop the nature path to include benches and plant tags identifying indigenous species. Plans and materials list have been developed for reconstruction of the steps to the water this project scheduled for completion this coming winter.
No problems noted this quarter.
Happy caving!
Submitted,
Jim Taylor, Manager
TYTOONA CAVE NATURE PRESERVE REPORT -- June, 2004
Plans: (new and some included ongoing from previous report).
* Replace or repair, as needed any wooden steps from prior 1985 project.
* Repair stream bank erosion barrier. Unusual high water conditions through most of last year made this impossible to complete. The spring snowmelts this year has made the situation worse. This will be corrected later in summer or fall as water levels recede making work in the streambed edge easier to accomplish.
* Continue to monitor property and cave. Keep kiosk information stocked; service the register, as needed, garbage removal and general maintenance as required.
* Reinstall no trespassing tie-on tree markers on parts of the property that are missing.
* Notify the township supervisor of the road guardrail unacceptable condition by official letter.
Progress: (some are noted completions to previous plans no longer listed above).
* Rebar step anchors were noted to have moved because of the cold winter and frost in the ground. They have since been pounded back into place.
* Cave register book was changed on May 13, 2004.
* All property signs (with Plexiglas) and Tytoona brochure were changed per the original NSS mandate to have the property renamed as "Tytoona Nature Preserve". Later, the NSS modified their intention to again include "Cave" within the name. This most recent change will be noted in the next brochure printing and on signs when being replaced.
* Graffiti has been removed from the fence by hand sanding (mentioned in previous report) and all the railing and posts was given a new coat of wax.
* New Plexiglas was installed on the kiosk because of damage suffered over a year and half ago. The cracks became larger over the time period because of public pressure and extreme cold weather related conditions. The bulletin board was also updated to reflect new conservation information plus a new listing of Tytoona contributors.
* One of the concrete-filled parking barrier (with attached guard rail cables) barrels that weigh 600lb +, was found to be knocked over. I had the state police investigate this as an act of vandalism. It was later concluded that a vehicle might have hit the barrier during the icy winter weather from further evidence found on site. The barrel is now OK having been up-righted and the cables repaired.
* In an event sponsored by the Penn State University, Tytoona was linked up via microwave transmission to State College, Pa. This educational "Mission Earth" event was a simulation of exploration that students and others could watch on their TV monitors at Penn State University. Prior permission was given and no damage was done to either the cave or property.
* One cave dive trip has taken place so far this year to continue the ongoing resurvey of the water portions of the cave.
* Tytoona cave was well visited by cavers during the MAR (Mid-Appalachian Region) event on May 14, 15 and 16.
* I have established good relations with at least 2 more Tytoona neighbors that further indicates to me that hopefully the property will be watched during times when not visited by Tytoona personnel.
* At least 12 inspection/maintenance trips have taken place by Tytoona personnel from February to mid June this year.
Problems:
None major to speak of except for my concern over the deplorable condition of the guard rail cables and posts (not to be confused with the Tytoona parking barriers) along the road that passes by the large steep sinkhole entrance. The county hasn't made any improvements since the installation perhaps as far back as the early 1960's. I mentioned this problem in person with a township supervisor over a year ago and also during a "town meeting - friends of Sinking Valley" sponsored by Penn State University in a study of urban development and its effects on rural environment. I plan to address this concern again through written letter to the township supervisor chair.
Submitted by
Garrett Czmor, NSS 22709(R)(FE)
WELLS CAVE NATURE PRESERVE REPORT -- June, 2004
Not much at the preserve. Rodney Ping has been taking care of scheduled maintenance. Otherwise we are in a stable pattern. Visitation has been slightly less that average, but is expected to pick up with Karst-O-Rama around the corner. We are still waiting for any final word on Property boundary markers. The official name change has not yet rippled through all websites and printed material referring to the property.
Submitted,
Lee Florea, Manager
GREAT EXPECTATIONS CAVE NATURE PRESERVE REPORT -- June, 2004
Problems:
None, other than a lack of time to get much of anything
done.
Progress:
The biggest step was getting the boundary adjustment
finalized. Now we can concentrate on running the preserve.
Plans:
When the preserve becomes accessible this summer, the
brass caps will be set on the corners. Some of the fences will be
adjusted to fit the boundaries. Signs and registers will be
placed on the preserve and in the caves. An archeological survey
of the surface will be done. If volunteers are available,
inventories will be started. Other tasks outlined in the
management plan are ongoing.
Bob Montgomery
Manager
POTTER UNIT NATURE PRESERVE REPORT -- June, 2004
(No Report received this period)
6/28/04