AVP Report

The Department of the Administrative Vice President consists of 17 Committees, two Commissions, and three NSS Convention Committees. Within these are 8 Conservation Task Forces, ten Cave Preserves, five NSS Conservancies, and several Sub-Committees.

In this report, I provide the name, address, phone number, and e-mail address of the Chair of each organizational entity, followed by the Chairman’s report. The information in this report has been provided by the Committee and Subcommittee Chairs although I have made some spelling, formatting, and minor editorial adjustments. Where I feel it is useful to do so, my AVP comments are provided in italics, following the report’s text. In these comments, I add some context-setting remarks, my viewpoint, or additional information.

Most of the groups in the AVP Department continue to actively function and I’m in communication with the Committee, Commission, and Convention Chairs involved.

I’m pleased that we’ve been able to bring the travel reimbursement issue involving the 1997 NSS convention in Missouri to a mutually agreeable conclusion. Following passage of a motion accepting the proposed settlement at the March 27, 1999 BOG meeting, the NSS Office received a check for over $5,100 from the Treasurer of the Missouri Speleological Survey. Also, a mutual letter of reconciliation, approved by both the Executive Planning Committee for the NSS Convention in Missouri and the NSS BOG was published in the June NSS News. I expect that this matter is now closed.

A few of the Committees in the AVP Department are probably not functioning as effectively as they could be and we’ll be trying to make some changes. Specifically, the JSS Committee has been functioning without an involved Chair for the past several months and efforts to contact the current Chair have been unsuccessful. There will be an active JSS program at the Convention, thanks to the efforts of others, but I expect to be advertising for a replacement for this Chair in the near future. Also, the Convention Registration Software Committee, formed to train convention staff in how to use standardized convention registration software, has been unable to function effectively in the absence of such software. This Committee’s charter is not to produce such software but to take what has already been developed and tested and to train others to use it. Unfortunately, standardized software that is portable from one Convention to another does not yet exist and the Committee Chair has been unable to carry out her charter. Following discussions at the Convention, we’ll either reorganize or propose to drop this Committee. Finally, the Congress of Grottos has been relatively inactive in recent years. The COG is an independent organization but is administratively assigned to the AVP Department. I’m hoping that under its new Chairman, its visibility will increase and that it will be able to provide the BOG with interesting and thought provoking issues to consider.

Cave Management Division

Cave and Karst Acquisition Committee

Progress: No proposals have been received for the acquisition of caves by the NSS but I am in touch with cavers who have learned of potential cave properties that the NSS may be interested in.

Plans: I would like to prepare a Cave Acquisition Manual that would complement the NSS Cave Acquisition Policy. This Manual would inform those interested in acquiring a property containing caves about how to go about doing this and would also encourage and provide information on how to form a Conservancy that would buy and manage the cave properties.

AVP comment: I encouraged Thom to work with John Wilson, Chair of our Cave Conservancies Committee in putting together such a Manual.

Cave Conservancies Committee

Progress: The Pennsylvania Cave Conservancy was recommended and approved at the March 27, 1999 BOG meeting as an NSS Conservancy. The PCC was incorporated in Pennsylvania in 1984. It functioned for several years and then became inactive. Recently, it became active once more and holds meetings at least three times a year.

The Conservancy round table discussion/meeting is scheduled for Thursday morning of the Idaho Convention for people interested in conservancies, land trusts, and preserves. This is a two hour round table for presentation and exchange of information among members of conservancies and all other interested people. Those considering establishing a new conservancy should attend.

Closed Cave Database Committee

AVP comment: Everett is completing his PhD dissertation this spring and informed me that he wouldn’t be able to do very much with this Committee until that was completed. I told him that this would be alright. He will be moving to the Washington DC area this summer and we’ll be able to work with him to get this Committee going.

Contemporary Cave Use Study Committee

Plans: To continue the CCUS program with realistic goals to the best of my ability. However, the current approved budget did not allow for upgrading the CCUS software, which could likely fail this January 1^st. I will continue to explore avenues of help in trying to get the software changed into a Windows format or at least Y2K compliant in it's present DOS format.

Most likely during this year, a reprint of the manual with additions will happen. The manual is about depleted and additional copies are made on a case by case request until the new draft is completed.

As stated in the last 3-P, much data information is being gathered for a future report. The total compilation should be finished this year. The final CCUS report will cover perhaps several years of data. All CCUS managers will be asked to get the rough data to me as soon as possible. The final report should be available in 2000.

Progress: Book data continues to come in sporadically and is being compiled on available volunteer time.

I made an inquiry to the local college asking for volunteer programming help. Nothing positive has surfaced yet. I have also compiled an updated list of caves active and inactive within the study.

Supplies are being sent when requested usually within a two-week period. Supplies are still good at present. I have made sure that ample supplies exist for any new participants joining the program. I continue to track the current participants and provide any help with problems they may encounter with the CCUS project.

Problems: This could be an interesting year with data that continues to come in sporadically and coupled now with a future Y2K problem. It might become very realistic that after January 1^st. all data will have to be kept in register book form only until a software can be developed (or upgraded) to do any further compilation. At this point, I can not say of what problems may be encountered or magnitude.

Land Owner Relations Committee

Bill reports that two land owner relations articles have been submitted to the NSS News.

NSS Cave Preserves Committee

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. Unfortunately, only 5 of the 10 Managers submitted a report this period, in spite of a 4-week advance reminder - everyone must be busy!

Bill Torode has presented his resignation as Manager of the Shelta Cave Preserve. Paul Meyer (NSS34328) of Huntsville will be nominated to the Board as Bill's replacement.

Bill Torode has carefully cared for the Shelta Cave Preserve for many years. I personally thank him for his help in maintaining our "home" property. I respectfully request the Board to acknowledge and thank Bill for his service to the NSS.

Plans: The Schoharie Caverns Preserve web page was recently updated with the addition of Bob Addis' "History of the Cabin". Several of the other Managers are reportedly collecting photos and additional information for their Preserve's pages.

Highway construction is planned for this summer bordering the John Guilday Cave Preserve in WV. Approximately 1/4 acre of our property must be sold to the Department of Highways, so they may redesign a dangerous curve in the road. We are also expecting a larger parking area to result from this work. See Bob Hoke's memo, attached to Dave West's report below, for details.

Progress: All properties are generally doing well, with the possible exception noted below.

Problems: The Tytoona Cave Preserve was struck by vandals in early March, 1999. Serious amounts of spray painting occurred in the front 75 feet of the cave. The two vandals were caught and are awaiting trial, now scheduled for June 15th. Many volunteers assembled on April 24th to remove the damage. Additional details are available in Garrett Czmor's attached report.

* Shelta Cave (AL): High lake levels in the cave prevent Bill from determining if the city has corrected the leaking water pipes above the cave. General clean-up and fallen tree removal around the property continues.

* John Guilday Cave Preserve (WV): Some visitors have been ticketed for parking too close to the road. The expanded parking area, expected from the road construction noted above, should reduce such problems. See the full report and the attachment memo for details of the road construction project.

* Barton Hill Karst Preserve (NY): Six trips, including 33 cavers, occurred at the cave this Spring. The offer to exchange land with Mr. Baumann to improve access to the cave has been withdrawn, due to his lack of response. Thom Engel will shortly begin a fencing project to keep cavers from crossing Mr. Baumann's property. This project may take several years to complete.

* Warrens Cave (FL): Visitation recently has been light. A new gate lock was donated by the local grotto. Information about the cave and a downloadable copy of the liability waiver is now on-line. Access to this web page will be granted to those groups requesting cave access. The Florida Fire College is planning a practice cave rescue at Warren's Cave. This regular event has improved relations between the local rescue agency and the grotto. The practice will also help should any rescues occur.

* Tytoona Cave Preserve (PA): As a result of the vandalism, noted above, a "neighborhood watch" program will be studied to prevent any recurrences. General clean-up has been underway. The fallen tree has been removed from the steps and the damaged fence was repaired. An information kiosk is planned. Old diving lines are slated for removal, for safety reasons. 459 cavers visited Tytoona Cave in 1998. Garrett Czmor has additional visitor profile information in his attached report.

Conservation Division

Conservation Committee

Plans: Fundraising is still a major concern at this time. I have written a major appeal for contributions for the Save-The-Caves Fund, which will appeared in the March 1999 NSS News (Special Conservation Issue). I am also cultivating a source of grants for conservation funding. As part of this grantsmanship, I will continue to encourage the NSS to publish a formal Annual Report that is necessary for most grant applications. I greatly appreciate Doug Medville's efforts to work up an Annual Report.

Progress:
CAVE FEE DEMO ISSUE: Over the past four years, the threat of federal agencies (first the BLM, then USFS) charging cave entrance fees and "advertising" caving or running "tours" has largely been replaced by increased caver volunteerism with both agencies. In the High Guadalupe Mountains (west of Carlsbad Caverns National Park) I have helped organize the High Guads Restoration Project, that runs restoration trips the last weekend of each month. This increase caver volunteerism has resulted in better relations with the Forest Service. It has also focused the USFS and BLM in recognizing the contributions that cavers have made over the past several years (see awards below).

NSS RECEIVES USFS VOLUNTEER AWARD: On Saturday, June 26, 1999, the NSS will be awarded the "Chief's Volunteer Program National Award," presented by Lincoln National Forest to the NSS in recognition of the hundreds of volunteers who have helped manage the cave resources of the Guadalupe Mountains. The presentation of this award will take place on the June 26^th High Guads Restoration Project trip at Texas Camp, in the Guadalupe Mountains. David Jagnow, NSS Conservation Chairman, will accept the award on behalf of the NSS.

The documentation in part reads: "Over the past several years, it is estimated that these volunteers have provided over 7,400 hours of significant person power for a variety of cave management projects. Their work has resulted in an appraised value for salary, travel, per diem, and equipment of over $110,000. All of this adds up to a step in the right

direction in protecting the land and serving people both now and in the future."

Specific mention was given to two of the massive clean-up trips organized by Dave Belski to Panama Ranch Garbage Dump Cave. Nearly 50 NSS members volunteered to participate in this project. As a result of their efforts, approximately two tons of trash were removed from the cave, including over a ton of scrap metal which was delivered to a recycling center. In addition to the work being physically exhausting, safety was also a consideration. Hazards such as broken glass, sharp rusty metal, and dangerous chemical wastes were encountered. Due to a false floor of trash located twenty feet down in the cave, (and unknown at the time almost 100 feet above the actual floor) it became necessary for the cavers to use ropes and specialized vertical caving skills and equipment to continue with the excavation.

The citation on this award reads: "In recognition of the National Speleological Society, for their outstanding initiative and dedication to the cave resources of the Guadalupe Mountains of New Mexico. Your enthusiastic efforts to survey, inventory, restore, monitor, and help manage the world class cave resources on the Guadalupe Ranger District of the Lincoln National Forest have fostered a collaborative partnership. Through this partnership, the USDA Forest Service will succeed in accomplishing its mission of protecting the land and serving people. The stewardship demonstrated by members of the National Speleological Society will benefit recreational cave visitors and scientists now and in the future."

MIKE HUBER RECEIVES USFS INDIVIDUAL VOLUNTEER AWARD: On Saturday, June 26, 1999, Mike Huber of Carlsbad, New Mexico, will be awarded the "Chief's Volunteer Program National Award," presented by Lincoln National Forest to

Mike in recognition of the his years of work as Project Leader for Cave of the Madonna. The presentation of this award will take place on the June 26th High Guads Restoration Project trip at Texas Camp, in the Guadalupe Mountains.

Mike Huber's Citation reads: "In appreciation of his years of dedicated volunteer services in leading the Cave of the Madonna survey project, it is with great honor that this award be presented to Mike Huber. Your professionalism and can do attitude has provided the Guadalupe Ranger District with much needed information concerning the Cave of the Madonna. As a result of your survey and inventory, the Forest Service will manage a healthier cave ecosystem and serve people more effectively."

Since the early 1990s, Mike Huber has spent thousands of dollars on personal equipment that was worn out working on this volunteer project. In addition to lights, clothes, cave gear, and numerous caving ropes that had to be replaced for safety, the rugged four-wheel drive road with two-foot limestone steps wore out two 4-wheel drive vehicles. Mike's dedication and willingness to work with the Forest Service will serve as a model for future volunteer projects. CONGRATULATIONS MIKE HUBER!

EBAY AUCTION OF SPELEOTHEMS: I continue to receive weekly complaints (from NSS members who monitor eBay) of speleothems for sale on the eBay online auction house. I now have a form letter that I email to each seller explaining that it is illegal in some states to sell speleothems, and send them a copy of the NSS Conservation Policy. If I can determine the state in which the seller is located, I will include that state's cave laws as applicable. In all cases, I ask the seller to remove the speleothem from the sale (auction). Sometime I receive a very positive response. Other times, the seller tells me where to go, and I sometimes turn up the pressure through email from fellow NSS members. My eventual goal is to have eBay ban the sale of all speleothems, similar to the ban they have placed on all guns and ivory. I plan to discuss this more at the Filer Convention in the Monday Conservation session.

GRAFFITI REMOVER: Last fall, I received a sample of "JMF Graffiti Remover" from Houston, Texas. Jim Werker had an alalylsis group perform toxicity tests on the product to see if it SHOULD be used in caves. Val Hildreth-Werker recently reported: "The analysis group got back to me and their report is a little disappointing. It does not have as much info as I would like, but basically the solvent is probably hydrocarbon based, although they can't tell me what. Two chemicals that come up for sure are n-methyl-2-pyrolidone and methanol. These are used to solubilize the hydrocarbon and make it miscible with water. There are also C13-C18 (chain length) hydrocarbons (more than one) and polyethoxylated material. I did not get any information on the % composition for each of these materials. Looking at the MSDS sheet you sent with the sample, I am also skeptical about its origins as being soybean based. I think it is purely fabricated by a wonderful marketing department. The MSDS also states that it is incompatible with PVC plastic, so it is no wonder that spray bottles have dissolved. (They sell cooking oil including soybean oil in plastic bottles in the grocery store). Also all the medical directions on ingestion on the MSDS treat it like any hydrocarbon poisoning. This flies in the face of its so called "soybean" origins." Because of this analysis, I CANNOT RECOMMEND the use of this product in caves.

SAVE-THE-CAVES FUND: In the March, NSS News, I put out an appeal for contributions to the Save-The-Caves Fund. I have just been contacted by Scott Christenson of the Tulsa Regional Oklahoma Grotto (TROG). At the end of May, they completed a week of caving and restoration work in the high Guads, and they voted to contribute up to $500 if it can be matched with other contributions. I am seeking advise on how best to arrange the matching funds, and hope to raise these funds during Convention.

CIENEGA CREEK WATERSHED (AZ) PROPOSED NATIONAL CONSERVATION AREA ASSESSMENT: William Peachey sent me a copy this proposal recently. Cienega Creek Watershed is the only large basin in southern Arizona with limestone all around it. Fortunatly, Bill Peachey has been working with this group to assure that the caves and geology of the area are adequately recognized and protected. I mailed Bill copies of the Federal Cave Resources Protection Act of 1988 to distribute to the federal agencies involved in this newly-formed Conservation Area.

PROBLEMS: BATS NEED FRIENDS BROCHURE: I am embarrassed going to Convention for the third year without new text for the Bats Need Friends brochure that needs reprinting. BCI and the NSS are working cooperatively to reprint this brochure, but I have not found a knowledgeable writer that is willing to update the text. Eugene Vale is working on the text, but we probably need more assistance. If you can help, please contact me.

Progress: Two NSS Conservation Grants have been issued since the last report, expending all grant funds allocated for FY 1998-99. No applications have been received this fiscal year so far, leaving $3,000 available for award.

Purpose: Conservation Grant from the National Speleological Society in support of microbiologic studies on the impact of common natural and man-made materials and contaminants on cave biota and ecosystems.

Background: Development and human visitation have introduced many foreign materials into caves and karst systems. The effects of these materials are little known, both from the standpoint of what good or harm they may do (and to what) and what actions can or should be taken to minimize adverse impacts. Dr. Boston's study is expected to provide information on the impact of some of the more common materials known to have been introduced into caves. The information gained should be extremely useful for improving

Dr. Hillary Lambert Hopper
Sloan's Valley CTF, NSS
1858 Marlboro Drive
Lexington, KY 40505

Purpose: Conservation Grant from the National Speleological Society to the Sloan's Valley Conservation Task Force in support of continuing research and public education efforts involving the Sloan's Valley Cave/Karst System in Kentucky.

Background: The Sloan's Valley Cave System is an extensive cave and karst complex and subterranean drainage threatened by landfill leachates, agricultural chemicals and pollutants, development and logging activities. Educational and research efforts of the Sloan's Valley Conservation Task Force and concerned local citizens are revealing much about the system, its hydrology, its fauna and its relationship to the surface land and population. The intense effort to conserve this complex is producing an ever-widening body of knowledge about this system and, by extrapolation, many others around the world.

Progress: Dianna Polidori, former CTF coordinator, contacted Dave Jagnow about the transfer of files still in her possession. After a series of emails between Dianna, Dave and me, providing shipping info and including a promise to reimburse her for postage of sending them, no files have been transferred, and I have never heard from her directly. She talked about transferring them at Convention; however, due to summer school if I make it to convention this year it will be a last minute decision, and is not at all assured.

Problems: After obtaining annual reports in early spring, I haven't heard from any of the CTFs this quarter. All is quiet.

Mammoth Cave Restoration Committee

Progress: We have finished one full year of field camps under the Mammoth Cave Restoration Grant Money. We had a total of 125 participants (105 different people – not many come back again), who put in an average of 15.94 hours each time. They traveled a combined total of 44,068 miles and were reimbursed an average of $158.86. Some of the participants have started donating their reimbursements to the NSS Cave Restoration Fund, which now has a total of about $515.40. The field camps have accomplished a lot of work. For a complete description of the work and a synopsis of what’s done so far, see the Mammoth Cave Restoration Project web page. At the April 1999 camp, 28 people completed restoration work in Houchins Narrows. In the past, 325 feet of rocks (breakdown material) had been placed along the Broadway Passage, beginning at the end of Houchin's Narrows. Participants removed these rocks and relocated them along a 650-foot stretch of the north wall of Houchin's Narrows, from the entrance vestibule to a point where the passage opens to the Rotunda and Broadway. About 1,300 cubic feet of rock was removed and relocated, using wheelbarrows and handcarts. Participants placed the rocks by hand, for a run for wildlife protection. As mentioned above, the work in Houchin’s Narrows is complete.

Financially, the camps are still running ahead of budget, but also ahead of the scheduled number of work hours (the NSS ‘matching funds’). We have received a total of four checks for $12,500 from the National Park Service, for the four quarters of FY98 monies, and one check for $7,500, for the first quarter of FY99 money for a total of $57,500.

Previous camp reimbursements were $9,659.40. We have mailed out reimbursements for the January camp of $6,605.36 and April camp for $4,552.16, for a total of $20,816.92 outlay to date. We have received interest on the account of $105.09 and have paid out bank fees of $71.28. The balance in the account is: $36,716.89.

	Budgeted	Actual	Over budget	% of budget
Aug. 98
	$4,902.00	$6,502.34	$1,620.34	133%
Hours	720	1024	304	142%
Oct. 98
	$3,844.00	$3,157.06	$(686.94)	82%
Hours	216	216	0	100%
Jan. 99
	$3,844.00	$6,605.36	$2,71.36	$172%
Hours	216	464	248	215%
Apr. 99
	$3,844.00	$4,552.16	$700.64	118%
	216	296	80	137%
Cumulative Total
	$16,434.00	$20,816.92	$4,382.92	127%
Hours	1368	2000	632	146%

Period:	Income:	Outgo:
FY98 1st Qtr	$12,500.00	$6,502.34
FY98 2nd Qtr	$12,500.00	$3,157.06
FY98 3rd Qtr	$12,500.00	$6,605.36
Dec. 98 interest	$14.23	$19.50 (new checks)
Jan. 99 interest	$17.90	$14.88 (bank fees)
Feb. 99 interest	$26.57	$12.00 (bank fees)
Mar. 99 interest	$24.02	$12.54 (bank fees)
Apr. 99 interest	$22.37	$12.36 (bank fees)
FY98 4th Qtr	$12,500.00	$4,552.16
FY99 1st Qtr	$7,500.00	$0.00
Totals:	$57,605.09	$20,888.20
Balance: $36,716.89

Plans: Due to the lack of maps or landmarks in the Echo River area, it is difficult to give an estimate of the percentage of the work competed, or the amount yet to be done. On the Historic side, restoration work is complete from the last boat dock, to the far end of the wooden walkway. The boat dock, lighting system, and the last bridge have been completely removed. The cache at Vanderbilt Hall is empty.

On the Silliman side, much work remains to be done, including removing the wooden walkway, removing wood from the river, and removing electric cable from the water. Wood and wire remain at both cache sites on Silliman Avenue.

We will apply for the second quarter of FY99 money in July ($7,500). That will leave $15,000 to be acquired. The remainder of the $80,000 grant money should all be transferred to the NSS by January of 2000. It is our plan to continue reimbursements until the money is gone. At the current rate, that will take about 3 more years (as opposed to the planned 4 more years.

Problems: Restoration volunteers and Park staff have worked jointly to solve problems as they have been encountered. When this project began, the methodology to remove such infrastructure did not exist. It has been developed as the project progressed. An example would be the device invented by John Vargo, as noted above. One difficulty now faced is the next section of walkway to be removed on the Historic side, stands in deep water. Depending on the level of the river, this water can be eight to ten feet deep. Participants at this year’s camp in August will have to develop the methodology to remove this section of walkway.

The Cooperative Agreement calls for the removal of metal pipe-handrails from the cave. However, per conversations with. Bob Ward and John Fry, the handrail in Cascade Hall could be considered a cultural resource, and therefore remain in the cave. This handrail is the first thing recognized by explorers in 1972 as they entered Cascade Hall from Flint Ridge. It is considered a famous landmark in the caving community.

The greatest concern now facing camp organizers, is the low attendance at the weeklong summer camp. Many volunteers use their summer vacations, and personal time to attend, and in the past, the Park rewarded volunteers for their efforts by providing off-trail-caving opportunities. Since the Park stopped providing such reward opportunities, attendance at the weeklong camp has fallen steadily. This year’s summer camp has the lowest pre-registered attendance on record, and because of this, we may not be able to remove any material from the cave. As noted above, to get material up the tower in Mammoth Dome requires a minimum of 30 people, and we do not have that number signed up for the camp. Also, with such low attendance, participants will not have the strength to make multiple trips to Cascade Hall, which is a four mile round trip.

It should be noted that more work is completed at the summer camp than all the weekend camps combined. The reimbursement of volunteer participants was projected to continue for five years, however that was based on an average weekend camp attendance that is lower than has been experienced. It appears we will run out of funds for reimbursements far before the five-year time frame.

AVP comment: At the inception of this Cooperative Agreement, we and the Park recognized that if initial camp attendance were to continue, the funding would not last for the full five years and that this would be acceptable to both parties. However, with the lower than expected summer camp attendance, the money will probably last for the five years but at a cost of our not being able to get then work done due to a lack of sufficient volunteers. Norm continues to work with the Mammoth Cave staff to try to have off-trail caving reinstated an incentive for people to attend the restoration camps.

Resource Preservation Committee

Jim Werker and Valerie Hildreth-Werker (Co-Chairs)
PO Box 1018
Tijeras, NM 87059

Plans: A Conservation/Restoration Workshop Session is scheduled for Monday, 12 July during the 1999 NSS Convention in Idaho. Coordination between Val, Jim, George Huppert, Dave Jagnow, Rob Stitt, and Jay Jorden, has resulted in a combined day for the Workshop, Conservation Session, and Conservation Management Section Meeting and Luncheon. This is the third year for the combined Conservation Day at Convention. For 1999, we will focus on participant interaction and panel discussions.

Video: We continue to seek funding for producing a professional educational video to address cave conservation and leave no trace ethics. We need information concerning potential NSS funds available for educational media. A restoration workshop is scheduled for Cave Without a Name in Texas, 11 September. This event will present an ideal opportunity to shoot raw video for productions on cave restoration and formation repair. We have contacted four professional video producers who are willing to coordinate expertise and equipment. For successful completion of this project, funding is needed for expenses, supplies, and final production costs. At Convention, we need to discuss grant opportunities and cost-share possibilities.

Progress: Work is progressing for the NSS publication, On Cave Conservation, Restoration, and Repair. Manuscript drafts are coming in. Publication is targeted for the year 2000. We plan to have pre-sale materials available at the National Cave and Karst Management Symposium in Chattanooga this October.

Displays: We provided slides and information (coordinated by Dave Bunnell) for a new cave conservation display produced by the Oakland Museum. Christopher Richard will present information on the Oakland display during the Conservation Day at Convention. Also, the Forest Service has been contacted about taking the joint NSS/FS restoration display to Symposium in Chattanooga, TN.

LNT: The new caving booklet for Leave No Trace, Inc., has been published. Copies will be distributed at the Conservation/Restoration Day, Monday of the Idaho Convention.

1. Several presentations were conducted including workshops at Timpanogos Caves National Monument. Cave Restoration, Formation Repair, and Conservation Ethics were discussed.

2. Mock formations for repair demonstrations have been designed; fabrication has been scheduled.

3. Repair and restoration projects continue in Southwestern US Caves. This work focuses on development of restoration techniques designed to avoid disturbing microbiota and virgin surfaces. Investigations have been launched on rope strength degradation due to fungal growth, ongoing water quality analysis, and urine mitigation systems.

4. Cave Friendly Video Technique: We initiated R&D efforts in conservation-minded, light-weight, high out-put lighting techniques for digital video shooting in caves, thus facilitating efficient, minimal impact methods for cave videography.

5. Infrared photo-monitoring project on the Mexican free-tail bat colony of Carlsbad Caverns continues for fourth year of five-year-plus project.

6. Slide shows: Formation Repair, Cave Restoration, and Leave No Trace Caving Ethics are being refined as we address the needs of various workshops. Slide sets and/or videos will eventually be available through the NSS library.

7. NSS News: We continue to submit articles and announcements to the NSS News. We have met with Dave Bunnell and discussed initiating a series of conservation/restoration articles to begin in August or September 1999.

8. Volunteer Value: The Volunteer Value (VV) concept was initiated through an agreement between the NSS and the USDA Forest Service, signed at 1998 NSS Convention. Value is being documented and calculated for USFS cave projects in the Southwest. Others across the country are requesting VV information and forms. A website is being created to disseminate information and collect documentation. The intent is to generate interest in documenting volunteer efforts for caves, tally information, and present results in proposed NSS Annual Reports. The value that NSS members contribute to cave protection, conservation, management has been immeasurable. VV for any cave project (survey, conservation, science, etc.) can be calculated through this database and the information will then serve in proposals for grants, matching funds, agency/owner reports, NSS Annual Reports, etc.

Three simple forms have been designed for recording volunteer value. These generic forms can be used for documenting in-kind volunteer labor, expertise, and contribution for any cave project. The forms are designed to complete at the project site (or can be filled in after the fact) and can be turned in for the national website. An article on Volunteer Value was published in the April NSS News. Forms are available through Val Hildreth-Werker.

David Anderson of Tenessee has stepped forward with expertise and equipment to develop the wesite for Volunteer Value. He has produced a draft site. As the project progresses, VV will be accessible through the NSS Home Page.

9. Advocacy /Action: During the past few years, many of us have discussed that an action e-mail list would be useful. Information is now sent to Cavers' Digest and other forums; however, a list only for people who will send timely letters may be beneficial. Two cavers have stepped forward. Ken Ingham (technical) and Pat Seiser (administrative) are developing this project. The electronic set-up is complete. We are scheduling completion of the project. The intent of this e-mail list is simple: gather e-mail addresses of people who are willing to take a few minutes to send letters on urgent action items; set up an electronic subscription list; and distribute occasional messages requesting action. To facilitate writing and time, we will suggest that anyone requesting action send a sample letter that can be easily revised.

We urge every NSS member, grotto, and internal organization to stay abreast of cave fee, outfitter-guide, and cave conservation issues in the political arena. Positive comments supporting caver volunteer projects and refuting Cave Fee Demo Plans continue to be useful. Please send copies of your letters and inquiries for archiving to: PO Box 1018, Tijeras, NM 87059 werks@worldnet.att.net

Cave Vandalism Deterrence Reward Commission

Plans: The challenge is to publicize the program and I will put together an outline on how to do that.

Progress: The Committee's work continues. No new requests for awards have been received. Some correspondence has been exchanged with parties interested in details about the commission's work and how vandalism rewards are handled.

AVP Comment: Perhaps the police officer in Pennsylvania (Officer Bush) who helped identify and apprehend the Tytoona Cave vandals can be a candidate for receiving this award.

Education Division

Environmental Education Committee

Plans: Still working on developing an educational web site; have the two slide programs to send to the A-V library; also helping Project Underground apply for more grants.

Progress: I’m still learning the FTP for the web site. The Project Underground Activity Guide is nearing the revision stage for printing a second edition. I’m researching ideas for educational materials should we get requests as a result of the IMAX movie.

Problems: Understanding FTP. Also, school/work is undergoing reform and this is taking a lot of time.

Project Underground

Although Project Underground, Inc. is a separate educational, non-profit organization, it has an MOU with the NSS under which three of its six Directors are appointed by the NSS BOG. Project Underground provides teacher training workshops and karst education materials to educators for classroom use. A large number of these teachers are cavers and NSS members.

The three NSS members who have been designated by the NSS BOG to be Directors of Project Underground are: Dave Jagnow, Barbara Moss, and Carol Zokaites, National Coordinator of Project Underground.

National Cave Rescue Commission

Butch Feldhaus (National Coordinator)
5416 Hunter Village Drive
Ooltewah, TN 37363-7004

Board Of Regional Coordinators (BORC)
John Appleby (Eastern Region Coordinator)
David Ashburn (Training Coordinator)
Harry Burgess (Southwestern Region Coordinator)
Sam Chewning, MD (Medical Coordinator)
Amanda Clark (Central Region Coordinator)
John Evans (Northeast Region Coordinator)
John Gookin (Rocky Mountain Region Coordinator)
John Green (South Central Region Coordinator)
William E. Maher (Western Region Coordinator)
Henry Nicholson (Diving Coordinator)
Mimi Ortiz (Caribbean Region Coordinator)
Jeff Parnell (Southeastern Region Coordinator)
John Punches (Pacific Northwest Region Coordinator/ Assistant National Coordinator)

Officers and Staff:
Harold Chrimes (NCRC Equipment Manager)
Tricia Daugherty (NCRC Database Manager/NCRC Inventory Officer)
James Davis (Education Board Member)
Andy Franklin (NCRC Discussion and Administrative List Manager)
Bryan Lavender (Education Board Member)
Barb Ritts (Education Board Member)
Bruce Smith (Education Board Member/NCRC Curriculum Coordinator)
Susan Thrasher (Assistant National Coordinator)
Kathy Welling (NCRC Recording Secretary)
James Hall (NCRC Inventory Officer)
Vacant (NCRC Financial Officer)

Safety and Techniques Committee

Plans: Some of the committee members will be at S.E.R.A. on June 12 and we will have a short meeting there. Also, the Safety and Techniques Committee plans to have its annual meeting during the NSS Convention on Friday afternoon.

Television Video Production Committee

John P. Scheltens (Chairman)
303 North River St.
Hot Springs, SD 57747-1626(605) 745-4366

NSS Convention Division

Convention Development Committee

Plans: I will be visiting the proposed 2003 Convention site in late June. In addition to checking out the site I will be meeting with staff and workers for the event.

There will be Convention Planning & Development meetings in Idaho. I have invited the staff of the 2000 Convention to hold a planning meeting after one of these meetings. This will also be offered to any other group wishing to meet. I have missed some groups meetings in the past because they were held in conflict with one of my meetings. I would like to attend as many meetings held at Convention by host groups as possible.

Progress: At the Indianapolis BOG meeting three bids were introduced for consideration.

I attended the last 2000 planning meeting. They were finalizing their cost structure and will have registrations forms ready for distribution in Filer. They have had a staff position change in registration. The new registrar is very competent and I do not foresee any problems. Also, they are ironing out a some details, working on contracts for publications, food & beverages, transportation & symbolic devices. They are on track.

Problems: I discovered that Lotus Word Pro is not exactly compatible with the NSS web site. It is not what Tom Rea has it set up in. Also, in order to have exclusive update capability I will have to have my own http. Understandably, Tom is not willing to give out the password to the web site. I will get more information on how to make this happen at the convention.

1998 NSS Convention

Progress: The secondary bank account in Sewanee has been closed and Convention Treasurer Bill Stringfellow is working on closing the primary bank account in Atlanta.

Problems: Despite phone calls, e-mails and letters, some individuals have still not deposited the checks that they’ve received from the convention and as a result, the checks don’t clear and the accounts can’t be closed. String is notifying these people that there is a deadline for their cashing the checks and that if they do not do so by the deadline, the undeposited checks will be considered to be a "donation" to the NSS.

1999 NSS Convention

Progress: Work on preparing for the 1999 NSS Convention in Filer Idaho is nearing completion. The last pre-convention meeting of the Convention Committee was held in Filer, Idaho on June 5. At that meeting committee reports were given by the convention staff. The meeting minutes are provided below.

Update on Spring 99 BOG Meeting. We expect to make final report to BOG at Spring 2000 meeting, however if all items are closed, then it will be presented at the Fall 1999 BOG.

We have a proclamation from the Governor, Cave Conservation Week. To date we do not have an official representative of the State, County, or Municipality to greet us. note: Kent Just (TF Chamber of Commerce) arrived later in the meeting and said he would make sure a dignitary (most likely the Mayor) will be there.

We have taken in a total of $62,315.31 and spent a total of $10,500.78 for a current balance of $51,814.53. Mike Backe discussed budget; current breakeven is 615. All subcommittees are requested to submit final budgets to Mike Backe after which he will finalize the overall budget.

541 registered so far with pre-registration now closed. Software needs product list developed. Badges are printed (red bats will be used to identify underage registrants). Registration network will include three computers.

Extra RV spaces will be used for staff camping only. The front tree shaded area will not allow cars (it was considered too congested and unsafe).

In place. Shipping time two weeks prior to convention to fairgrounds. Foreign shipping in advance only with notice and Fairgrounds permission.

All in Art Building will the possible exception of Cartography, number and type of submittals will determine final location.

No report. With no contact to date it is assumed there will not be a speleolympics.

a. Sessions: Small sessions are covered, large sessions should be OK (schedule allows for oversize accommodation in gym or 4-H building).

b. Section Meetings: We will place a sign at entrance of room locations with a schedule at each room daily .

c. NSS Bookstore - Richard Downey: Phone line in place. Shipping by common carrier, will see if we can deliver to site on Friday.

d. Inside Vendors - Michelle Groothof: Credit card phone lines in place but need to be shared. Michelle will see what she can do to expand.

Non-Agenda Item - Kent Just (Twin Falls Chamber of Commerce): He will coordinate will local businesses regarding NSS welcome signs and specials. Mike Backe will meet with on June 16, 1999 to introduce us to the community.

1. Sessions: Need US Exploration Chair. Abstract submittal deadline closed within days.

5. Lunches - Mike Backe: Mike will check on availability of box lunches and meal times.

f. First Aid - Chuck Acklin/Rodney Mulder: OK, budget for 700 people. Will inventory NSS items and report back on needs.

i. Building Material - Jeff Johnson (not present): OK, will use local supplier for minimal on-site needs.

1. Mascot - Lu Smith: Opening ceremony/Howdy Party/Banquet. The mascot will be put up in the Auction provided the money goes to the JSS.

1. Guide Book - Tom Kline: Scheduled to ship June 28, 1999. Map inserts will be done manually - 1000 copies.

2000 NSS Convention

Kelley (Deacon) Deem (Chairman)
167 Blue Ridge Acres
Harpers Ferry, WV 25425-9309

Progress: We completed filming the promotional video and are now in the final editing stages. The registration form is done. It looks great and is packed with information. It is with a printer now. The registration committee is developing policies and procedures for registration staff to follow in order to provide convention attendees with high quality service. The vendor’s coordinator is preparing a vendor information/registration package. Vendor fees are set at $125/room for in-door vendors & $5/frontage foot for outdoor vendors. We have a draft web site up. The webmaster is receiving lots of good information. We have a band lined up for the Howdy Party and a really terrific menu. Field trip plans are coming along well. MAR donated one convention registration fee to a lucky caver who attended its regional meeting, bringing our registration to a grand total of four.

Plans: About 1,000 copies of the registration form will be distributed among staff attending this year's convention in Idaho. They will hand carry these forms to the Idaho Convention. Registration information will be sent regularly to the webmaster to include in the web site, which we expect will be information rich. The vendor’s coordinator will have vendor information/registration packages at this year's convention. We are seeking more pre and post convention trips. We are working with school cafeteria staff to develop a schedule and an appropriate menu. Our propaganda manager will begin selling program ads and spreading good will in local communities. Our welcome committee (formerly information committee) has gone out-of-this-world brainstorming ideas to welcome convention attendees and supply them with sufficient information to feel like they know the convention area when they get there, rather than when they leave. We're drafting a map of the school, a simple version of which we plan to include in registration packages. Our non-caving special events coordinator is setting up one non-caving event per day. We continue to work on transportation and are in the final stages of selecting a campground food vendor.

Problems: Due to time constraints, the leader for one of our two planned geology field trips has had to cancel this trip. We have two other pre-convention field trips, one of which is a geology field trip, so perhaps this is not a real problem. Since our convention staff had reached consensus that our goal was three pre-convention trips, we’re searching for a third trip.

We discovered that the NSS convention registration software program used in Tennessee was unsuitable and we're working on a program that will suit our needs. A registration aide has a Ph.D. in computer sciences and is very familiar with the type of program we need. We have complete faith that she will finish the program in time to enter pre-registration data, so this might also not be a real problem.

Convention Registration Software Committee

Progress: Registration software from the Tennessee Convention was sent to the Idaho convention staff. However, they were not able to use this software and have developed their own.

Problems: This Committee was formed to provide training to Convention staffs in the use of standardized Convention registration software that is compatible with the NSS accounting system. To date, such standardized software has not been developed for use by the Committee and thus there is little for the Committee to do.

AVP Comment: Perhaps this committee should be disbanded and replaced with another committee that is charged with developing standardized convention registration software that future Convention Committees would be required to use. An alternative is to not take any further action on trying to develop and transfer such software but to continue the current practice of having each Convention Committee develop its own software for recording registrants, fees paid, etc. A meeting with the principals involved in this subject will be held at the Convention to discuss this further and to make recommendations for further activities.

Congress of Grottoes

Progress: There will be a COG meeting at the Convention, however, not very many issues have been received for discussion.

Plans: The COG would like to be able to have a link to the NSS web site in order that people can look at COG issues on-line, can request that specific issues be brought up in meetings, and can respond to issues before the COG meetings take place.

Problems: Insufficient issues and topics for discussion are being raised for COG meetings.

AVP comment: Are grottos being notified during the year about the COG need for issues and is a call for issues being put out?

Junior Speleological Society

AVP note: Duane hasn’t answered any correspondence from me or anyone else in the past few months and hasn’t been involved in working on JSS activities for the Idaho Convention. Thanks to Rick Bowersox and his wife, there will be a JSS program. I’ll be looking for a new Chairman for this Committee and will advertise the opening in the NSS News.

Salon Coordinator

Attachment C-1

Reports of NSS Cave Preserves

2. Shelta Cave Report (June 4, 1999) Shelta Cave is doing fine with no problems. The lake is up in Shelta so we cannot check on the leak to see if the city corrected it. I am still keeping the property picked up.

Problems: It was observed that some visitors to the preserve were parking too close to the highway (less than one foot) and therefore getting ticketed. Permission was obtained from our neighbor across the street to place three signs on their fence warning visitors of this legal requirement. A sign was also placed in the visitor's booth.

Progress: A meeting with the West Virginia Department of Highways (DOH) was held on the 12th of May 1999. It was attended by representatives from the WV Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the WV Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (F&W). The NSS was represented by Bob Hoke, as I was unable to attend. His report is attached. All concerned reached agreement that the work, as planned, would not affect the caves or their inhabitants. The DOH will place a value on the property to reimburse us for the quarter acre they require. The NSS will probably benefit from an enlarged parking area that may result from the work. The caves will be closed and posted while work is ongoing. DOH hopes to begin construction by August so that blasting will be completed prior to the hibernation season. More details are in Bob's memorandum.

This committee has no reservations about this work, and recommends acceptance of the DOH valuation of the land, expected to be more or less $250.00, which is what was paid for the land (at about a thousand dollars an acre).

Plans: The annual "Conservacation" is scheduled for October 23rd, in co-operation with the scheduled VAR meeting to be held nearby.

Bob Hoke's Memo on Dept. of Highway Meeting Concerning JGCP Highway Construction

This paper documents a meeting held on May 12, 1999 at the NSS-owned John Guilday Cave Preserve in Pendleton County WV. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the impact of a proposed project to widen the very sharp curve in the road at the northern end on the NSS property. The meeting was attended by representatives of the WV Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (F&W), the WV Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and the NSS. I was the NSS representative since Dave West, the Property Manager, could not attend.

Background: US 220 is the major north-south highway that passes next to the NSS property. The turn at the northern end of the property is the sharpest turn on the Pendleton County section of US 220 and is currently posted with a safe speed limit of 20 mph. The DOH planners said that it is just a matter of time until there is a bad accident there since the curve is blind, the shoulders are almost non-existent, and a tractor trailer cannot make the turn without going into the oncoming traffic lane. The DOT wants to alter the turn so that it is more gradual and has wider shoulders.

Scope of proposed work: The DOH estimates that they will need to acquire about 0.25 acre of the 40-acre NSS property for the new right of way. They plan to remove 11,000 cubic yards of rock from the cliff face at the turn to allow them to realign the road and widen the shoulder. There will be no direct impact to any of the caves on the property. New Trout Cave is the closest to the construction site and it is at least 600 feet away.

** An estimated 11,000 cubic yards of rock will be blasted off the cliff and trucked to a state-owned quarry about 5 miles away. It will be dumped there and reused for future road projects as needed.

** The project will require that a number of trees be removed from the cliff and the area immediately above it. The DNR and F&W representative noted that there is a possibility that Indiana bats may roost in the trees, especially the 8-10 White Oaks that are in the area. The F&W representative suggested that the tree cutting be done before March 31 to eliminate any potential bat interference. However, the DOT folks then said that they hoped to complete the project this summer. The DNR and F&W representatives then decided that the trees could be easily checked for bats prior to cutting, that the probability of Indiana bats being present is very low, and that any bats will most likely leave for new trees as soon as construction starts. They concluded that the small potential for the presence of endangered bats is not enough to defer or alter the project.

** The DOH agreed to a DNR suggestion that any blasting be done only during the summer months to avoid disturbing hibernating bats.

** The telephone cable that currently runs along the base of the cliff will have to be relocated prior to construction.

** The cliff face will be cut back about 50 feet and the cut will be about 150 feet long. The construction will avoid disturbing the scree slope that starts just south of the cliff.

** Blasting will be done with multiple blasts, probably one per day. The road will be closed for up to an hour each day while the blast is done and the rubble hauled away to open at least one lane. Blasting is expected to take about a month. The DEP representatives said that the contract will specify that each blast be relatively small in size. There was general agreement that the caves would not be impacted and that no monitoring devices need to be placed in the caves.

** Access to the top of the cliff will be needed to do the drilling. It will be done along the current treeless power line right of way that is on the adjoining landowner's property.

** I asked for a realistic estimate of when construction might start. The DOH folks said that they have to complete the final paperwork, acquire the land from the NSS and the adjoining landowner, and put the contract out for competitive bid. They said they hoped that work could start as early as August and that the project had to be completely finished before winter.

** I asked how the NSS should give permission for use of their land. The DOH representative said that the DOH legal department would determine the fair market value of the land they want to acquire and they will send Dave West a letter telling him the price. I said that the sooner the letter is sent the better. (I did not mention that Dave probably could not sign the letter and that an NSS Officer would probably have to do so. I discussed this with Dave the same evening and he said that he would start the approval

process within the NSS. The property cost about $1,000 per acre, but the cliff that will be part of the right of way may be worth significantly less).

** There was a discussion about the need for expanding the parking area where cave visitors must park. I suggested that some of the blasted rock could be dumped along the road to expand the existing area. The DOH representative agreed that a larger parking area would be nice and said that perhaps something can be done. However, he did not make any type of commitment to enlarge the parking area. He also noted that the DOH does not own much right of way along the highway and that any parking expansion would have to stay on the DOH property.

** There was a discussion about whether to restrict access to the caves on the days that blasting is scheduled. Everyone agreed that the probability of cave damage is small, but everyone also agreed that it was probably prudent to close the caves on blasting days. I

concurred with this suggestion and said that as soon as there is a commitment to do the project this summer I would start getting the word around to the caving community that the caves may be closed during part of the summer. I also said I would contact the nearby Thorn Spring Park since many youth groups and independent cavers who visit the caves stay at the Park.

** Parking near the construction site is very limited and the contractor will probably have to use a significant part of the existing parking area for his equipment. I commented that perhaps this will give him an incentive to enlarge the parking area. In any case, it looks like visitors to the cave will find restricted parking during the project. I said that I would mention the parking problem when I publicize the closure during blasting operations.

Overall, I think the meeting was very productive. It was especially encouraging to see that the highway people, the cavers, and the State bat people were all able to rationally discuss the project and come to a complete agreement.

Not many trips this quarter. The numbers are:six trips with 33 people on the trips.

The most notable thing to report, is that the offer tendered to Neil Baumann last July has formally been withdrawn. To remind all involved, Emily Mobley, Bob Addis, and our attorney, Chuck Dworkin, met with Mr. Baumann and his attorney last July. The essence was that we offered to exchange our 60-foot wide access that divides Baumann's land for a 60 foot strip at the north edge of his property. In return, Bauman would have to provide a road to our specifications and sell a conservation easement on his entire property to the Schoharie County Land Trust.

After 10 months of no action from Bauman, I decided it was time to move on and had Chuck withdraw the offer. The adjunct to this, it that starting June 19, we will begin fencing the 60-foot wide property where cavers may tend to wander off our property and where Neil may tend to wander on. I foresee the fencing to take 3 to 4 years to complete.

Thanks to Emily Mobley for continuing to control access and provide the numbers.

Visitation has been light since last report. The Warrens Cave resource WWW page is up and running for those who wish to visit. The Florida Fire College is planning a cooperative cave rescue practice sometime in the next few months. A new lock has been placed on the cave at no cost to the NSS.

Progress: A new lock, kindly donated by the Florida Speleological Society, has been placed on the cave gate. Replacement was made necessary by normal wear and tear. A smaller size was used which meant the special key blanks referred to in the previous report were not required. This item, referenced in my last report, is complete.

The Warren's Cave WWW resource page is finished, though some modifications or additions may be expected from time to time. Here is the URL and an excerpt from my last report which describes its function. http://www.afn.org/~afn04143/pub

This is a "secret" web page inasmuch as it is not listed on any search engines or linked to from any other web pages. It is also hidden beneath another web page to shield it from web "spiders and robots."

This site is not intended to perform the same function as the NSS site which provides public information about our cave properties. The purpose is just to create an easy to access resource of information for NSS members around the country actively planning to visit. The site will contain the current release form in a variety of graphic and printer formats so anyone can download it and bring it with them (convenient and saves money too). A map of the cave is there along with a copy of the safety requirements (belaying, lights, etc.). I'm also including local campground information to assist those coming from outside Florida.

Over the years, we have had cavers from all over the Southeast, New York, California, Wisconsin, and even Quebec visit the area. By passing the website URL to them via phone, postal mail, or email, I'm hoping to make it just as easy for them to arrange a visit to Warren's as those who live nearby. If you would like to see what's there so far, here is the URL. Few people know about it. Please do not link to it or place it on any search engines. Feel free to pass the information to cavers visiting the area. Feel free to drop by and leave suggestions or comments.

Plans: The Florida Fire College is planning a practice cave rescue at Warrens Cave. This is a cooperative venture and serves to train both cavers and public employees in the requirements of underground rescue. It also serves to acquaint the two groups so that cooperation during an actual rescue is more likely. In the event of a rescue at Warren's (rare) there is a larger body of experienced personnel to draw from. The Fire College maintains their own insurance, and trainees are drawing their normal salaries, during the event. Cavers are not paid, but may be treated to lunch or dinner by the firemen afterwards. It's a regular event. This cooperation has proven very beneficial in the past.

Problems: There have been no serious problems at the cave and none are anticipated. Things have been very quiet.

Plans: Now with budget approval, we will move forward with the idea of building a kiosk of some sort, move and modify the old parking barrier and install or maintain the signs on the property as needed. Also, reprint brochures as the supply is getting low. We will have the rescue dive team enter the cave this year and remove the old guide lines leading into the first and second dive sump that are of safety concern.

The Committee will institute a "neighborhood" watch on the property in which local residents will help us keep an eye on the property for any vandal problems. We will also continue our visitation and monitoring of the cave and property and will continue our fundraising effort to help replenish the NSS funds used in the acquisition.

Progress: During a very bad ice storm in December (1998), a rather large and dead pine tree fell down causing damage to the fencing that skirts the foot-path and steps down to the entrance. The tree has since been cut up and removed and the fence has been repaired with new materials.

Sometime between February 28 and March 8, 1999, vandals spray painted the first 75 feet of the cave. This included the left wall, ceiling, and floor. I had the Pennsylvania State Police investigate it. They sent an officer named Trooper Bush who did an excellent job of gathering evidence and having it tested in their crime lab. He was able to narrow down possible culprits responsible. In fact, he gained two confessions from the alleged individuals involved. He has since made the arrest of Brandon Scott McNellis (21) and John Dennis Smith (19) both from Altoona, Pennsylvania. District Justice John Greene of Tyrone will hear the case at 1:00 P.M. on June 15th, 1999. I will be (with subpoena) there to represent the NSS as the Tytoona Cave Preserve director. The Tytoona vandal incident was covered in many TV news broadcasts around.

On April 24, 1999, cavers from all over the state gathered to clean off the spray paint caused by the previously mentioned vandals. Over 100 volunteered man-hours and over $1,000 of labor, materials, equipment was used. This was all documented for the criminal case pending with hope that restitution will be made in a form of a donation to the Tytoona Cave Preserve fund that will be forwarded to the NSS. To further note, the cleanup gained TV media attention which broadcasted a short interview with me and video clips of cavers cleaning the cave.

Using data from the CCUS, I have compiled a brief summary of visitation in Tytoona for the calendar year of 1998. Total visitors in the cave = 459. Other data as follows:

* Males made up 72% while females made up 27 % of the visitors. Total visitors who are NSS members = 24%.

* The purpose for being in the cave: Education(27%), Recreation(23%), Exploring(18%).

* Surprisingly, 45% of all main light sources used was a helmet mounted type lamp. Flashlights came in second with 33% for main lighting.

* 53% of all visitors said they found Tytoona through friends. 13% said they found the cave through a cave club. It should be interesting to note that only 2% found Tytoona through a cave publication.

The path steps leading down to the cave entrance have been cleared of any debris. It should also be noted that our erosion barrier effort (1998) has paid off. The stream has stopped from eating away the stream bank near the entrance. Even though the heavy water flow that occurred this past Spring went over the stone barrier, it was still able to reduce the force from doing any harm.

I have personally made at least 10 trips to Tytoona since January (99), to inspect the cave and property. I along with a few other Tytoona committee members also recently went on a late night "cave watch" stakeout to check on any possible vandal activity. None occurred.

National Speleological Society

Administrative Vice-President’s Report

July 12, 1999

Administrative Vice President