Table of Contents:
Administrative Vice
President
Cave Management
Division
Cave and
Karst Acquisition Committee
Cave Conservancies
Committee
Closed Cave Database
Committee
Contemporary
Cave Use Study Committee
Land Owner Relations
Committee
NSS Cave Preserves
Committee
Conservation Division
Conservation Committee
Conservation Grants
Subcommittee
Conservation
Task Force Subcommittee
Resource
Preservation Committee
Mammoth Cave
Restoration Committee
Cave
Vandalism Deterrence Reward Commission
Education Division
Environmental
Education Committee
National Cave
Rescue Commission
Safety and
Techniques Committee
Television
Video Production Committee
NSS Convention Division
Convention
Development Committee
2000 NSS Convention
2001 NSS Convention
2002 NSS Convention
Junior Speleological
Society
Salon Coordinator
Douglas Medville
11762 Indian Ridge Rd
Reston, VA 20191
(703) 860-0134
medville@patriot.net
The Department of the Administrative Vice President consists of 16 Committees, two Commissions, and several NSS Convention Committees. Within these are 9 Conservation Task Forces, ten Cave Preserves, six 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.
National Park Service Cave Education Initiative
NSS Participation in Rule Making Committee on Rock Bolting in Wilderness
I have been informed that I have been selected to represent the NSS on a Negotiated Rulemaking Advisory Committee to assist in the development of a proposed rule regarding the placement, use, and removal of fixed anchors used for recreational rock climbing purposes in congressionally designated wilderness areas administered by the Forest Service. The Forest Service intends to promulgate a fixed anchor rule that will determine whether or not fixed anchors (bolts) will be allowed in U.S. Forest Service-administered wilderness areas, the circumstances under which these will be allowed, the regulation of use, placement, and removal of bolts, and the process to decide whether the insertion or removal of a bolt should take place. The notice also calls for "nominations for Committee membership from organizations or interests that believe they may be substantially affected by the subject of the negotiations."
A substantial number of significant caves are found in Forest Service administered wilderness areas in the western U.S. The placement of bolts in these caves has occurred and placement of additional bolts may be necessary in the future to explore, survey, and conduct cave science and resource inventory activities in these caves. Thus the NSS is affected by the Forest Service’s rulemaking process and its ultimate decision regarding bolt placement in wilderness areas, including caves.
Thom Engel (Chairman)
16 Equinox Ct Apt 2a
Delmar, NY 12054-1726
(518) 478-9664
caveman@acmenet.net
Plans: Nothing new to report.
Progress: A $5,000 grant was approved by the BOG at its March 2000 meeting for the Mid-Atlantic Karst Conservancy to buy Billy Clay Pit in West Virginia. Paperwork for the Clay Pit acquisition is expected to be completed by the end of May. The price is agreed upon, the attorney for the seller has reviewed the management plan and had all questions answered. The holdup is in getting the property bounds surveyed and described -- it's sort of at the whim of the landowner. When papers from the lawyer arrive, a down payment will be sent.
A group in Connecticut is investigating the purchase of Twin Lakes Caves. These include the longest caves in Connecticut. I have provided information on the writing of management plans.
Problems: -- None.
John M. Wilson (Chairman)
9504 Lakewater Ct
Richmond VA 23229
(804) 740 0339 (H)
(804)-262-5249 ext.335 (W)
work e-mail: johnw@lewisginter.org
home e-mail: wilsonjmll@earthlink.net
Plans: A Cave Conservancies roundtable and symposium for cave conservancies, land trusts with caves, and related cave management interest is planned for Wednesday, 29 June at 9:00 a.m. at the 2000 NSS Convention in West Virginia. Tina Hall is the Session Chairman. In general, the plans remain the same as in the previous report of the AVP. They are to contact all known cave and cave related conservancies in the US to: inform them of NSS services to cave conservancies and encourage them to become conservancies of the NSS, institutional members, or both.
Progress: There have been two contacts in this last reporting period.
Problems: There are no significant problems at this time. In the minor problem category one cave conservancy listed as an institutional member appears from published records to be several years back in its NSS dues payments.
Everett Carpenter (Chairman)
10138 Avenel Gardens Ln
Silver Spring MD 20903
(301)-439-1750 (H)
Fax: 202-404-8849
(202) 767-6098 (W)
carpenter@anvil.nrl.navy.mil
Garrett Czmor (Chairman)
HC-01 Box 24
Huntingdon, PA 16652
(814) 643-3067
gccaver@vicon.net
Progress: Book data are being typed in the CCUS software as time allows by 4 persons. Most of the data has been received in the form of register books dating as far back as 1986. Although very time consuming, 48 of the 112 books have been compiled to date using the CCUS software into useable data. It should be noted that I inherited this backlog from past CCUS personnel when I took over the project.
Due to the lingering software problem in regards to the Y2K problem, I’ve contacted the local college here again for help. I also enlisted help from a youth technology center in Altoona that became interested in the Y2K problem in the CCUS software. I also asked a few other cavers who have their business in software management for help. There continues to be new interest from others in the CCUS.
Plans: To continue the search in hopes of finding someone whom will be able to make the CCUS software Y2K compliant or better yet, to have a Windows CCUS program made. Also to get estimates on printing new register book covers and have them printed and to buy supplies and reprint materials as needed. Currently our stock remains in good condition.
Problems: As I outlined in the last report, the CCUS software does have problems associated with any data entered for year 2000 and beyond. The software does work fine with any register book data from prior years. Currently, when the entire pre-2000 year data is finally compiled, the CCUS could be at a standstill until new software is either developed or the old one upgraded. However, year 2000 books will still be collected and stored for future compilation. The local college here didn’t seem to be of any help and the technology center in Altoona used the CCUS software as a good example to students of Y2K problems. The center however didn’t upgrade the old software but instead offered a new database template using Microsoft Access. That option was found to be unacceptable since most CCUS managers do not have MS-Access and it would be illegal for me to copy that MS program to send as a tool for the project. The best option is still to have a stand-alone program; either in DOS or in Windows formats.
Another problem has to do with the register book covers. After several inquiries, I was unable to find cardstock paper in the size needed to run simple covers off of a copy machine. In each inquiry, I was told that it would have to be given to a printer business. This is not a problem with the inserted white data sheets inside the books but only with the heavy style covers of that size. Unless I can find colored cardstock paper weight and size (11X17), I will have to go the printers route, however I’m hopeful that this will still fall within budget limits if that happens.
At any rate, all data typed in now that contains information dated before 2000 still works fine in the CCUS software. But any book data entered using the current CCUS software that contains 2000 or beyond information will have problems and the full data crunching power will be compromised.
Bill Thoman (Chairman)
4905 Ralph Ave
Cincinnati OH 45328-3801
(513) 251-7357
speleo@juno.com
Progress: Several cave gatings are scheduled for later this year for three vertical entrances owners were concerned about, because of liability. Originally the entrances were going to be gated and the caves closed. The current schedule is to have bat and cave friendly gates installed. The owners were quite receptive and happy to have cavers jump in and help get these projects done correctly. We can thank Bill Simpson of Cincinnati in large measure for this work. Have also been working with a landowner in Rockford, IL regarding liability concerns. Copies of release waivers and some additional information has been sent his way. More may follow on this.
Plans: Continue working with contacts as they arise.
Problems: Never enough time.
Gary Bush (Chairman)
2630 Stonegate Dr
Jacksonville FL 32223-0702
(904) 268-7638
gbush@jaxnet.com
I. GENERAL:
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. Nine of the 10 Managers submitted a report this period. Overall, the Preserve properties are in good condition.
Plans: I have arranged for the NSS Display, containing the Preserves information, to be 'on display' at this year's Convention in WV. The information and photos, submitted by the Preserve managers, were prepared for last year's NCKMS in Chattanooga, TN. I and several Preserve managers will join Tina Hall's Cave Conservancy Session at the Convention on Wednesday morning, to share experiences and suggestions with the group. I'm trying, again, to arrange a Preserve Managers' meeting at Convention. Prior attempts have been unsuccessful, mainly due to full schedules by those (few) managers attending the Convention.
Progress: Significant maintenance work has been underway at several of the Preserves, as noted below.
Problems: The Cave Preserve Committee has had good cooperation this past year from all the Managers, other than a few late or missing reports.
The list of problems from the Preserves (see below) include:
The repair of the McFails Cave (Halls Hole entrance) gate has been delayed, due to other priorities of the builder.
Some progress has been made in redrafting the lost New Trout Cave map (John Guilday Preserve).
Poachers caught last year at Kingston Saltpeter Cave Preserve were prosecuted.
The new lock at Warrens Cave was damaged during an unsuccessful break-in attempt.
Minor vandalism recently occurred at the Tytoona Cave Preserve.
II. PROPERTY STATUS:
McFails Cave (NY): Acks Shack crawl hasn't been dug open yet this year, delaying opening of the cave. Repair of the Halls Hole gate has been rescheduled. A cleanup trip is due the weekend of May 20. There have been 4 trips into the cave since the last report.
Shelta Cave (AL): (No Report received this period).
John Guilday Cave Preserve (WV): No date, yet, for this year's "Conservacation." Bat counts in Hamilton and New Trout Caves show average and 'higher-than-normal' results, respectively.
Kingston Saltpeter Cave Preserve (GA): Committee members led an educational trip through the cave in February, for a group that included teachers, businessmen, and museum staff. A similar trip is scheduled for late June. Chairman Larry Blair was asked to report to the court against one of the poachers caught on the property late last year. A neighbor had supposedly given them permission, but he wasn't authorized to do so. Generally, the property is in good shape.
Barton Hill Karst Preserve (NY): Outhouse construction is underway. More fence work is planned. There have only been 5 trips since the last report.
Warrens Cave (FL): Visitation has been below normal. Someone attempted to break through the gate. The new lock, recently installed, was damaged and must be torched off and replaced. There hasn't been a successful breach of this gate during the last 12 years.
Donald R. Russell Preserve (OK): Status of the property is normal. Bat populations seem to be high. A nest of baby buzzards was found just inside the entrance to the main cave.
Schoharie Caverns (NY): Good use of both the cave and cabin occurred this Spring. Construction of the new outhouse is well underway. It made sense to employ the same contractor to build both this outhouse and the new one at BHKP, where the lack of one was preventing full use of that cabin. The driveway has also been leveled and graveled. The lawn care is also contracted. Local donations continue to fund all the construction and maintenance projects.
Alachua Sink Preserve (FL): Good diving conditions this Spring. Visibility in the water has been very high, due to low rainfall. Dive tours are going weekly. The parking area has been completed, plus a trail and steps down to the Sink. The survey of the system is almost completed. Rob Anderson has been appointed to fill the vacant guide position. All of the materials for the trail gate have been received and installation is scheduled this month. The gate is needed to stop unguided trips into the Sink.
Tytoona Cave Preserve (PA): The information kiosk was completed. A "neighborhood watch" type of program was initiated by nearby residents to prevent vandalism at the property. Local cavers continue to maintain the property. A Photo dive and resurvey are scheduled soon. Extension of the steps and railings further into the sink are scheduled for this Summer. Two minor acts of vandalism have recently occurred: A small amount of spray paint was found just inside the entrance to the cave. Also, someone pushed over concrete-filled barrels that anchor cables to prevent vehicle access onto the property. Both problems have been fixed.
Progress: Winter has passed at the McFails Cave Preserve. The cave would have traditionally opened this past weekend (5/13-14). The heavy rains over the last few weeks, however, made digging out the Acks Shack crawl impossible. Reports indicate that a large amount of sediment will have to be removed this year. Anyhow, the dig out crew enjoyed the day bopping several of the pits on the property.
Problems: The gate at the Halls Hole entrance has still not been repaired. The "builder" has been contacted and he still promises to do the work but has been delayed with other commitments. Despite the lack of a gate, however, there have been no signs of trespass in the cave.
Plans: The gate and the catchment basin are still planned to be repaired. Work on the brochure was not performed as originally planned. A cleanup of the property to clear trails, repair fences, etc. is planned for this upcoming weekend (5/20).
Trips Since Last Report:
| DATE | No. of CAVERS |
Leader | PURPOSE |
| 10/09/1999 | 6 |
Holtsbery | Recreation |
| 05/13/2000 | 3 |
Rider | Recreation |
| 05/13/2000 | 6 |
Douglas | Recreation |
| 05/13/2000 | ? |
Oakes | Recreation |
Respectfully Submitted,
Tom Rider,
McFails Preserve Manager
(No Report received this period)
Plans: A date for the annual "Conservacation" has yet to be finalized.
Progress: The annual bat count was held in Hamilton and New Trout Caves. The New Trout count was about average. The Hamilton count was much higher than usual.
Some progress has been made in resurrecting the New Trout Cave map. Bill Balfour has traced portions of working copies into a single sheet. The original cartographer (yours truly) will be adding cross-sections, elevations, ceiling heights, labels and the title block, etc.
Problems: Nothing new.
Respectfully submitted
David West,
Committee Chairman
This report will serve as the official record of the Kingston Saltpeter Cave Committee of the National Speleological Society for the period of time since my last report of January 21, 2000.
Included with this report will be a "statement of purpose" listing the major commitments of the Felburn Foundation; owners of the Kingston Saltpeter Cave Preserve. In short the Foundation's stated purpose is to . . .
1. Acquire, protect, and perpetually maintain areas of natural significance
2. Provide educational facilities and research funds in nature related fields and,
3. Create an interest in the public toward the protection of sensitive and endangered natural areas.
With these three main goals in mind the Kingston Saltpeter Cave Preserve, (KSCP) has from the very outset met these three hallmarks with little to no cost to the Society. Protection and education have been our main focal points. We ourselves learn as much as we teach! At the same time that these goals are met the messages and views of the Society are also met with a strong protective message. Our association with the Felburn Foundation has been to the benefit of all parties ... we protect their property but in turn get to study the cave’s unique history and features of this type of ecosystem.
On Friday, February 11 of this year, Committee member Dwayne Lasky and myself led a group of Georgia school teachers, management personnel from a large Vulcan quarry operation in Kennesaw, Georgia and management and employees of the Weinman Mineral Museum located in Cartersville, Georgia on a through-trip of the cave. As usual with this type of group we held a class room session before hand at the Weinman. We teach by exposure to the environment of the cave.
On this trip we encountered several downed or "bent-over" trees from two major winter ice storms within a week of each other here in Georgia. It was necessary to remove three or four small pines in order to clear the road as we entered the property. There was very little "new" trash found. It was of course removed.
On Friday, March 24th. I had a long conversation with the local law enforcement agent of the Wildlife Resources Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. As stated in my last report two poachers had been captured after trespassing and hunting illegally on the Preserve. As it has turned out one wanted a trial. I was asked to give a statement over the phone which was to be relayed to the court. This Ranger, an officer of the law in Georgia had no doubt that this perpetrator would be found guilty. The other "perp" had already paid a fine. I hate to take this line of action, especially with the locals, however, this particular person had lied to the arresting officer and to the court stating that he had permission to hunt on the property. This simply was not true. He had produced a written letter stating that he had permission to hunt the property. This letter was actually written by a neighbor of the Preserve. This individual, though considered a
friend and very helpful in the past, does not have permission to act as my "Agent" at the Preserve.
As I write this report, plans are being made for our second teachers trip of the year. We have always only held one trip each year, however, this year we will have two, one in the winter and one during the summer months. Our next trip is scheduled for June 20.
In closing I can say everything is well at KSCP. A hot, dry summer is just ahead. Our new crop of teachers will soon learn to appreciate the cool of nature’s natural air conditioning!
Respectfully submitted,
Larry O. Blair,
Chairman
Progress: Not much to report. The hole has been dug and the holding tank delivered for the outhouse for the Gage Cabin. This project will be completed this year. More fencing is planned. There are been only 5 trips with 40 people.
As usual, many thanks to Emily Davis for handling access.
Submitted,
Thomas Engel,
Barton Hill Karst Preserve Manager
Summary: Visitation remains down, probably a reflection of overall caving activity in Florida. A regional cause for concern. One break-in attempt, reported just today, was unsuccessful.
Progress: The new lock recently placed on the cave gate has been vandalized in an unsuccessful break-in attempt. (Corrosion killed the last one.) The Florida Speleological Society will replace it at no cost to the NSS. This was a "punching" attempt where an effort was made to drive the cylinder inwards thus shearing off all the pins and allowing
operation by screwdriver. No success. We usually remove these with my own acetylene torches. Master builds a good lock.
Plans: Torch off the old lock as soon as a replacement is available.
Problems: Aside from the lock, no other management issues have occurred. We haven't had a lock destroyed in at least four years. No one has gained entrance by defeating the lock or gate system in approximately twelve years.
Respectfully Submitted,
William H. Oldacre,
Warrens Cave Preserve Manager
The status of the Donald R Russell cave preserve is the same as normal; i.e., there has been no visitation. The bats are back along with ticks and foliage. The only unlikley visitors were some baby buzzards in a nest just inside the entrance of Linda Bearpaw cave. We don’t seem to have any visitor problems because of the inaccesibility of the caves. It appears there are a large number of gray bats in the cave by the odor and guano trail. If you have any other questions just let me know .
Clayton
Progress: A good winter & Spring, plenty of use of the cave & the Cabin. I finally have a good contractor for some much needed improvements at the preserve. The Schoharie Outhouse is terrible, to state it mildly! Full & Falling into the hole come to mind for the past 2 years. We're switching to a holding tank underground, traditional wooden structure above, and a septic service will visit us periodically. Related, but not completely, the Barton Hill Karst Preserve has had a cabin, the Gage Cabin, but it hasn't been used much since it didn't have an outhouse and cavers had to pack it out, so to speak. Since Speleobooks & Peter Teresco gather donations in one pot and since we were building one outhouse at Schoharie, I reasoned now was the time to build one for each Preserve. The holding tanks are in at both cabins, and Old Time Caver & Master Outhouse Builder, Paul Pulenskey, started today to build one at his shop on a trailer for delivery.
The driveway at Schoharie was deeply rutted, but is now repaired, ditches cleared and shaped, and new stone spread.
Problems: Getting the time and volunteer tow vehicle to finish the outhouse structures. Vandalism during the week over the past 2 years is probably due to locals, and we are now building a road gate for the first time at Schoharie. It will be keyed with the same combination lock as the Cabin, a new concept for us. Peter Teresco will coordinate the reservations at both cabins, giving us overflow capacity and a choice if a smaller group wants their own cabin for the weekend (maybe).
All in all, I'm excited to see these new outhouses. Paul's quite a creative craftsman, and picture window views of the lovely valley below are promised.
Lawn maintenance is contracted reasonably at Schoharie by Emily & Mike at BHKP. We Northeastern cavers take pride in being able to finance our projects with donations, and we thank the various levels of the NSS structure for guiding us along financially.
Respectfully Submitted,
Bob Addis, Chairman
Diving has been great this spring at Alachua sink. Water visibility is better than it has been in three or four years. This is mostly due to a stable water table and a recent drought. However, if we don’t start getting our Florida rains, the cave diving community will have to trade in tanks for ropes.
Diving tours of the system are occurring on a weekly basis with Bill Main leading the way with a tour or two a week. The parking lot (a grassy area cleaned up underneath the canopy of the oak trees) was completed this spring as well as the path and steps to the water. Use of the North/West (Sonny's) side of the sink is no longer being used by divers.
Survey of the system is nearly completed, led by guide and surveyor John Mosely.
We have decided to fill the guide position vacated by the death of Sheck Exley with Rob Anderson. Rob is currently Bill Main's dive partner, has 30+ dives at Alachua, has met all criteria set forth by the committee to be a guide and is anxious to begin assisting with tours and the work we have started.
Attached is the current Alachua Sink Guide List. We have all the material for the completion of the gate across the trail leading to the new entrance of the system and will install this during the month of May, as there have been instances of divers "sneak" diving the system.
Respectfully Submitted,
Jim Taylor,
Alachua Sinks Preserve Manager
Progress: The kiosk projected is completed. The backside has a nice display under Plexiglas of NSS related brochures plus a Tytoona brochure. It also has a listing of people and corporations that donated money for Tytoona. The brochure box is being used very frequently.
Total donations collected and sent to the NSS amount to about $4,950.00
My letter writing campaign and speaking to local property owners about implementing a "neighborhood watch" program has paid off. Local residents have now formed a group called "Friends of Sinking Valley". Their focus is on vandalism and any future land development. They are strongly opposed to any housing or commercial business development and basically want to preserve their small rural setting. Their first meeting will take place in June.
A planned cave dive for March was cancelled due to high water and turbidity conditions.
The CCUS register book has been serviced and local cavers continue to clean the property of any garbage when needed.
Plans: Cave divers have tentative plans to try and photograph (video & stills) again sometime this summer or fall. A re-survey of the cave showing its relation to the property will hopefully take place this year. Another brochure box will be built and installed this year on the kiosk.
A building project to make more wooden steps with railing will start this summer. The new steps will start where the current ones end. The current steps and railing falls short of reaching the bottom of the sink. The new wooden improvement will also replace some very old steps (rail road ties) that are rotten and were placed there almost 30 years ago during the last attempted commercial venture.
Problems:
We had two new cases of vandal acts so far this year! One involved minor spray painting right inside the entrance (still in the daylight zone). The state police were notified and photos sent. The spray paint was removed with the help of a Boy Scout troop that I lead on an educational cave trip.
The other vandal incident had to do with pushing over two of the cement filled (800lbs) barrels that have guard rail cables attached to block any vehicle access onto the property. Also, one of the small visitation hour signs was destroyed when vandals moved the barrel. Both barrels have been put in their proper positions and the sign has been replaced
Garrett Czmor
Tytoona Cave Preserve Manager
David H. Jagnow (Chief)
PO Box 93398
Albuquerque NM 87199-3398
(505) 898-3100
David@Jagnow.com
Cave Conservation Division Structure:
Cave Conservation Committee:
David Jagnow, Chairman (Administration)
Al Krause (Conservation Grants Coordinator)
Jo Schaper (Conservation Task Force Coordinator)
Jim Werker & Val Hildreth-Werker (Resource Preservation
Committee)
Mammoth Cave Restoration Committee:
Karen Dennis, Co-Chairman
Norm Rogers, Co-Chairman
Cave Vandalism Deterrence Reward Commission:
Jay Jorden - Chairman
Commissioners: Gale Beach, George Huppert, Tom Rea, John Wilson
David Jagnow, NSS #8177
NSS Conservation Chairman
PO Box 93398
Albuquerque NM 87199-3398
(505) 898-3100 (phone & manual fax)
David@Jagnow.com
Plans: I plan to resign as NSS Conservation Chairman effective the Elkins Convention to devote full time to a new job in San Francisco. I've been Conservation Chairman for 5 years, and it's time for new blood and a fresh perspective. I do plan to coordinate with Ted Kayes in launching a new fund-raising campaign for NSS Conservation funds before stepping down.
Progress:
BAT PROTECTION & CAVE PROTECTION LAW WEBSITE: State Cave Laws and Bat Protection Laws have been posted on the Cave Conservation & Management Site. This site includes information produced by Tom Lera, including a summary and the actual text of Federal and State laws that are instrumental in protecting bats and also caves. Tom hopes to present this paper at Convention. For a link to the site and paper, go to: <http://www.caves.org/section/ccms/bat2k/index.htm>
BATS NEED FRIENDS BROCHURE: Eugene Vale completed the draft text for the new brochure along with some illustrations He plans to have some copies at the Elkins Convention for review. Jim (Crash) Kennedy (BCI) and the NSS are working cooperatively to update and reprint this new brochure in color. BCI plans to provide the color photos, so there's a little more work to be done. Sorry it's taken so long.
BLM CAVE PROJECT FUNDS: Jim Goodbar, BLM National Cave Specialist, reports having awarded $10,000 to 9 different BLM field offices for cave management and/or cave resource projects. Projects ranged from resource inventory, restoration, gating, and archaeological and paleontological data collection. Yellow Jacket Cave (NM) was regated on March 11 as one of the Southwest Region projects.
CAPITAN REEF NATIONAL MONUMENT: The National Parks Conservation Association (and other environmental groups) have nominated the Guadalupe Escarpment area of Lincoln National Forest (area between Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park) as a National Monument, plus an additional 100,000+ acres in the western Guads including the Brokeoff Mountains. This nomination appears to lack support at this time. The USFS is concerned that a Monument would mandate increased activity (fencing, law enforcement, increased visitation) without providing increased funding. NSS members have expressed concern that the administration of these caves could change hands over a period of time, and thus we currently oppose establishment of this Monument.
CONSERVATION ISSUE OF NSS NEWS: Since the last report, the NSS News Special Conservation Issue has been published. Once again, we have good documentation of a tremendous amount of cave conservation work being done throughout the country. A special thanks to everyone who is helping restore our cave resources and to those who provided articles.
HIGH GUADS RESTORATION PROJECT, NM: Since the last report, I have turned over leadership of the HGRP to Allen Laman and Susan Herpin. This project continues to be an outstanding example of NSS members providing cave restoration to the Forest Service. We will continue restoration work the last weekend of every month in 2000. (For details, see the article by David Jagnow in the March, 2000, Conservation Issue of the NSS News, p. 70.)
I-66 COMMENTS BY THE NSS: On April 26, 2000, I sent a strong letter of protest to the Kentucky Division of Planning concerning their proposed routing of I-66 between London and Somerset, KY. My letter outlined 9 areas of "major concern" focusing on the protection of cave resources on Daniel Boone National Forest and the adjacent lands in the Cumberland Plateau. Until these concerns are fully addressed, the NSS is opposed to any further development of this interstate project. Please contact me if you would like a copy of this letter.
INTERAGENCY AGREEMENT: The new Interagency Agreement for Cave and Karst Resources Management between the NPS, BLM, USFS, USGS, and US Fish & Wildlife Service is near completion. It does NOT appear that the agreement will be signed at the Elkins Convention, as it is STILL in the hands of the solicitors. Even though the NSS has nothing officially to do with this Agreement, it represents a strong commitment by all of these government agencies to cooperate in the research (USGS) and protection of cave and karst resources.
KLAMATH NATIONAL FOREST, OR: Jerry Trout, USFS National Cave Specialist, reports that the new Cave Management Plan is finally on fast track. They are continuing to hold a series of workshops with good participation from the cavers and Forest Management. A special thanks to all who have been helping write this cave management plan.
NCKMS 2001 (AZ): Jerry Trout, USFS National Cave Specialist, has met with most of the Arizona Grottos to request help on the National Cave & Karst Management Symposium for 2001 in Arizona. Everything is progressing well.
PINNACLE CAVE, NV, THREATENED: Pinnacle Cave, the deepest and perhaps the prettiest cave in Nevada, is being threatened by a proposed $25 million resort being built immediately adjacent to the 150' entrance shaft. The cave itself is located on USFS land SW of Las Vegas, and is a "significant" cave. The latest proposal is to build a spa resort on the private land closest to the cave. Plans have been submitted to build a 112 room hotel, convention hall, recreation establishment, museum, and tram (i.e., people mover) on 45 acres adjacent to Forest Service land. Steve Devaney, Southern Nevada Grotto, is keeping us informed. Jerry Trout reports that the local Forest Service office IS in touch with the cavers and they are jointly making plans to protect the cave.
PUAINAKO STREET EIS, HI: Dr. William Halliday helped me construct a reply (dated April 26, 2000) to the County of Hawaii, Department of Public Works, concerning the alignment of Puainako Street Extension that could negatively impact DeRody's Cave and Kaumana Cave (lava tubes). The new preferred alignment alleviates many of our concerns. We appreciate their cooperation regarding these sensitive cave resources. Thank you Bill!
SPENCER MOUNTAIN CAVE SYSTEM THREATENED, TN: Joel Buckner, President of the Cumberland Karst Conservation Task Force, is fighting the proposed Spencer Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), planned for Spencer's Mountain, TN. NSS members in the area are concerned that the sewage treatment plant be properly sited, so that the surrounding karst is unaffected during both normal operation and possible storm events. The Board of Governors has approved a grant of $3,000 from the Cave Legal Defense Fund. These funds would be used together with $2000 already raised for a retainer for Mr. Gary Davis, an environmental law attorney, to pursue legal recourse to stop a proposed sewage treatment plant that would pollute the Spencer Mountain Cave System.
USFS WEBSITE: Region 3 (AZ & NM) of the US Forest Service is developing a website with information on cave resources. The website will list the contact people for caving in the various National Forests. It will also solicit comments from cavers and seek to standardize the cave permitting procedures throughout the Region. Unfortunately, computer problems within this USFS District have not allowed this to develop to date. Stay tuned.
Problems: None
Albert A. Krause, Chairman
1721 SW 76th Terrace
Gainesville FL 32607-3418
(352)-332-2276 (res)
(352)-392-7396 (ofc)
(352)-392-3044 (fax)
aakrause@compuserve.com
Plans: Will continue to respond to all inquiries and evaluate Conservation Grant Applications as received. Will continue to provide input to NSS News for announcement of Grant awards (to keep program visible to membership and promote its projects and availability as a resource and opportunity).
Progress: Three grants were awarded during FY 1999-2000. Two have previously been reported, the third grant was in the amount of $1,000 to Larry King on behalf of the Central Oregon Conservation Task Force to support professional studies and recommendations regarding the preservation of prehistoric rock art in Hidden Forest Cave, a lava tube and paleohistoric site in Oregon which has been much damaged by rock climbers. With the assistance of this NSS Conservation Grant and contributions of time and effort by Dean & Associates Conservation Services, the Central Oregon Conservation Task Force will be able to engage a professional study of the condition of the art and sound recommendations for its restoration, preservation and conservation. The resulting published report is expected to provide information and recommendations which should prove useful in other, comparable cave restoration and preservation projects.
As a consequence of the timing of awards and amounts requested, $250 of allocated grant funds remained at year-end with no complete grant applications then pending. As of May 1, $3,000 is available for FY 2000-2001 and one grant application is on hand, awaiting some final input regarding costs of project. To allow time for other applicants to submit (and to strive to make best use of limited funds over the course of the year) applications for the first quarter of the fiscal year will be evaluated as a group in late July and initial award(s) for the FY will be announced on or about 30 July 2000.
Updated material relating to the NSS Conservation Grants Program was prepared and submitted to Maureen Handler for inclusion in the forthcoming NSS Members Manual.
Problems: None.
Jo Schaper (Chairman)
46 Cedar Dr
Pacific MO 63069
(314) 271 8380
JoSchaper@aol.com
Progress: Since my last report, Joel Buckner has come on board as the contact person for the reactivated Cumberland Karst Conservation Task Force. The purpose of this reactivation is to deal with the Spencer Sewage Treatment Plant, planned for Spencer's Mountain, Tenn, a highly karst and cave riddled area, including the drainage for Fall Creek Falls State Park. NSS members in the area are concerned that the sewage treatment plant be properly sited, so that the surrounding karst is unaffected during both normal operation and possible storm events. I was able to get this info to the Member's Manual in time, and the CKCTF should be listed.
Barry Chute of Germany Valley CTF sent a delayed annual report and called, proving that GVCTF is still alive and well. Though Robert Armstrong of Lost River Conservation Assn. has not contacted me directly, he did send Dave Jagnow an itinerary of events for the LRCA for 2000, providing some evidence that it is still functional.
At the request of the Kentucky Dept. of Transportation, I provided my comments to them on their proposed I-66 development, which were generally of a negative nature. I-66 will be passing through Southern Missouri eventually, if not stopped now, so I am taking a special interest in this.
Ric Elhard of Hawaii contacted me on behalf of himself and another Hawaiian caver, Chuck Thorne, in regards to forming a CTF for Hawaii, directly as a result of my CTF article in the News. After consulting with Doug Medville, I referred him to both Dr. Fred Stone of Hawaii Caves CTF and Dr. Bill Halliday as a caver very interested in Hawaiian cave conservation, to see if their issues might be resolved working through already existing conservation bureaucracy and local expertise. I have not heard back from either Ric or Chuck, so presumably they got some advice locally.
Abel Vale, a Puerto Rican NSS member and member of Ciudadanos Del Karso (CDK), e-mailed a number of people on the Conservation Committee in regards to NSS support for a Congressional bill to protect Puerto Rican karst. After an e-mail exchange with some suggestions on how his issue needed to be presented, I asked whom in Congress the NSS should be directing any letters to—he never got back to me with that information, so no action was taken on my part.
Finally, as if the whole lead mining thing isn't enough, Missouri cavers became aware of MoDept of Transportation plans to replace a series of bridges along Missouri State Highway 19, at Round Spring in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, with possible impacts due to construction on both Round Spring and Round Spring Caverns. I have written a letter to be put on the list for the EIS whenever it is made available to the public, and brought up the possibility that perhaps the NSS in Missouri needs a formal CTF to deal with ongoing karst issues connected to the Riverways--couching this as an opportunity for someone to run with--with assistance from myself. Deafening silence, as usual-- this activity will therefore be monitored by the informal few for the time being.
Problems: No new problems. Just the same old ones of how to motivate folks, and not "let Mikey always do it." The article on CTFs did bring some activity as noted above.
Plans: None at the current time, just keep watching for and putting out fires, and trying to keep CTFs in the minds of NSS members as a possible organizational structure for dealing with cave and karst conservation problems.
Val Hildreth-Werker & Jim Werker , Co-Chairmen
PO Box 1018
Tijeras NM 87059
(505) 286-0148
werks@worldnet.att.net
Plans: We have coordinated the Restoration Workshop & Conservation/Management Session, scheduled for Monday during the 2000 NSS Convention in Elkins, West Virginia. We will start at 9:00 am with a lively panel of cave microbiologists who will answer questions from the audience. From prevention of cave damage and repair of formations to preservation of microbial communities, workshop presenters will encourage participation and discourse. New research on low-impact strategies in restoration, algae control, and speleothem repair will be presented. The Traveling Trainers Team from Leave No Trace, Inc. will conduct a one-hour workshop. Session presentations will include discussions of modifying education/publicity campaigns to reduce unintended consequences to cave resources, bat and cave protective legislation, formation of new Surveys to facilitate cave protection, and information on public action to route Interstate corridors and powerlines away from karst areas. For several years, we have successfully combined Workshop presentations with the Conservation & Management Session papers-a collaboration that draws large audiences and yields productive interaction. (Note: The Conservation Management Section Meeting/Luncheon this year is scheduled for Thursday noon instead of Monday noon.)
Progress:
Book: Editing is progressing for the NSS publication, "On Cave Conservation and Restoration". All manuscript drafts have been submitted-though some authors continue to work on revisions. Selection of illustrations is in process. Publication is planned for the year 2000 and we are working with Ray Keeler on the details. A promotional poster has been developed; it was displayed at the Chattanooga Cave and Karst Management Symposium, the NPS Cave Managers Symposium at Mammoth Cave, the Washington DC Agency Seminar, and various regional events. The advertising piece is scheduled for display at several upcoming events as well as the NSS Convention.
Leave No Trace: The Leave No Trace Traveling Trainers Team will be attending the Elkins Convention. Stephen and Susann Paige will set up a display area and run periodic demos. They will also conduct a one-hour LNT workshop during the Monday Conservation Workshops & Session. The new LNT Caving booklet on minimum impact skills and ethics is available for distribution by contacting LNT at 800-332-4100 or at <www.LNT.org> Many NSS cavers provided ideas and edits for this publication. For the second printing, the booklet will be updated and LNT welcomes caver input. LNT Caving booklets will be available at the Convention.
Agency Seminars: We attended the National Cave and Karst Management Symposium in Chattanooga, TN (where we made several presentations ranging from restoration topics and repair techniques to infrared photomonitoring of bat populations in addition to the Tuesday/Wednesday Agency Seminar). We conducted the first joint NSS/Agency Cave Conservation Workshop for federal managers and field officers. Coordinating with Jim Miller of the US Forest Service Washington office, we scheduled presentations on management concepts by Jim Goodbar and Ronal Kerbo. We covered cave conservation/restoration/repair techniques and updates on cave microbial studies. To focus NSS emphasis on the many ways cavers can contribute expertise to cave management programs, we coordinated presentations by other NSS cavers who attended the NKCM Symposium: Carol Zokaites presented the karst model and Project Underground information; George Veni on karst hydrology; Bill Elliot on cave & karst biota; Jim Kennedy on bats and cave habitats, and Rick Toomey on paleontological resources. The next Seminar for Agency Personnel, conducted in Washington, D.C., on April 27, 2000, was presented as a preliminary program for promoting attendance at the Agency Cave Conservation Workshop scheduled for the 2000 NSS Convention in Elkins, WV. The managers in Washington can encourage field officers as well as Washington personnel to participate in June. During our cooperative presentations on cave and karst conservation, we introduced a variety of cave science and conservation topics ranging from karst hydrology, geology, mineralogy, biology, bats, and microbiology to paleontology, archeology, and significance of historic artifacts. Conservation/education efforts were covered including restoration, formation repair, Leave No Trace, Project Underground, and Volunteer Value. Throughout the presentation, we emphasized how the NSS and the caving community can contribute to cave management programs. Also, we introduced two new caves on Forest Service lands that have been established as underground scientific laboratories through USFS/NSS/NASA collaboration. Jim Miller praised the NSS for contributing more volunteer value to public lands than any other outdoor recreation group and stated that the NSS membership displays extremely high levels of education and expertise when compared to other user groups. We were well received and agency personnel stated they appreciated becoming more informed about the abundance of significant resources found in caves and the dynamic ways the caving community is contributing to protection and management. We thank Jim Miller, Jerry Trout, and Sandy Trout for facilitating and participating in this joint seminar. We also thank Cheryl Jones for attending and helping field questions after the seminar. Our Washington trip reinforced successful developments in cooperation between the Agencies and the NSS.
We are coordinating the next Agency Workshop to be held during the Elkins Convention. Personnel from federal and state agencies will be contacted and encouraged to attend.
Display: The educational museum exhibit featuring caves of the Guadalupe Mountains in Southeastern New Mexico will be on display at the NSS Convention 2000. In the collaborative project, funded by both the USDA Forest Service and by an NSS Conservation Grant, we produced conservation add-on pieces for the existing Guadalupe exhibit. Visitor impacts and restoration efforts in undeveloped caves are illustrated. Emphasizing the ethics of cave softly ... and leave no trace, the caption on each conservation board describes an aspect of destruction along with the restoration efforts required to repair or remediate the damage. Display content provides educational material on conservation, ethics, and cave resource protection and targets general audiences. The exhibit was designed and produced by Ransom Turner, Jim Werker and Val Hildreth-Werker.
Volunteer Value: During our seminars and meetings in Washington, D.C., two of the people responsible for developing the Fee Demo Program praised the NSS for coming up with an alternative to cave fees. They are familiar with the Volunteer Value Program and stated, "We appreciate your volunteer alternative—it is something good that has come out of Fee Demo." Three simple forms have been designed for recording Volunteer Value (VV). 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 event). The value that NSS members contribute to cave protection, conservation, and management is immeasurable but monetary values can be assigned to help document volunteer efforts. VV can be calculated for any cave project (survey, conservation, science, etc.) and the information can serve in proposals for grants, matching funds, agency/owner reports, NSS Annual Reports, etc. A national website and database is under construction and we appreciate David Anderson's work and patience on this project while we confirm procedures. Cavers are also welcome to distribute the VV forms through their own websites. For forms and information contact Val Hildreth-Werker or Jim Werker at <werks@worldnet.att.net>.
Workshops and Projects: We are scheduled to present a restoration workshop at Jewel Cave National Park this summer. Wepresented cave conservation slide shows to the public and park personnel during National Parks Week at Carlsbad Caverns. Several other presentations were conducted including a Restoration/Repair workshop in Texas at Cave Without a Name. Details and photos are printed in the Texas Caver. Attended the Arizona Regional Association Technical and presented Formation Repair Techniques and information on Volunteer Value. Met with Al Collier from Colorado to discuss formation repair techniques. He is coordinating repair and restoration activities in his state. We also sent Epon epoxy kits with speleothem repair information sheets out to five additional requests from across the country. Conducted six Boy Scout and Venture Crew Cave Conservation workshops since February. Digital video projects are on hold until the cave restoration book is completed.
Repair, restoration, and research projects continue. Investigations have been launched on new epoxies, potential formation repair products, rope strength degradation due to fungal growth, ongoing water quality analysis, and urine mitigation systems. Much of this work focuses on developing techniques that will minimize disturbance to biota, cave atmospheres, and virgin surfaces. Educational materials on Formation Repair, Cave Restoration, and Leave-No-Trace Caving Ethics are being refined as we address various workshops. Slide sets, power point productions and videos are being developed.
After the Washington Agency Seminar, several attendees stayed to discuss the Guads Monument Proposal (National Parks Conservation Association Proposal for Capitan Reef National Monument). Forest Service personnel are opposed to this proposal, stating that Monument status will not inherently protect the Guadalupe Mountain Region, nor the Guad Caves, any better than the Mineral Withdrawals and the management status now in place. Monument status does not guarantee additional funding, but does characteristically draw new populations and increased visitation. 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. Please send copies of your letters and inquiries for archiving to: PO Box 1018, Tijeras, NM 87059 or to <werks@worldnet.att.net>.
Problems: None.
Norm Rogers (Co-Chairman)
3122 N. Isabell
Peoria, IL 61604
(309) 682-1570
nrogers1@juno.com
Karen Dennis (Co-Chairman)
PO Box 340547
Beavercreek, OH 45434-0547
(937) 237-0647
kdennis@aol.com
Progress: Work at the Mammoth Cave field camps is progressing more rapidly this year, in part due to the post-removing devices designed by one of the field camp participants, John Vargo. Things are also going faster since nearly all the material from the Elevator side has been removed from the river site and moved part way out of the cave. Twenty-five people attended the April 2000 Restoration Camp at Mammoth Cave. In spite of an accident in which Pam Saberton broke her leg, quite a bit got done. I (Norm) talked to Pam, she sounded great, and reported she would be ready for the August Camp. She just made a misstep on the El Ghore tourist trail, just beyond the Snowball Dining Room. She underwent surgery on Sunday to put a plate in her ankle. Cascade Hall is finished, however we may send a group there during the summer camp to see if flooding uncovered anything. Now that the long distances are not a factor, the work should move along quite rapidly, even with small groups in camp. We cleared Valley Way-side cut and moved everything up to Ole’ Bull’s Concert Hall. The saws held much better this time as we got everything cut at Valley with some juice left in one of the six batteries. Clean boards (at least the cutting surface) and sharp blades seemed to help quite a bit. We worked the two saws pretty hard for about an hour and went through a lot of lumber, but they probably won’t get us through an entire day of work.
Where things are:
OLE BULL’S CONCERT HALL (about 1 mile in from elevator): ‘Large’ number of loaded bags and ‘moderate’ pile of coiled wire to be hauled out. 2 sections of pipe, an old boat cart, and 35 pieces of assorted uncut lumber to be cut and bagged. We need grass sacks and liner bags for uncut lumber.
PAM’S PARADISE: 4 haul carts and 30 well-loaded (over-weight) bags to be hauled out.
VANDERBILT HALL (about ¾ mile in from Historic Entrance) 20 loaded bags and a large number of cut PVC pipe to be hauled out. Lots of uncut lumber, plus few pieces of jagged sheet metal to be cut and hauled. We need grass sacks and liners and a circular saw, extension cords and access to outlet.
Financially, the camps are still running ahead of budget, but well ahead of the scheduled number of work hours (the NSS ‘matching funds’). In two full years of camps, we have spent 54% of the money (which was expected to last five years), but we have delivered 60% of the promised volunteer hours. The April camp was actually under budget, but still delivered the full workload, in spite of being only one day long because it was Easter weekend.
We have received a total of $80,000 from the National Park Service – all of the expected grant money, and have distributed a total of $43,056.36. At the end of the NSS fiscal year, we wrote off $376.50 in uncashed (stale) checks that were at least a year old. The bank balance as of 1 May 2000, was $40,844.51 (None of April’s checks had been cashed yet). The accumulated budgeted versus actual dollar spending and work hours are in the following table.
$ |
$ |
$ |
Hours |
Hours |
Hours |
||||
Budgeted |
Actual |
over budget |
% of budget |
Budgeted |
Actual |
over budget |
% of budget |
||
Aug-98 |
4,902.00 |
6,195.84 |
1,293.84 |
126% |
720 |
1024 |
304 |
142% |
|
Oct-98 |
3,844.00 |
3,157.06 |
-686.94 |
82% |
216 |
216 |
0 |
100% |
|
Jan-99 |
3,844.00 |
6,585.36 |
2,741.36 |
171% |
216 |
464 |
248 |
215% |
|
Apr-99 |
3,844.00 |
4,552.16 |
708.16 |
118% |
216 |
296 |
80 |
137% |
|
Aug-99 |
4,362.00 |
7,938.50 |
3,576.50 |
182% |
720 |
1168 |
448 |
162% |
|
Oct-99 |
3,844.00 |
6,851.06 |
3,007.06 |
178% |
216 |
444 |
228 |
206% |
|
Jan-00 |
3,844.00 |
4,449.46 |
605.46 |
116% |
216 |
288 |
72 |
133% |
|
Apr-00 |
3,844.00 |
3,326.92 |
-517.08 |
87% |
216 |
216 |
0 |
100% |
|
Aug-00 |
|||||||||
Oct-00 |
|||||||||
| CUM total | 32,328.00 |
43,056.36 |
10,728.36 |
133% |
2736 |
4116 |
1380 |
150% |
Income and Outgo, by Quarter
| Quarter | Grant | Interest | Total Income | Field Camps | Bank fees | Total Outgo |
| Jul-Sep 1998 | 12,500.00 | 12,500.00 | 6,195.84 | 6,195.84 | ||
| Oct-Dec 1998 | 12,500.00 | 14.23 | 12,514.23 | 3,157.06 | 3,157.06 | |
| Jan-Mar 1999 | 12,500.00 | 68.49 | 12,568.49 | 6,585.36 | 59.52 | 6,644.88 |
| Apr-Jun 1999 | 20,000.00 | 100.42 | 20,100.42 | 4,552.16 | 48.36 | 4,600.52 |
| Jul-Sep 1999 | 7,500.00 | 126.88 | 7,626.88 | 7,938.50 | 39.00 | 7,977.50 |
| Oct-Dec 1999 | 7,500.00 | 113.28 | 7,613.28 | 6,851.06 | 47.70 | 6,898.76 |
| Jan-Mar 2000 | 7,500.00 | 118.64 | 7,618.64 | 4,449.46 | 45.90 | 4,495.36 |
| Apr-Jun 2000** | 3,326.92 | 36.50 | 3,363.42 | |||
| Total | 80,000.00 | 541.94 | 80,541.94 | 43,056.36 | 264.38 | 43,320.74 |
**Apr-Jun 2000 figures are preliminary, and are not included in fiscal year 1999-2000.
Plans: The majority of our grass sack supply is now tied up on the Cascade Hall-Elevator side. We can either get more sacks or recover them by getting Cascade Hall done first thing this summer. Personally, I say we get more sacks and focus as much of our efforts as possible (if not all) on the River Hall side. The El Ghour to Elevator shuttle is a good weekend project. The Park Service should be able to get us more grass sacks.
Problems: Pams Paradise is where Pam Saberton took her spill and it also happens to be an open area of the passage convenient for staging materials. It is about halfway between Ole Bull and the steps of Mary’s Vineyard (at the intersection of El Ghour / Cleveland / Snowball). Apparently someone was not paying attention during the instructional video and severely overloaded the bags coming out of Valley Wayside. These bags, probably twice the weight of the accepted load, at located both at Ole’ Bull and Pams Paradise. While they are not a problem while moving things by cart, they may become a problem when we have to shuttle them up the steps at Mary’s Vineyard. This problem can be solved by re-bagging most of the material, if we can get enough grass sacks and liners. We also need to make a special effort to educate baggers as to the acceptable weight of bags.
Jay Jorden, Chairman
jjorden@texoma.net
Members: Gale Beach raybeach@earthlink.net
George Huppert huppert@mail.uwlax.edu
Thomas Rea tomrea@caves.org
John Wilson wilsonjmll@earthlink.net
Hazel E. Medville (Chief)
11762 Indian Ridge Rd
Reston VA 20191
(703) 860-0134
medville@patriot.net
Barbara L. Moss (Chairman)
7713 Shreve Rd
Falls Church VA 22043-3315
(703) 573-1068
ke4bvq@amsat.org
Plans: The IMAX film: "Amazing Caves" is nearing completion. A Discussion Forum will be held at the NSS Convention, with IMAX people and Board of Governors talent in attendance. Web page will have a dry run at the Convention but I still need to work with the NSS Webmaster to give us the information for uploading files.
Progress: I'm still working on gathering the information to prepare promotional materials to aid in fundraising. The Project Underground Activity Book is almost ready for printing. Ideas for educational materials are coming in. For example, should we get requests as a result of the IMAX movie and share these with the TV/Video Production Committee? A Mammoth Cave Education Initiative project is still a 'work in progress.' Names of volunteer speakers are being collected for use with the Mammoth Cave Initiative, the IMAX film, and Virginia Cave Week activities.
Problems: None.
John Punches, National Coordinator
633 West Hazel St
Roseburg OR 97470
Home: (541) 957-5461
Work: (541) 672-4461
e-mail: john.punches@orst.edu
Board Of Regional Coordinators (BORC)
John Appleby (Eastern Region Coordinator)
David Ashburn (Training Coordinator)
Mark Bowers (Western Region Coordinator)
Harry Burgess (Southwestern Region Coordinator)
Sam Chewning, MD (Medical Coordinator)
John Evans (Northeast Region Coordinator)
John Gookin (Rocky Mountain Region Coordinator – Interim)
John Green (South Central Region Coordinator)
Anmar Mirza (Central Region Coordinator)
Henry Nicholson (Diving Coordinator)
Mimi Ortiz (Caribbean Region Coordinator)
Jeff Parnell (Southeastern Region Coordinator)
John Punches (Pacific Northwest Region Coordinator)
Officers and Staff
Harold Chrimes (NCRC Equipment Manager)
James Davis (Education Board Member)
Andy Franklin (NCRC Discussion and Administrative List Manager)
James Hall (NCRC Inventory Officer)
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/NCRC Financial Officer)
Tricia Daugherty (NCRC Database Manager)
Progress: The NCRC Board meets twice per year, and no meeting occurred during this last reporting period. Work continues, under the direction of Jeff Parnell, Southeastern Region Coordinator, on a replacement of the NCRC's "Manual of U.S. Cave Rescue Techniques." Several training activities, outlined in the previous report, were completed.
Plans: The next Board of Regional Coordinators meeting will occur on June 27, 2000, during the NSS Convention. The NCRC will offer an Introduction to Cave Rescue session, limited to approximately 30 persons, to year 2000 NSS Convention attendees.
The NCRC National Seminar will be held July 15-22 at Camp Pioneer near Beverly West Virginia and numerous regional training activities are being planned for the spring, summer, and fallof 2000.
The NCRC will co-sponsor the 2000 International Technical Rescue Symposium.
NCRC policies and procedures will be compiled, clarified, and listed on our Web site over the next year, with the intent of making this information more readily available to regional coordinators and other interested persons. Several policy questions discussed at the last BORC meeting may require BOG input.
Problems: We are having some difficulties with the current financial system. Paul Stevens has suggested revisions to our Chart of Accounts and other modifications to the financial system, and it is likely the problems will be resolved by the time this report goes to print.
Note: I will be unavailable May 23 through June 20, 2000, while climbing in Alaska. Anticipated NCRC responsibilities have been covered. Inquiries during my absence should be directed to David Ashburn or the appropriate Regional Coordinator.
William Cuddington (Chairman)
3412 Hutchens Ave SE
Huntsville AL 35801
(205) 536-2177
miriambl@aol.com
Progress: Safety and Techniques articles are being published in the NSS News. There are yet two more that are ready to be published. Dave has these. We are trying to stay ahead. More articles from other S.T.C. members and from some very experienced cavers will be forthcoming. This is great.
Plans: As mentioned above, more articles will be published. The S.T.C. will have its annual meeting at the convention on Friday evening. Also, S.T.C. members will help with the contest and workshop.
Problems: None.
John P. Scheltens (Chairman)
303 N River St
Hot Springs SD 57747-1626
(605) 745-4366
Progress: The IMAX film "Dolphins" was released by MacGillivrey-Freeman in March. All concentration is now focused on completing "Amazing Caves." The producer is very satisfied with the film footage they have completed to date. In my last report I said that M-F will shoot their final sequence in TAG. Well, that has changed. After reviewing the footage they have (Greenland ice caves, Yucatan caves, and test footage shot in Blanchard Springs Cave a couple of years ago), M-F believes they have enough raw material to work with. The only additional footage they want now is a grand opening shot of a caver rappelling down a huge cliff face to a cave entrance in an area with spectacular scenery.
A few weeks ago, their preferred area was the cliff caves in the Grand Canyon but permission to film there was denied. They asked me for alternate suggestions in either the U.S. or northern Mexico. After consulting a number of cavers, we recommended a couple of alternatives. However, in the meantime, M-F gained permission from the Navajo Indians to film in the canyon areas just north of the Grand Canyon. Filming is now scheduled to be done there the last week of May.
Plans: M-F is planning on having a rough edit of the film by the end of June. I have asked that the NSS have the opportunity to review the film at that time so as to provide comment on conservation, proper caving techniques, safety and accuracy of depiction.
M-F has graciously agreed and will be providing us with a cassette tape version for official comment.
The science advisory committee for the film, which includes cavers like Art Palmer, will also be reviewing the rough edit for scientific accuracy.
Representatives from M-F, to include Director Steve Judson, will be attending the NSS Convention. They will be making a presentation now scheduled for Tuesday afternoon. M-F has been alerted to the fact that not all cavers support the IMAX film concept. They said they are looking forward to being at convention, answering questions, and hopefully building support for the film.
Barbara Moss and Carol Zokaites of this committee are working with the educational representative of M-F for the development of a teacher's guide and educational package to accompany the film. The NSS is being asked to submit a proposal to M-F for the development of this material. Barbara is also working on preparing a resource list of people within the NSS who would be willing to give educational lectures at theaters were the film is being shown. This resource list would accompany the film materials to each location. Individual theaters (museums, etc.) would have a list of people they could contact to see if they would be interested. Whether the speakers volunteer or are paid an
honorarium is strictly between each theater and the individual. The NSS is simply providing a resource list of potential speakers.
Problems: There are no immediate problems, however the IMAX Film is now on fast-track to be premiered March, 2001. Things will move very fast now to bring all the components together. During the next several months, the NSS may need to make a number of decisions, which will need to be done in a timely, business-like manner. An example would be to submit a proposal to develop the teacher's guide. The film will soon
become a reality and our timely participation can help guide M-F towards a positive, educational message about caves.
Carol Tiderman (Chief)
7600 Pindell School Rd
Fulton MD 20759-9725
(410) 792-0742
ctider@us.ibm.com
Carol Tiderman (Chairman)
Subject: Report
Date: Mon, May 1, 2000, 13:48:41 -0400
From: ctider@us.ibm.com
Progress: I have been attending the 2000 Convention Planning meetings and providing assistance wherever possible. I’m also communicating with the 2001 and 2002 groups, checking on their progress, and passing along new information and answering any questions. I’ve obtained the current guidelines for 15 passenger vans (they are being rewritten by the Federal Highways Department) and communicated this information to the acting JSS Coordinator and the confirmed convention groups. Also, the Convention Manual was updated to reflect the current regulations. I’ve submitted an article for the NSS News calling for bids for 2004 and beyond. The focus was on places that we have yet to be invited to go. I requested that the article be published prior to Convention (submitted 100 days in advance.)
Plans: Host the Convention Planning and Development Meetings in Elkins. Attend convention committee planning meetings (any year's) whenever possible, continue working with confirmed groups, and continue to solicit new host groups.
Problems: Per a conversation with Bruce Bannerman on April 29, the Photo Salon Committee has still not made a decision regarding the high powered bulbs that will be needed for the Photo Salon in Elkins WV and Mt. Vernon KY. To date, I have heard nothing regarding the source of funding for these bulbs.
AVP note: I’ve approved the purchase of three high intensity bulbs for the Photo Salon.
The cost will be $500 and will come from an increase in the Convention budget for salons.
Kelley Deem (Chairman)
167 Blue Ridge Acres
Harpers Ferry WV 25425-9309
(304) 725-9812
deem@mammoth-geo.com
Bill Carr (Chairman)
212 Lyness Ave
Harrison OH 45030-1586
(513) 367-5092
bcaver1@email.msn.com
Progress: Everything is on track for convention in Kentucky in 2001. All contracts have been signed and facilities have been locked in. JSS has now become a part of our convention and is in the budget. Campground is expanding in size every week to accommodate everyone as well as a few new motels and attractions have been built here in Mount Vernon, Kentucky. Video is being edited as of the writing of this report. The Convention logo has been selected. Registration Forms are finished and being printed as well. Our Online registration is just about complete on our web site and will be ready to go by the 2000 Convention. We have filled most of the remaining jobs for our convention with a few exceptions. I will have a new and complete budget available at the BOG meeting to hand out. So as you can see we are moving right along.
Problems: We have yet to secure anyone willing to want to be sessions chairman. We had many people in mind for this but none where able to tackle the job. We are hoping for someone to take on this task before convention 2000. We will keep pounding the cavers for this.
Peter Jones (Co-Chairman)
RR1 Box 4011C
Camden ME 04843-9701
(207) 236-6112
pjcaver@mint.net
Kevin Harris (Co-Chairman)
15 Chaucer Rd
Nashua NH 03062-2424
(603) 888-6946
harris@cairn.zko.dec.com
Progress: Several major issues have been resolved since the last report.
A) The high school construction is nearly complete. It is due to be used for the first time for the 2000-2001 school year. The rooms exceed expectations for completeness of facilities.
B) We've received our first official pricing proposal for the use of the school. While somewhat higher than we expected, it appears to be within our budgetary constraints and contains some room for negotiation on the most important items.
C) We've opened a convention bank account but have not yet been required to actually distribute any funds. Deposits to hold the use of several venues are anticipated starting this summer.
D) We've reached tentative agreement with the managers of the Union County Fairgrounds (campground) for installation of permanent shower and toilet facilities on the grounds. Our backup plan of building temporary showers is still in place pending final planning and construction of the permanent facilities.
E) We're in negotiations with the food service providers at the new high school for a "standard" 13 meal plan. This looks like it will be a very good deal, and there is a possibility that we may be able to save money by including them in the Banquet catering arrangements.
Plans: Our next planning meeting is Saturday, 3-Jun, in Camden. We're scheduled to tour the new school facility, the fairgrounds, and the Schooner. We'll also work on a revised budget, taking all the new information into account.
Rick and Faye Bowersox (Co-Chairmen)
321 Pinecliff Dr
Las Vegas NV 89128-5259
(702) 242-6995
lavabeds@aol.com
Progress: We have finished our pre-convention trip to the Daily, West Virginia, area. We met with the Convention coordinator and worked on schedule and operational details. We have toured all surface sites we plan to use for the convention and looked over the TRA site and the High School being used for the convention. Sense convention staff will provide JSS with a large tent pavilion on site, a space at the high school will not be needed. We have found a good swimming pool at the YMCA for the kid’s use. We have located a TV and VCR for the dead time when the kid’s just want to "chill out" and this year we will have three to four new computers for JSS use.
The schedule is completed and will be sent in for publication in the convention program this week.
New forms (we feel much better) for release of liability, medical consent to treat…etc. have been made and are ready to use.
Awards for the JSS activity (a new item this year) are being made in Las Vegas and will be ready by convention.
Because water is present at so many of the locations used by the JSS Faye and I have been certified for "professional water rescue." Training we hope that is never needed.
Plans: I have been in contact with representatives from the 2001, 2002, and 2003 conventions. We have started work at each location to collect ideas for a schedule of actives for these conventions and to produce preliminary budgets. The convention coordinators for the 2001 convention have informed me that they will be on hand for on the job training this year.
Problems: Some last minute cancellations of core volunteers may provide a staffing shortage. This problem is being worked on at this time and should be resolved by convention.
Paul Stevens (Chairman)
5964 Seabright Rd
Springfield VA 22152-1738
(703) 451-7663
plstevens@aol.com
Plans: Run the Salons.
Progress: At this point I see no problems with any of the individual salons, the Thursday evening Salon Program or the Cartography, Print, and Slide workshops on Friday. This will be the first year Speleo Art will be conducted as a NSS salon and everything is going smoothly. We have received many high-quality entries for the salons (Slide, Graphic Arts, Cave Ballad) with entry deadlines before convention. It looks like it will be a very good year.
Problems: Too many good entries.