Report to the Board of Governors
National Speleological Society

Department of the Administrative Vice President

23 June 1997 Attachment C

Administrative Vice President :

See the table of contents at the end of this document..

Cave and Karst Management

See attachment C-1 for the proposed Guidelines for the Acquisition of Cave Properties by the NSS"

Conservation

I have determined that the NSS Board Governors has not prohibited the funding of cave gates through the conservation grants program.

Education

BSA Jamboree Cave. Distributed information about the need for a mobile cave. For the National Park Service at the Boys Scouts National Jamboree.

NSS Conventions

1998 Convention has assumed responsibility for the convention flat-bed trailer.

The NSS flatbed convention trailer was purchased by the 1996 convention to move showers and other items to future conventions. This trailer is now in Missouri.

Last fall, after thorough analysis of all factors involved, I determined it is

generally not cost effective for the NSS to own this type of trailer and that it is usually more cost effective to rent or pay shipping charges. I also concluded that once one owns a trailer and if that trailer is not going to be used for 2 years, it would be clearly cost effective to sell the trailer. This is true even if circumstances changed three years later, to the extent that would justify buying a trailer. The NSS would come out ahead by not owing a trailer for three year, as opposed to owing one and not using it during that time.

In January, both of the 1998 and 1999 convention chairmen stated that they did not need the trailer or its contents. I therefore authorized the selling of the trailer. Since then, the 1998 convention committee has changed its mind and wants to use this trailer. I have agreed that the NSS will not sell it this year, and the 1998 convention may use it provided that they take full responsibility for getting it properly licenced, and do all other things needed to get it from its present location in Missouri to the 1998 convention. If the 1998 convention does not assume this responsibility the trailer will be sold at auction.

Unless other factors occur the NSS should sell this trailer in 1998.

Trailer ownership should be a cost benefit analysis decision considering all the benefits and liabilities of owning or not owning. There are some people who are in love with trailer ownership. The next AVP should be aware that trailer decisions may not be made in a completely rational environment.

Cave and Karst Management Division

Division Chief’s Report Cave and Karst Management Division

Division Chief’s Comments:

Progress: During this period, Ronnie Burns, Chair of the Contemporary Cave Use

Study Committee (CCUS) resigned. In response to an ad placed in the January NSS News, Garrett Czmor, NSS 22709, offered to serve and was confirmed by the BOG at its March 1997 meeting. Garrett is off to a strong start and I want to thank Ronnie for his good service as Chairman of this Committee.

A new Cave Conservancies Committee in this Division was created by the BOG at its November 1996 meeting. An ad seeking a Chair for this Committee was placed in the February NSS News by the AVP and a second ad, placed by myself, will appear in the May NSS News. With at least ten Cave Conservancies in existence, some of which are not affiliated with the NSS, a Chair for this Committee is needed to provide a liaison between individual conservancy activities and the NSS, especially where activities overlap; e.g. in acquiring and managing caves. Plans: Continue to work with Committee Chairs in this Division and seek a Chair for the Conservancies Committee.

Problems: None at present.

Caves and Karst Acquisition Committee Cave and Karst Management Division

Chairman’s Comments:

Progress:

At the NSS BOG meeting on March 22, 1997, a presentation was made by the proponents for the Tytoona Cave (Pennsylvania) property acquisition. As Committee Chair, I described the status of the acquisition activity, pointing out the opportunities and potential risks associated with buying Tytoona. Garrett Czmor, head of the management Committee for this cave and Janet Thorne, also a member of the Acquisition Committee, also gave presentations and answered questions. Following these, non-binding straw votes were taken with a majority of the BOG indicating an interest in the NSS acquiring the property and a larger majority expressing an interest in an NSS acquisition followed by a transfer of the property to the local management group. Following the BOG meeting, on March 27, a meeting was held with representatives of the property's owner, the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. At this meeting (attended by Medville and Thorne for the NSS), mutually acceptable revisions were made to a Conservation Easement that would be granted by the NSS to WPC. A copy of the CE reflecting these revisions was subsequently provided to us and, as of this writing (early May), the CE was to go to a Pennsylvania attorney for a legal review. Upon completion of this review and assuming no further changes, the final CE will be

sent to the AVP for distribution to the BOG. I hope that this can be done prior to the June BOG meeting in Missouri. At the March BOG meeting, a document prepared by this Committee: "Acquisition Criteria for NSS Cave Ownership", was adopted by the BOG. In response to a request by a Director, this document will be combined with the existing Appendix L: "Guidelines for the Acquisition of Cave Properties by the NSS". (the new acquisition criteria document provides policy guidelines for cave acquisition; Appendix L describes procedures used in preparing proposals and requesting EC and BOG action on a proposed acquisition). I expect to have a combined document completed prior to the June BOG meeting and will forward this to the AVP for distribution. Plans: Have a final Tytoona Conservation Easement available for BOG review and vote for the June BOG meeting. If the BOG does vote to purchase the Tytoona property, complete other activities associated with this purchase: a title search, survey (if needed), and possibly a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (this is a determination of whether there are any environmental problems with the property). Identify other potential cave properties suitable for NSS acquisition. Problems: None at present.

NSS Cave Preserves Committee Cave and Karst Management Division

Chair’s Comments:

General: No significant events have occurred with the COMC since the last

report in February.

Plans: I've polled the Preserve Managers about the possibility of a Manager's

Meeting at Convention this summer. If agreeable to enough attending Managers, I plan to schedule it.

Progress: All Preserves seem to be in good order at this time. I'm still working on obtaining copies of documents from the NSS Office, but it's not a high priority.

Problems: a As with the February Report, I'm still awaiting the Board's response on how to handle waivers at the John Guilday Preserve. If the Board of Governors require an update on all the facts, I'll be glad to provide a complete summary at the meeting this summer.

(b) As noted in Emily's report attached below, Mr. Neil Baumann (the adjoining property owner to the Barton Hill Karst Preserve) has not pursued his suit against the NSS, after losing the last round in court. Further action is up to Mr. Baumann.

II. PROPERTY STATUS: ( more details are available upon request)

* McFails Cave (NY): Only surface trips have occurred on the property, since February. The Hall's Hole entrance gate was found pulled loose. A new gate is scheduled to be installed.

* Shelta Cave (AL): (No Report)

* John Guilday Cave Preserve (WV): Temperature studies of the caves are planned, using dataloggers obtained with a grant from the Robertson Association. Bob Hoke requested and received the grant.

* Kingston Saltpeter Cave Preserve (GA): All's well with the property. A bio survey of the cave was conducted in April. KSCP was one of several caves surveyed at the request of the Georgia DNR.

* Barton Hill Karst Preserve (NY): There've been 8 trips (with 49 visitors) into the cave this winter. A bat fat study is underway, but results won't be available until Convention, or later.

* Warrens Cave (FL): Normal cave visitation continues. All's well.

* Donald R. Russell Cave Preserve (OK): Lands and cave are in good condition.

* Schoharie Caverns (NY): Visitation into the cave continued through the Winter. A list of potential projects for the Preserve is provided by Bob Addis.

* Alachua Sinks (FL): Surveys of the cave continue, but are currently slowed due to low visibility. A list of qualified guides into the Sink is provided by Jim Taylor.

Cave Conservancies Committee Cave and Karst Management Division

Chair’s Comments: \

Great Saltpetre Cave Preserve conducted its annual 'Open House' for the local residents on Mothers Day. The cave has a long history of local support and activities. Greater Cincinnati and Bluegrass Grottos want to continue maintaining close ties with the citizenry.

Contemporary Cave Use Study Committee Cave and Karst Management Division

Chair’s Comments:

PLANS: Since taking over the CCUS in March (1997), I've discovered some neglect

in the CCUS project along with associated problems. It has been difficult to access what has happened and perhaps why! At any rate, I have prepared a list of items in the plan that will build a better structure for a quick re-energize of this project. Hopefully, this will

also prevent future problems.

1) Announcement to be published in the NSS News, telling members who is and how to contact the CCUS.

2) Mass mail out of literature to all grottos and regions regarding present CCUS participants and those wishing to be.

3) Revision of CCUS software manual.

4) Revision of CCUS order from.

5) CCUS Project Attendant Manual.

6) Index of all cave register ID codes and register attendants.

7) Separating gated-moratorium cave data from all others.

8) Reprinting of badly needed register book covers.

9) Purchase of a long-arm stapler.

10) Build 30 plastic registers canisters.

11) Create CCUS Internet web site.

12) Keep the CCUS centralized through one location where everything is mailed to and mailed out from.

13) Gain additional volunteer help as needed (ie: data processing, etc.)

14) Promote ideas and techniques that have worked well in the CCUS.

II PROGRESS:

1) Dave Bunnell (NSS News) has been contacted and a rough announcement

has been sent to him. It is expected to be in the next NSS News (June?).

2) Mail out is expected soon pending printing and address labeling.

3) Currently in edit phase.

4) Currently in edit phase.

5) No progress yet.

6) No progress yet.

7) No progress yet.

8) Getting estimates. Printing anticipated soon.

9) ASAP

10) No progress yet.

11) Planned possibly for June 97'.

12) In process utilizing local volunteer help.

13) As needed.

14) To be incorporated in manual (see #5).

III PROBLEMS:

A) Locating full records of CCUS activity from previous years. This would include cave register ID codes, list of CCUS participants, last data entered, financial account, inventory, etc. B) Gaining control of non returned CCUS property. C) Current budget for CCUS project. Not yet knowing the full extent or demand that might be imposed leaves little to go on except by estimation for working capital that will be needed to continue and hopefully anticipate growth. (1) I would like that $1000 be available (not including what may still be in the account) for CCUS use. There will be anticipated upcoming costs associated with printing, postage, canisters among other related items for the CCUS project this year. COMMENTS: Being involved as Chair with a slow start (March 22nd) this year presented problems to me that I have not been accustomed to before. With the shape the CCUS was left in during 1996, leaves me with a double task of trying to piece together the data, what caves were involved and who took care of the registers. The other task is to set up a CCUS with a stronger foundation and better records. This along with holding down costs and using as much local volunteer labor, will keep the organizational structure from being too large and out of control. Some great ground work was laid down years ago to build upon. I plan to keep a close watch and involvement to try and insure that a project as worthy as this will be successful.

Land Owner Relations Committee Cave and Karst Management Division

Chair’s Comments: See Division Chief’s Report.

My new email seems to be working quite nicely. I am sending out quite a bit of correspondence for Land Owner Relations. It will be interesting to see how effective of a tool this will be. I'll keep you and Doug posted.

Cave Conservation Division

Division Chief’s Report Cave Conservation Division

Chief’s Comments:

Conservation Division Members:

Chris Hacker -Cave Vandalism Deterrence Reward Commission
David Jagnow (Administrative Division)
David A. Ek (Conservation Volunteer Coordinator)
Ron Kerbo (Underground Wilderness Subcommittee)
Al Krause (Conservation Grants Coordinator)
Don McFarlane (Fauna Protection Coordinator)
Jim Werker & Val Hildreth-Werker (Resource Preservation Division)
Vacant (Government Affairs Division)
Dianna Polidori (Conservation Task Force Division)
Rob Stitt (Conservation & Management Section Chairman)

Conservation Committee Cave Conservation Division

Chairman’s Comments:

David Jagnow (Administrative Division)
David A. Ek (Conservation Volunteer Coordinator)
Ron Kerbo (Underground Wilderness Subcommittee)
Al Krause (Conservation Grants Coordinator)
Don McFarlane (Fauna Protection Coordinator)
Jim Werker & Val Hildreth-Werker (Resource Preservation Division)
____(Vacant)____ (Government Affairs Division)
Dianna Polidori (Conservation Task Force Division)
Rob Stitt (Conservation & Management Section Chairman)

ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION (David Jagnow) Plans: I plan to write a monthly column for the NSS News, entitled Conservation Action, although I realize now that there is no way I will have one ready each month. I am also making plans to push legislation to make it illegal to sell/trade speleothems nationally and internationally (similar to the ban on sale/trade of ivory). Would anyone interested in this please contact me. I also plan to have a replacement for Janet Thorne (Governmental Affairs) by Convention. Progress: Educational Materials -- I am spending quite a bit of time helping Project Underground with their national expansion. I have started writing a chapter on cave conservation for the American Geological Institute (AGI) Karst Primer, "Living On Karst." First draft and illustrations are due June 1. I am also writing the introduction to Werker's book on Cave Restoration Techniques. Cave-Climbing -- The rock-climbing access vs. cave protection issue is being actively debated with the cavers and the Access Fund. The Central Oregon CTF was recently established to address the climbing impact on lava tubes in Central Oregon. I am also mobilizing Native Americans concerned about damage to rock art panels that are about 800 years old. Ron Kerbo is developing a cave-climbing policy for the NPS that can be expanded to BLM and USFS caves. USFS (NM & AZ) Cave Fee Demo -- Cavers of the Southwest are concerned that the Forest Service (FS) plan to implement fees for recreational caving in Lincoln National Forest (NM) and Coronado National Forest (AZ) could rapidly devastate the cave resources. The concern is not so much about the fees, but the plans for the FS to advertise "Adventure Tours" in the caves. They see the vertical trips as the biggest money-makers. The FS plans to push the vertical trips, where they provide the vertical equipment, "on-site training,", and tour guides. This places the FS in the highest-possible liability situation, and can lead to rapid degradation of the nonrenewable, irreplaceable cave resources--especially in the Guads. By Convention, we should finally have a copy of the FS "Business Plan" although the public comment period ends June 13, 1997. On April 23, Ray Keeler (chairman of the NSS Ad Hoc Committee to Investigate Cave Fees) provided the FS a Position Statement (opposing cave entry fees for 14 reasons) and also provided an alternative to cave entry fees (proposing a CTF to coordinate, encourage and fund work in the cave resources by caver volunteers). To date the FS has essentially ignored caver input and barged ahead with their plans to use the cave resources to fund their dwindling budgets. They have already added staff to run the Adventure Tours. We are very concerned about cave entry fees, but cannot comment knowledgeably until we see the FS Business Plan and actual proposals. At that time, we intend to organize strong opposition and will be soliciting NSS support at convention. National/Regional Cave Specialists -- USFS has appointed Jerry Trout (AZ) as National Cave Coordinator, with funding effective 10/1/97. BLM has decided that Jinx Fox is the National Cave Specialist, even though she has essentially no experience. I am encouraging the BLM to reconsider this decision. Lead Mining Threatens Ozark Caves -- The April NSS News published my article (p. 99-101) encouraging a letter-writing campaign to prevent Doe Run Company from being permitted to do exploration drilling for lead on State Forest lands near Round Springs and Round Spring Cave. Letters are URGENTLY needed, or else lead mining development will likely contaminate the groundwater flowing through many of the spring caves along the Ozark Scenic Rivers. Entire populations of blind cave fish and other cave life are threatened. Please read the article, and WRITE LETTERS. NSS News Conservation Issues -- I was very pleased by the many conservation articles in the March and April issues of the NSS News. A big "Thank You" to everyone who contributed! Speleothem Sales -- This continues to be an ongoing problem. Recently a woman (mineral collector) contacted Carol Hill saying her husband had given her cave pearls for Christmas, and wanted to know more information about where to find more cave pearls. Education is important. I continue to contact Grottos near major Rock & Minerals Shows, asking them to monitor the shows for any speleothem sales. Shelta Cave -- Paul Meyer reports that the Huntsville Grotto provided a $200 grant to conduct ongoing biological and meterological studies in Shelta Cave, Alabama. Paul Meyer, John French, Joan Morris, Randall Blackwood and other members of the Huntsville Grotto have been monitoring the cave twice weekly since March, 1997. They have found a small number of bats, several blind crayfish, blind cave fish, salamanders and cave cricketts. They are using a hydrothermograph on loan from NASA to have a long-term trace of temperature and relative humidity. They also use a sling psychrometer on each trip to measure dry bulb and wet bulb temperature. They plan to continue monitoring for a year and present a report at the Spring 1998 BOG meeting in Huntsville. They are seeking sources of funding for additional monitoring equipment. Contact Paul Meyer if you have any suggestions or equipment that can be loaned to the project. Other Projects -- Other projects during this report period include Members Manual revisions; Mammoth Cave National Park questions on FCRPA & MOU; an Ohio cave threatened by quarrying operations; Lechuguilla Cave geology report; Harrison's Cave (Barbados) research proposal; IMAX caving movie; Papoose Cave (ID); NOLS "Leave No Trace" caving booklet; Project Underground national expansion; El Malpais National Monument cave resource assessment assistance; grafitti removal in the Guads; lots of Convention planning; and many others. Problems: (Not enough hours in a day.)

CONSERVATION VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR (David A. Ek) Plans: The primary goal and effort at this time is the solicitation of data-sheets and the population of the conservation volunteer database.

Progress: An article in the March, 1997 NSS News introduced myself and the effort to create a national database of people with cave conservation and cave science expertise and skills. The article also contained a blank dataform with an invitation to past and prospective volunteers to complete and submit the dataform for inclusion into the database. Dataforms are being completed and sent to me for inclusion into the database.

Problems: There appears to be two primary problems or difficulties that have come to light. 1) So far ( 5 May 1997) there are only ten completed data-forms that have been submitted to the national database. This is much fewer and much slower-paced than I anticipated. 2) A few people I've spoken had a misunderstanding of the purpose of the database (several cavers and one Chief Ranger of a cave-rich park). PROPOSED RESOLUTIONS - I need, and have begun to, seek other and more creative means of getting word out on the database and requests for completed dataforms. - I need to seek information as to why many people active in cave conservation did not complete the dataform. It may only be a lack of time. However, it may be a misunderstanding; a disapproval of having a 'national' database; or possibly other reasons. - I need to draft a follow-up letter for circulation that better clarifies misconceptions, concerns; and incorporates any new ideas and suggestions. This project needs to accurately reflect the needs and thoughts of the people involved. Therefore, the coordination process will need to be flexible and dynamic in order to be useful. I welcome thoughts, ideas and suggestions.

UNDERGROUND WILDERNESS SUBCOMMITTEE (Ron Kerbo)

Background: At the request of Dave Jagnow, I have taken over the duties of the Wilderness Sub-Committee Chair. As a previous member of this sub-committee, I have some background but have been out of the loop for some time.

Plans: Before convention, I plan to contact people to announce the "re-activation of this sub-committee and my dedication to the concept of caves as wilderness. The purpose of the contact will be to appoint a panel to draft guidelines for the parameters of cave wilderness, similar to the new inter-agency wilderness guidelines now in draft form. The guideline would become the Societies official position on cave wilderness, after BOG approval. I will also see that the previous task of a "cave wilderness note book" is completed.

Progress: To date (14 May 1997) three NSS members have been contacted to serve on the wilderness panel and a draft of the guidelines has been written. Problems: None to date.

CONSERVATION GRANTS (Al Krause, Coordinator)

Plans: Continued promotion of the Conservation Grants program. Encourage BOG to increase funding for Conservation Grants in recognition of large increase in Conservation projects and activities within the NSS during recent years.

Progress: 1) Conservation Research Grants. For FY 1996-97, one Conservation Research Grant was awarded for $480.00. Unused balance: $20. Applications pending: None at this time. Awards: $480 to Richard N. Kappel III to support a research study of habitat utilization and the effects of deforestation on the endangered gray bat, Myotis grisescens. This study is the focus of Richard's M.S. thesis and will be conducted in the Lowry Cave area in Chattooga county, Georgia. 2) Conservation Grants. For FY 1996-97, four Conservation Grants were awarded, using all allocated funds. One pending application is being held over for reconsideration in FY 1997-98 when additional funding becomes available. Awards: $350.00 to Roberta Serface to support administrative costs associated with the investigation and documentation of the dates and impact of paleo-earthquake activity on caves and cave environments. $550.00 to Carol Zokaites for the administrative support of Project Underground's efforts to educate the public on cave and karst conservation issues through teacher-oriented publications, displays, demonstrations, teaching aids and student exercises. $750.00 to Emily K. Smith supporting the conduct of water quality testing, pollution assessment, and faunal evaluation within a karstic region of Wythe County, Virginia for the purpose of supporting cave (and cave fauna) conservation efforts in an area subject to intensive logging, pollution and sedimentation damages. $375.00 to The Virginia Cave Board for the administrative support of the Virginia Cave Board's efforts to educate the public on cave and karst conservation issues through publications, displays, teaching aids and exhibits. Awards on hold: Request from Black Diamond Resource Conservation and Development, Inc. dated March 3, 1997 for support of a program to promote public sensitivity to pollution issues affecting karst waters in a 6-county area of Virginia. Problems: None at present.

FAUNA PROTECTION COMMITTEE (Don McFarlane, Coordinator)

(Nothing new to report.)

RESOURCE PRESERVATION DIVISION (Val & Jim Werker) Division of Resource Preservation May 1997

PLANS: CONVENTION - Arrangements have been made with the Missouri Convention for scheduling the conservation, ethics, and restoration techniques workshop. Plans are not good for a hands-on, in-cave demonstration.

PROGRESS: BOOK - Work is progressing on the NSS publication on Techniques for Cave Conservation, Ethics, and Restoration. We have received draft outlines on sections to be included in Techniques for Conservation and Restoration. Most contributors have sent in outlines. Schedule for deadlines has been sent to contributors. Meanwhile, we continue to seek resources and information on techniques used across the country. VIDEO - Plans have been initiated for making a professional video addressing cave conservation, safety, and ethics. The production is being designed to use as a companion piece with the NSS/NOLS/interagency brochure entitled, Caves...Conservation & Ethics. Team members will include representatives from the NSS, NOLS, BLM, NPS, and USDAFS. Work is progressing slowly. DISPLAY - The Resource Preservation subcommittee has developed a display addressing restoration techniques. The exhibit is finished and will be set up at Convention in Missouri. It illustrates proven methods for speleothem restoration, formation repair and cave trail management. Content is aimed at a general audience of people interested in caves and provides educational material on conservation, ethics, and cave restoration techniques. The exhibit is designed to allow new sections to be added as updated techniques are developed. The joint NSS/Forest Service restoration exhibit will be housed by the Guadalupe Ranger District. The display is set up in various places at least 50% of the year. Al Krause requested that we also put together a restoration slide show for the NSS library as an additional part of this project. SLIDESHOW - As we put together the slide show on restoration and repair for the NSS library, workshops continue with various groups. Repair and restoration projects continue in Lechuguilla, the Guadalupe Caves, and Arizona. A workshop is scheduled to be conducted as part of a Texas cleanup project in Bustamante, Mexico later this year. WORKSHOPS/PROJECTS - Restoration projects continue in Lechuguilla Cave. We led six expeditions in 1996, and have done two of the four scheduled for 1997. The trips focus on the development of restoration techniques that will avoid disturbing microbiota and virgin surfaces. Ideas are often discussed to reduce future impacts as cavers explore and study the cave. Work is progressing slowly on urine filtration NSS NEWS - Articles and announcements have been published in the NSS News: restoration book, Convention restoration workshop, conservation display, Lechuguilla restoration, and infrared photomonitoring of bat colonies. CAVE FEES - The recreational cave fee demo project proposed by the USDA Forest Service in Region 3 (Southwest) is inappropriate for non-renewable, fragile cave resources in the Southwestern United States. Cavers in Arizona and New Mexico are attempting to work with the Forest Service and have proposed volunteer and donation based alternatives to the proposed recreational fees and marketing plans. We have compiled information to assist cavers in writing letters of inquiry to Members of Congress. Packets include sample letters, suggested questions, Congressional addresses, and basic reasons for opposing cave fees on federal lands. Additional background information may be requested. For copies of packets, please contact werks@worldnet.att.net We urge every NSS member, grotto, and section to send Congressional Inquiries and put the cave fee / cave conservation issues into the political arena. NO PROBLEMS

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS DIVISION (Vacant) No Report--Position Vacant

CONSERVATION TASK FORCE DIVISION (Dianna Polidori)

Plans: I plan to write a column which will appear in the NSS News each month show casing one of the eighteen active CTFs. Hopefully this will accomplish several very good things. First of all, it will allow the NSS membership to recognize the members of the Task Force showcased each month and the important work that they do. The members of the Task Forces are often battling against incredible odds. This much warranted "pat on the back" would be a good motivator for the task forces that are becoming less productive due to low levels of morale. In addition it would encourage other members to take an active role in conservation by demonstrating the positive effects of the work done by the task forces. I plan to make some changes in how I obtain annual reports from the various task forces in the hopes that we can GET annual reports from ALL of the task forces. I plan to keep in touch with the task forces through several memos annually in an attempt to condition them to communicating without having to spend several weeks harassing them into responding and sending in their reports. I also plan to design a form that each task force coordinator can use to report on their plans, progress, and problems as well as updating the more general information all in an attempt to make it as easy as possible for each coordinator to report on their task force.

Progress: There have been five "official" inquiries concerning obtaining CTF status since I took over the files at the convention in Salida, CO. Of those inquiries it appears that we will be adding at least one new Conservation Task Force (Central Oregon CTF) and revitalizing an existing one (Bat Education CTF). Purgatory Karst CTF as it appeared in the May 1996 members manual has been disbanded. This should bring the total number of active CTF's to eighteen. Fourteen of the seventeen CTF's that were required to submit an annual report have done so, some in a more timely manner than others. In a further attempt to obtain the remaining reports and under the direction of the Committee Chair, Dave Jagnow, these task forces will be contacted with a diplomatic ultimatum of "Report or Else...". Many of the CTF's that are currently active have been around for a while and that will most likely continue for some time. However, the continuation of this division and subsequently the protection of many caves depend on the origination of new task forces. I wrote a short article about Conservation Task Forces for the NSS News Conservation Issue in an attempt to educate the membership about what a task force is and to encourage members to take an active role in conservation by forming a task force themselves.

Problems: Three of the seventeen CTF's that were required to submit an annual report have NOT done so for various reasons. As I was informed when I took over as the coordinator for this division, getting reports from some of the task forces requires persistence. Hopefully the changes that I have planned for the coming year will prove helpful in avoiding this seemingly recurring problem in the years to come.

CONSERVATION & MANAGEMENT SECTION (Rob Stitt, Chairman) Plans: Current plans call for me to ride to Convention with Tom Strong. Progress: My main efforts have been directed at the 1997 Karst and Cave Management Symposium Organizing Committee-- coordinating the planning for the Symposium and keeping the paperwork mill going (via e-mail, actually, so I guess we need a new term: vaporwork, perhaps). The Section Web page has been updated several times to include information sent to me about a number of cave conservation issues. I have been accumulating stuff for the next issue of the Cave Conservationist, and hope to get it to the printers before Convention. I haven't seen much material from Jay or Evelyn lately. We have made an arrangement to send copies of the Cave Conservationist to various persons in exchange for funding by the Conservation Committee. The Group Conservation Award recipient has been chosen and will be announced at Convention. Problems: No significant problems at this time.

Cave Vandalism Deterrence Reward Commission Cave Conservation Division

Chairman’s Comments:

I am still in the process of becoming computerized, and with other things, both work and personal issues delaying that goal. I am planning on being at the convention, and hope to meet you both there in person.

Plans: I have received some very positive input from cavers in the area about the committee. I am still getting the administrative side of this project arranged. First is to contact and meet with all members of the VDRC at the convention. I intend to have an informal session there to address concerns that each member has and to see where there are "gaps" in VDRC coverage. I would like to see each NSS region have a seat on VDRC and have a local, regional coordinator. I have contacted, or am attempting to contact, each VDRC member by phone to establish some agenda for the convention meeting. Now that the new members manual has come out, I should be easier to contact, as that coverage should inform most areas. The second issue I am attempting to address is to have closer contact with law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies, on the local, state and Federal levels. For the most part, most of the agencies and offices have little or no access to information regarding cave law and vandalism issues. The other part is the actual investigation and prosecution of cave vandals. I would like to organize, with the conservation members, an educational program to be offered to these agencies on a statewide basis, to inform these state and local agencies about cave protection issues. Progress: So far I am still getting the administrative end organized. An NSS-wide grotto mailing is in the works, to inform grottos of the VDRC members addresses, methodology, and how to apply for the reward. There has been some research on the possibility of establishing a cave vandalism database to track offender information. This would encompass both reported vandalism incidents, and VDRC payments on successful prosecutions. I have been contacted by several local and state scouting organizations as the cave clean-up project has become a popular Eagle Scout project. I intend to work with the scouts on both the clean-up and post clean-up project, to include posting of signs. I have explored the possibility of having a form of the VDRC sign placed along county and state roads, in caving areas, and in population centers in and around caving areas. Some local chambers of commerce have expressed interest, along with some state environmental and state and county road departments to print and erect the signs. This is an ongoing project.

Problems: So far, none, other than there are not enough hours in the day. There has been some difficulty in grottos contacting me so I will give out my every conceivable address. AVP Comments: None

Education Division

Division Chief’s Report Education Division

Chief’s Comments:

Consolidated this report.

Educational Opportunities Education Division

Chairs Comments:

AVP comments: No report

Environmental Education Education Division

Chair's Comments:

The USGS K-3 Caves Teacher Packet was field-tested in April. If all follows the original time-line the packet will be available from the USGS by September.

Progress

USGS Packet is in Kindergarten review phase at my school ("a bit hard for my little ones- but lots of adaptable (to their level) information"; grades 1 and 2 at Carol Belski's school in NM.; grade 3 in WV). Really neat poster!! Many books lists being sent out. Lots of calls for A-V and other materials for elementary kids, from Florida to Alaska.

Project Underground- Carol Zokiates attended the Grantsmanship Writer's Workshop; has organized the Convention Workshop; has completed many of her objective (see other handouts at Convention for update). Located plans for a cave for the Boys scouts to build at their Jamboree.

Plans

The Committee will meet at Convention this summer to prepare ourselves for answering the increasing amount of mail generated by various publications: 50,000 copies of the USGS Teacher Packet on Caves; an article by a free lance writer in "Diversions" in September; occasional articles in children's news-magazines (e.g. "Super Science Blue"); increasing number of classes that have been participating in Project Underground activities.

Problems

The NPS has asked the NSS to provide a cost estimate for the NSS contributions for the Project Underground facilitator training at the NSS Convention in Missouri. I talked to Paul Stevens about this on 13 May. I hope to be able to provide this information to the NPS in the near future; we will include the estimated cost of facilities, salaries for the volunteers, an estimate of material costs, etc.

National Cave Rescue Commission Education Division

Chairs Comments:

This report is rather short since it has only been two months since the last one. It also looks at the beginning of the NSS Convention in Sullivan, MO, as the end of the time frame for the Progress section (e.g.: You may be reading this before some of the items have actually come to pass, like the National Weeklong Seminar, etc.)

Progress:

A first ever "Instructor Update Newsletter" was sent out to all National Cave Rescue Commission (NCRC) Instructors, Course Coordinators, Regional Coordinators, Officers and Staff, to hopefully update them on many of the changes that have taken place within the NCRC over the last few years. The newsletter was very well received and plans are to make it at least an annual if not semi-annual publication.

The NCRC conducted its National Weeklong Seminar in Mt. Vernon, KY, June 14 - 21, 1997. A progress report will be presented at the NCRC Board of Regional Coordinators (BORC) meeting during the 1997 NSS Convention in Sullivan, MO.

The NCRC Financial Officer:

1 - Continued implementing the control procedures for the NCRC bank accounts,

2 - Began to catch up on reconciliation of the Regional and National bank accounts,

3 - Continued preparation of the NCRC (national) financial statements for fiscal 1997,

4 - Established a NCRC (national) bank account for non-seminar related items, and

5 - Worked with the seminar registrar to establish accounting procedures for seminar related expenses.

A large portion of the Levels I, II and III curriculum dealing with medical, hauling, lowering, highlines, vertical work and anchoring as well as student check sheets and the acceptance criteria for these check sheets was revised and approved by the BORC during the 1997 Winter Business Meeting This revised curriculum is currently being pilot tested at the Regional and National seminars. The instructors involved in that course have been studying the new changes to the curriculum while the implementation of the new material has gone well, but they have found numerous small items that need to be addressed. These will be forwarded to the NCRC Training Officer and the Curriculum Coordinator for their consideration.

Plans:

At its summer meeting the NCRC BORC will nominate persons for the following Regional Coordinator positions which will be up for consideration and appointment: Pacific Northwest Region, Central Region, Eastern Region and Diving.

At its summer meeting, the NCRC BORC will elect persons to the newly created at-large positions on the NCRC Education Board (EB). One of these persons will serve a one year term, the other a two year term. With these changes, there are now four at-large members of the EB, with one position up for consideration (election) every six months.

The NCRC Financial Officer will begin to prepare monthly financial statements and continue to work with NSS Treasurer's office on the implementation of the new general ledger system to be implemented at the national and regional levels of NCRC. The NCRC Financial Officer will also assist the regions with the implementation of the new ledger system.

The NCRC Recording Secretary hopes to have a new draft of NCRC BORC Manual (NCRC Administrative History/Procedures) ready for review and update by the summer meeting. At this time, we are still tracking down past sets of minutes and other information for the early BORC meetings.

Work will continue on the preparation of the site for the 1998 National Weeklong Seminar in Monte Eagle, TN. This seminar will be conducted the week before the 1998 NSS Convention in Sewanee, TN.

Problems:

As always, none that aren't the usual, reasonable and customary problems that come up when working with volunteers who feel very strongly about the cause they have dedicated themselves to.

Safety and Techniques Committee Education Division

Chairs Comments:

Progress: Two articles have been sent and published in the N.S.S. News. More safety and techniques articles are planned on a every two or three months basis. Also, I have asked for a one hour block at this years' convention for a S.T.C. discussion of goals and ideas.

I don't know yet if this one hour block will be available for us.

Plans: Meet with interested people at the NSS convention to discussion of goals and ideas for the STC. Use the discussion to develop plans for future actions of the committee.

Problems: None.

Television Video Production Education Division

Chairs Comments:

Progress: Unfortunately there is no much to report. Kit Andersson, the film director at the Cincinnati Museum, reports that they are having difficult time resolving the films financing. They hope the next few weeks will bring resolution.

Plans: Await action from the Cincinnati Museum.

Problems: None. We are just in a holding pattern until the museum can develop the full financial support for the film.

NSS Convention Division

Division Chief’s Report NSS Convention Division

Staff Position

Worked with COG officers in resolving problems in getting developed issues for the COG distributed.

Continued working with scheduled convention staffs.

The Convention Division has also been keeping in touch with the Missouri group and offering any assistance and suggestions in response to their inquiries.

The Convention Division has also been involved with the disposition of the trailer purchased in Salida and in suggesting alternative means for transporting materials to events when they are needed.

No problems to report.

Convention Development Report NSS Convention Division

Working with the Elkins Group on developing a bid for 2000 and supplying them with requested information as available. They plan to present their bid at this year's convention.

Working with PA group on their bid. They will not be ready to present a bid for 2000 at this year's convention. They would be willing to prepare a bid for a later date if it is awarded at this convention. Continuing to look for other groups to host conventions. Will host a convention planning meeting at the convention.

Chief’s Comments:

The Convention Division has been working closely with the Idaho group in developing their bid and in offering support and clarification to any questions they have had regarding NSS policy and processes regarding conventions.

The Convention Planning Guide recently received the material offered by the 1998 Convention regarding detailed job descriptions they have developed. This material will be reviewed and a determination will be made if it should go into the main test area or be included as an appendix. The information provided by the 1996 convention, regarding publicity, is being incorporated into the Appendix of the document.

Problems:

Despite repeated requests for updates, no information has been received from the COG regarding their status and if a call for issues will be or has been sent out.

AVP Comments: None

Permanent Convention Committee Convention Division

Chair’s Comments

The following ad appeared in the NSS News. Permanent Convention Sessions Chairman is Needed Are you interested in the sessions held at the NSS Convention? Would you like to help to improve the NSS convention sessions? Would you like to help maintain continuity between conventions? Do you like to help educate people to write better convention abstracts, help keep track of session coordinators, advise convention committees on how to provide the needed support to the sessions? Would you like to coordination with the NSS journal editor? Actually, many of these jobs could be done by someone you appoint to help you; however, if you answered yes to some of these questions, you might enjoy serving as the NSS Convention Chairman. For more details contact John M Wilson, e-mail: wilso3jm@jmu.edu or Carol Tiderman, e-mail: tiderman@erols.com.

NSS Convention Registration Committee Convention Division

AVP’s Comments:

The following notice appeared in the NSS News Permanent Convention Registration Chairman is Needed

The NSS has purchased and modified Meeting Track, software to provide all of the convention software needs of future NSS conventions. This project is part of a larger, long-term project of improving the NSS accounting system and establishing a higher level of auditing for the Society. The NSS stands to gain a lot from these changes not the least of which is having several past years of data readily available in a consistent, easy to use format for NSS Convention planning committees. The Board of Governors approved the creation of Convention Registration Committee in the Department of the Administrative Vice President to:

ensure that each NSS convention staff is adequately trained on the registration procedure and uses it properly,

provides the data from each convention to the NSS office, the NSS treasurer and other NSS conventions,

provide supervision of the convention registration staff

work closely with the Convention Planning Committees to provide an efficient registration process,

appoint members as needed to accomplish these functions.

For more details contact John M. Wilson, e-mail: wilso3jm@jmu.edu or Carol Tiderman, e-mail: tiderman@erols.com.

1997 NSS Convention NSS Convention Division

Chairs Comments:

The convention (1997 Missouri) is on track so far as we know. On the positive side, almost everything is falling into place. We have met with the Sullivan Chamber of Commerce (Pam, Gary and Alberta Zumwalt and I) last Thursday. They seem enthusiastic about our coming, and have plans for the community to welcome us. Our last EPC planning meeting was May 17, and our next one will be May 31. There will be a benefit dinner Thurs., p.m., at the Odd Fellows Hall for the Chamber. There also will be benefit dinners for the Burbon Chamber of Commerce and the Missouri Caves and Karst Conservancy (on different nights). The Bourbon people will be helping us by serving delicious lunches at the Odd Fellows Hall during the week around noon. We have a fine list of cave trips planned. Louise Hose has volunteered to lead our Short Geology Trip, and seems to have made some very nice plans. We were worried about finding a leader for that one for quite a while. The other trips are also well in hand, and people are signing up for them. Alberta says we have more than 400 pre-registered as of Saturday, and they are coming in, even though the deadline for pre-registration has now passed. We had hoped for about twice that many, but I guess we can't complain. Matt Marciano has raised the money for the four Chinese Cavers to attend the convention. He has collected some very fine donations. The Middle Mississippi Valley Grotto, the Meramec Valley Grotto, the Club '69 Organization, and many Missouri cavers have donated generously. The visiting cavers will be staying in the Rock Castle on Convention site. All of their convention expenses are now covered. Lois has the plans for the Howdy Party and special events well in hand. She has found a (very well known and capable) person to debate on the pro- side of the lead mining issue in Missouri, but has not been able to find a challenger against. Such a person is very difficult to find. Our man in charge of Biology trips, etc., was not able to complete his duties, due to heavy professional demands upon his time. He was forced to drop out on us, but we have found a very capable substitute. His name is Mark McGimsey. Our head of the Symbolic Devices Committee (T-shirts, patches, pins, etc.) proved to be completely unreliable, and we were forced to replace him. John Walsh has assumed that job, and is currently working hard to make it happen for us, in spite of serious injuries he sustained in an auto accident. John has selected a man to do the t-shirts for us, and is helping that person to get started. We have been assured that the t-shirts will be delivered to us in time. The pins and patches may be another matter. Due to the time restraints, Pam and I have had to design much more simple patches and pins, and put a rush order on them. Naturally this will cost us more, but we should have them in time. We think everyone will be pleased with them. Medical (first aid tent) and Security are giving us some real concern. We have not been able to find sufficient volunteers to staff these areas. Any ideas? (We have offered staff t-shirts already). Without volunteers, we may be forced to cut back on these services severely. Our Program Guidebook and Convention Guidebooks are going to be very nice. Don Dunham, Bob Taylor, and Jon Beard have done very well with that. Don reports that we have over 60 abstracts for papers as of now. We fear that the International Congress may have significantly impacted the number of presentors. We have had a real problem trying to get certain Section Heads to communicate with us. We have not heard a thing from some of them, in spite of repeated efforts to contact them for many months now. It seems to us that some of them have made very little effort (if at all) to rally their Section Members, and recruit papers from them. Some sessions will simply have to be dropped if we do not get any abstracts very soon now. For example, we do not have any papers at all for the International Exploration Session. Jim Sherrell has graciously volunteered to do the American Exploration Session for us. He does have two or three papers, but has not been able to scare up any others so far. This is a shame, but we do not feel it is our fault. We have done everything we can to recruit papers on our own. We could use much more help from the Section Heads on this. Some of them simply are not doing their jobs, or the present system does not work very well. Several Section Heads have given us very excellent agendas, however. There has been some speculation that cavers are coming to Missouri to go caving, not to give papers or sit through sessions. Time will tell if this is true or not, we guess. We have tried all sorts of investigation, but simply have not been able to come up with a site large enough to hold everyone in one sitting for the Photo Salon, or the Banquet. Regretfully, these events will have to be done in two sittings, we guess. We have had several other minor problems to deal with, but are making progress toward resolving them. Our lady in charge of helping JSS has taken very ill with pneumonia, and has been in the hospital. She cannot continue to help with that in any significant manner. If Mr. Vore wants it to happen, he must contact us IMMEDIATELY. He must also contact Eugene Vale at Onondaga Cave to arrange for a JSS Cathedral Cave trip, if he wants one. If he does not do this IMMEDIATELY, it will not happen. Their schedule is already almost full, as we understand it. We have heard very little from JSS lately. We understand how difficult it is for volunteers to find the necessary time, still we cannot do everything for everybody. We are looking forward to a convention we feel will be educationally rewarding and fun for everyone who attends.

AVP Comments: None

1998 NSS Convention NSS Convention Division

Chair’s Comments:

A Convention '98 video will be shown at this year's Convention. It is currently in production. Pat Kambesis has been appointed as Sessions Chair. All Session Chairs will need to contact her for their apprpriate needs. Bill Bussey is now in charge of symbolic devices, as well as Pre & Post Convention camps. He will co-ordinate the camps. The Convention trailer will be brought down to TAG. This will be used to haul the Convention showers and other misc. items. Carol Jackson is in charge of getting the trailer properly tagged & hauled. Budgets are in. Stringfellow is counting beans. Guestimates believe our prices to be in line (and better) with current Conventions. The Convention site alone is one of the strongest attractions to TAG. Over 7,000 caves within a 2 hour drive. Convention Logo is finialized. T-shirt, patches, pins, etc. are being priced. New 'Party Barn' is being built by the campus for their students. We will get to use it as our howdy party location. No problems to report at this time. Everything rolling along smoothly. First work weekend is August 2-3.

AVP Comments: None

1999 NSS Convention NSS Convention Division

Chairman’s report:

The next meeting of the 1999 NSS Convention Committee will be May 25, 1997. It is being held during the Northwest Caving Association's Regional Meet at the Lincoln County Fair Grounds in Shoshone, Idaho. Sam Lair, Promotion Chair, is working on a short presentation for the 1997 Convention. This presentation is not meant to give any specifics on the Convention, but focus on general activities, sights, and sounds of Idaho and the Magic Valley area. General contracts for the facilities should be signed sometime this late spring or early summer. One new problem has come up and is being addressed. It was assumed that a County Bond would be passed that would go towards a new exhibition building at the Fairgrounds. We had planned on using this building for the banquet and possibly the climbing sessions. We have been informed that the Bond will not be on the docket this or next year and therefore the building will not be completed in time for our use. We had back up plans to hold the climbing sessions in the High School Gym. We could also have the Banquet there or at the Fairgrounds under awnings or in a large tent. These and possibly other options will be discussed in upcoming meetings. One previous problem has been remedied. There is now a Chair for the Publication Committee. Ken Storey has agreed to assume that position. Tom Kline remains editor of the Guide Book. One previous problem remains. There are two facilities available for the Convention: the Twin Falls County Fairgrounds and the Filer High School. Alone, neither one is ideal for all sessions, classes, vendors, and displays. Two solutions were suggested. One would be to have all activities in one area or the other, but in less than ideal conditions (i.e. smaller, more crowded rooms rather than larger but noisier ones, swamp cooled rooms rather than air conditioned, hallways rather than buildings designed to display art, etc.). The other would be to split the activities between the two facilities. This would necessitate determining what has to be kept together and how to appease the most people. Input from NSS officials, previous Convention staff, and vendors and session chairs will be needed to adequately resolve this problem. We are still actively seeking input and guidance in this area. All in all we feel that 1999 NSS Convention Committee is working well together. There are no major obstacles to over come as yet and we are progressing at an anticipated rate.

Congress of Grottos NSS Convention Division

Chair’s Comments:

Other than the salon/conservation issue we got in Pittsburgh, our issues seem limited. We haven't done our mailing yet.

Convention Youth Activities (JSS) NSS Convention Division

Chair’s Comments:

Plans: No new plans. Progress: Tentative schedule is created for 1997 activities, but is not finalized. As of the date of this report, additional activities are needed for Tuesday and Wednesday, but this does not constitute a problem. Arrangements have been made with the Sullivan rec center, but arrangement elsewhere still need to be finalized. The plans include two all-day outings, and three cave trips in addition to activities planned at the school and campground. Created a contribution tracking form to record cash and merchandise contributions to JSS for tax purposes. Devised a volunteer orientation process which is expected to reduce much of the confusion that arose from misunderstandings last year. Problems: The issue of communications with JSS field trips has not been satisfactorily resolved.

AVP Comments: None

Photo Salon NSS Convention Division

Coordinator’s Comments:

The 1997 NSS Salons are proceeding on schedule. The Slide Salon and Graphics

Arts Salon judging is finished and the Cave Ballad Salon & Video salon judging should be almost done. The other salons will be judged at convention. Bruce Bannerman has already shot the film for the Slide Salon titles to be projected at convention (in leu of the video projected titles we tried the past two years).

AVP Comments: None