President's Report
AGI Outreach Liaison
Awards Committee
Board Arrangements Committee
Bylaws Committee
Fund Raising Committee
Government Liaison Committee
International Secretary
Legal Committee
Logistics Committee
Membership Committee
National Cave and
Karst Management Symposium Coordinator
Nominating Committee
NSS/KWI Liaison Committee
NSS/NCKRI Liaison
Committee
NSS/TNC Liaison
Planning Committee
Public Relations Committee
Recording Secretary
Secretary to the Board
Show Caves Liaison Committee
Youth Groups Liaison Committee
Spring Hill Cave Lawsuit Ad Hoc
Committee
NSS Library Infrastructure Ad
Hoc Committee
Statement of Work (NSS & NCKRI
Proposal Guidelines)
Scott Fee, 317 889-7345, scottfee@pipeline.com
There are 27 committees, commissions, publications, etc. in the Department of the President (PRES). In this report, I provide the name, phone number, and e-mail address of the chairman of each committee or organization, followed by their report. The committee and sub-committee chairmen have provided the information in this report, although I’ve made some spelling, formatting, and minor editorial adjustments.
For detailed address information of any committee chairman, please refer to the NSS Members Manual or the Current Personnel file on the Web.
Alternatively, you may contact me directly and I will furnish you with the appropriate contact information.
Plans:
Sell our house in Alabama, relocate Jaime, and unpack at some
point in time. As I have literally been on the "run"
since I became NSS President, I hope to "settle down,"
get up to speed on various issues, and facilitate the open
exchange of ideas and plans for the future of the NSS family. I
would like to initiate a President’s Column in the NSS News
on a quarterly basis.
Progress:
Per the October NSS Board directive, the Government Liaison
Committee and the Legal Committee have been hard at work
developing a “proposal” for the possible lending
of some of the NSS Library resources to the NCKRI.
Hazel Medville, chairman of the Government Liaison Committee,
relates: “All I am asking the BOG to review is the
Statement of Work (see Attachment One to this report.) not the
other portions of the agreement which I feel are still in
contention. NCKRI doesn't currently feel that the agreement can
get past review on either side without more work including a
complete re-thinking of the use of one document for all the
things that are in the current draft agreement. My guess is that
we will see an MOU similar to the NPS MOU first then maybe a
joint committee to determine what part of the library is to be
considered for loan, followed later by a loan agreement. Each
step will be a separate document to be considered by the BOG
before it is signed.
“The step for March is to review the preliminary agreements
(or statement of work) on what each party would do should the NSS
loan NCKRI part of its library; if we don't like these agreements
then why waste any more time in negotiating a loan
agreement?”
We negotiated with two different parties and ultimately came to own our newest Cave Preserve comprised of 40 acres and the upper entrance to Great Expectations Cave in Wyoming. The final price, including legal fees, amounted to $192,882.57. John Schetens and Bob Montgomery are leading the fund-raising charge. www.greatx.caves.org is the best source of information at the moment. These web pages were created with the talents of Andy Niekamp and Rob Coomer. Douglas Marchant is now maintaining them.
In addition to the monthly meeting of the Central Indiana Grotto, I have attended the following caver functions during this reporting period: CIG Picnic, IKC Picnic, CIG Halloween Party, CIG Christmas Party, SJVG Christmas Party, IKC Sept and Dec Quarterly Meeting, EIG Quarterly Meeting, Birmingham Grotto Getaway, and the TAG Fall Cave-In.
Letters were sent to the following: Dr Miles Hacker (in support of the Biomes project), David & Ned Glover (Assisted in the capture and subsequent prosecution of pot hunters outside the entrance of a Kentucky cave), Shady Grove Grotto (becoming the 443 NSS Grotto), Dr Canosa (Cuban Speleological Society), Eagle Scout Nathan Andrew Jud (improving the trial system at Great Saltepetere Cave), Michael Grovack (I69 Highway Impact Proposal), Craig Ackerman (post meeting follow up regarding Oregon Caves National Monument), Dr Richard Finch ( providing assistance to the University in San Pedro Sula, Honduras), and Dr George Veni (UIS Candidate).
Ad Hoc Committees:
Board Meeting Systems Ad Hoc Committee was dissolved and the
duties were incorporated into the Recording Secretary’s
objectives.
The NSS Library committee was dissolved, having met its goals.
The NSS Library Infrastructure Ad Hoc Committee was established with Paul Stevens as chairman.
In response to concerns raised by the Cave Diving Section, the NSS CDS Liaison Ad Hoc Committee was created. Colin Gatland, NSS OVP, and Bill Tozer, NSS Director, are serving to liaison with the Cave Diving Section. They met with the CDS President over the weekend of February 1st. They will provide a report to the Board in closed session.
The Geo-Caching Ad Hoc committee has become a permanent sub-committee, under the Education Division, in the AVP Department.
The Ad Hoc Committee for Grant Funding was dissolved since the Board passed permanent committee motions at the October 2002 meeting. Response to the internet posting to fill this critical position has been lackluster. The NSS News announcement should be out shortly.
Problems:
Ted Kayes has indicated he feels we should find a replacement
for the Fund Raising Committee Chairman. The International
Secretary does not support the agenda motion proposing we
reallocate some of the International Support Fund. The Planning
Committee was inactive during this reporting period.
Carol Zokiates (Liaison), 540 382-5437, zokaites@usit.net
Plans:
To stay in touch with AGI earth science education
Progress:
Amy Bern represented the NSS at a meeting - AGI K-12 Forum at
Denver GSA. (American Geologic Institute and Geologic Society of
America) so we are keeping in touch with others doing earth
science education and keeping karst education included in this
process.
Problems:
None at this time.
Bill Tozer (Chairman), 765 778-3259, wtozer@aol.com
Committee Members:
Barbara am Ende, Gale Beach, Evelyn Bradshaw, Bill Bussey, Donald
G. Davis, Michael Dyas, Scott Fee, Dr. Daniel Fong, Jeanne Hill,
Dr. Cato O. Holler, Jr., Mike K. Hood, Roy Jameson, Pat Kambesis,
Charles V. Larson, Dr. Charles A. Lundquist, William Mixon, G.
Thomas Rea, Geary M. Schindel, Gordon L. Smith, Jr, Linda Starr,
Lee Stevens, Dr. George Veni.
Progress:
The 2003 award nominations are in and look very good. The award
nominations have been submitted to the AC for evaluation. The
nominating material for OS and HM will be distributed to the BOG
so that they may select these awards at the spring meeting.
Plans:
The AC will provide recommendations for the 2003 awards to the
BOG at the spring meeting. After the BOG meeting, the AC will
begin preparing the Awards program for the 2003 Porterville, CA
convention. Plans are to have photos for all recipients so that
they may be displayed with a power point program.
Problems:
There are no problems at this point. The process is moving along
according to schedule.
Thomas J. Pollock (Chairman), 908 294-6634, TJPollock@aol.com
Progress:
The NSS Cave Diving Section (CDS) sponsors Oct. 18, 2003 meeting.
Cheryl Jones presented bid at convention. Mike Poucher (CDS Vice
Chairman) and Steve Ormeroid (CDS President) are coordinating the
meeting that will be held at the Gainesville, Florida Sheraton
(same location as the NCKMS).
Plans:
Las Vegas bid was originally presented for spring 2003 complete
with dates. Because of competing bids, Las Vegas was accepted for
2004 with dates to be determined. (Rick Bowersox, lavabeds@lvcm.com I'll will
contact him and finalize the date.
Problems:
None.
Tom Rea (Chairman), 765 653-4423, tomrea@caves.org
Progress:
Once again I have reviewed one bylaw proposal, found it to be
consistent with existing bylaws and acts, and communicated that
fact to the author and the President.
Plans:
Respond when my cage is rattled.
Problems:
none.
Ted Kayes (Chairman), 804 272-4310, tckayes@earthlink.net
Plans:
To mail a fund raising letter for Great X about 1 March.
To have a fund raising campaign at the Convention for Great X
To replace the fund raising Chairman with someone who can devote the proper time and attention to it.
Progress:
The normal Fall fund raising letter was not sent so that the
envelopes and postage could be used for a Great X letter, which
transaction was expected to close by the end of the year.
Envelopes and funds are available for the Great X mailing.
Problems:
The NSS Credit Card continues to be a good source of funds for
the Society. However, nearly all credit cards are beginning to
offer greater perks to cardholders. The fee that the Society
receives from transactions is what would be used to pay for those
perks: gifts, miles, rebates, etc. It may be increasingly
difficult to enroll new cardholders. The Society does benefit
if you have a card, even if it is not used.
The chairman is over committed and needs replacement.
Fund raising for Great X will likely greatly increase the receipts for the Society. However, unlike normal fund raising efforts, those funds are going to be committed to the Great X mortgage and will not be available for the normal needs of the Society. Whoever handles the Great X fund raising should be the Fundraising Chairman.
The current chairman does not expect that he will be able to attend California Convention, and someone will be needed to focus the Convention attendees on the Great X mortgage.
Hazel Medville (Chairman), 703 860-0134, Hazelm@patriot.net
Progress:
Sent 184 copies of the Biennial Report to members of congress and
to appointees in BLM, USFS, NPS, EPA, and TVA concerned about
caves. Reviewing material from Oregon Caves National Parks Task
Force- productive exchanges of ideas seem to be taking place.
Receiving some materials on the BIOMES project.
Plans:
Review committee appointments for the Republican controlled
congress and send copies of the Biennial Report to new appointee
to committees concerned with parks, forests, the environment, and
water.
Periodically ask other committee chairman about their communications with federal government agencies.
Continue to act as a Liaison between the NSS and federal and state agencies, as needed, and to work with grottos and other internal organizations and committees to smooth their work with government agencies.
Problems:
None.
NCKRI/NSS Aagreement (Also see Presidents report)
Progress:
Several drafts of a proposed agreement have been exchanged. With
input from Joel Stevenson, Jeanne Gurnee, and Charles Linquist, I
think that the product is pretty good. It allows the NSS to
decide on what we lend and how to value the collection lent. The
hard part will be determining what part of the collection we feel
can be lent to NCKRI. Other parts may be lent temporarily if the
NSS feels it would be appropriate.
Plans:
None. The work of the committee is nearing an end. Call Charles
Lundquist to answer questions concerning the agreement.
Problems:
The Huntsville proposal seems to assume that the Board plans to
lend the entire NSS library to NCKRI. The current draft of the
NCKRI/NSS Agreement has the evaluation of the holdings and the
agreement on the items in the collection to be lent as one of the
first tasks under the agreement.
Requests for information on the Library Committee’s proposed western satellite library were not answered. I made the request in November to the e-mail address in the OVP’s Fall Report.
John L. Moses (Secretary), 915 921-0535, johnmoses@excite.com
Eleanor Larson (Committee Member) Santa Barbara, CA
Tom Lera (Committee Member) Falls Church, VA
Plans:
Submit brief article to the NSS News announcing the
availability and criteria for the awarding of “International
Participation Grants.”
Progress:
International Union of Speleology—The
UIS Commission on Karst Hydrogeology and Speleogenesis and IGU
Karst Commission announced the establishment of the “Virtual
Journal of Speleogenesis and Evolution of Karst Aquifers.”
The Editors-in-Chief are Prof. W.Dreybrodt (Germany), Prof.
D.Ford (Canada), Prof. A.Palmer (USA) and Dr.A.Klimchouk
(Ukraine). The web site at www.speleogenesis.info, will act as an
archive and a quarterly journal of both original and re-published
articles on karst science. The UIS is requesting that member
organizations publicize the development.
Honduras Project—The NSS received a further request for assistance from a university in Honduras concerning a cave tourism development project. According to Prof. Gustavo Ustariz , they are looking for advice on “...marketing commercial caves, kids activities, management issues, safety ...” The request has been relayed to various on-line groups in an effort to find someone who might be willing and able to assist.
“USA '09”-The International Secretary's Committee has been investigating the possibility of hosting the 2009 International Congress of Speleology somewhere in the U.S. Several NSS regions were contacted but, to date, no expressions of interest in hosting an International Congress have been received. Three regions (Virginia, Arizona, and Texas) declined the opportunity.
2003 NSS Convention—Sent letters requesting assistance of U.S. interest section at Swiss Embassy in Havana in enabling Cuban Speleologist to obtain U.S. visa to attend Porterville, California, convention.
Polish Mountaineering Association SRT and Rescue Exchange—Received letter of appreciation from secretary of Polish mountaineering Association for NSS grant assisting group to travel to US for training session with US and Canadian cavers in September 2002 in Tetons. An invitation was extended to US cavers to participate in their caving projects.
Also, answered various correspondence addressed to international secretary or sent to NSS relating to international issues.
Problems:
Proposed transfer of money from NSS International Fund—Following
October, 2002, Board of Governors meeting action, uncertain of
the continued ability of NSS to fund International Participation
Grants. Proposed change would take $10,000 from International
Fund to establish another fund for international exploration.
I strongly recommend that the Board vote "no" to the proposed transfer of funds from the International Fund to the International Exploration Fund. There are several reasons to avoid this action. These include:
1. General principle—don't raid one endowment fund to bring another up to a minimal level. This undermines the fiscal credibility of the organization in the establishment of future endowments.
2. The action would dilute the ability of either fund to make a single grant that can have significant impact on a project.
3. This action appears to work counter to the purposes of international participation grants—that is to enable participation by foreign cavers in NSS projects. Such past grants have been used to either host foreign cavers in the US (Russians on Tongass, Polish on Montana vertical rescue) or to enable foreign participants on international expeditions organized by NSS (Dominican Republic bat survey, Chuquibol, Belize exploration).
4. The past international participation grants have intentionally avoided subsidizing caving trips abroad by NSS members.
Joel B. Stevenson (Chairman), 828 669-0126, cavelaw@ssjrlaw.com
Progress:
I have reviewed the proposed contract between the Society and the CDS regarding the completion and publication of the manuscript for Sheck Exley's last book. I suggested several changes that were incorporated, and the contract is, I understand, ready to sign.
I have been in touch with Robert Ashbrook, a member of the Society and an attorney, who has volunteered to help us on intellectual property matters. We are discussing possible actions in relation to the ReMax problem.
A question about the practice of the Library "delivering" copies of library materials to members without paying certain licensing charges was copied to me. The Library will start collecting such fees, and this is appropriate and seems to solve any problem that may have existed.
I have monitored the drafting and the execution of the contract for the purchase of land around the entrance of Great X Cave in Wyoming [the Hamilton contract] and communications with the Society's counsel there. I understand that the matter has been successfully concluded.
I have reviewed the proposed contract between the Society and the National Park Service regarding the long-term loan of the Society's library to the new National Cave and Karst Research Institute at Carlsbad New Mexico. I have made numerous requests for changes in the wording of the contract in order to protect the interests of the Society. The proposed contract, with many of my changes, is under review by NCKRI at this time.
I have monitored correspondence regarding the proposed transferring of the Alachua Sink NSS Cave Preserve to the CDS and a Florida Cave Conservancy. It appears that this is only in the discussion stage.
I have responded to a number of other minor inquires.
Plans:
I will continue to be available to advise on matters as
requested.
I will continue to discuss the ReMax matter with Robert Ashbrook
I will review the next version of the NSS-NPS contract regarding the potential loan of the Library.
Problems:
I anticipate problems with the wording of the Library contract.
Roswell Jones (Chairman), (H) 412 367-3522, wrj4822@attbi.com
Plans:
The voting machine will be in Park City for the Board
meeting. I hope to be there as well. I hope to have the new
switches installed in time for the next Board meeting.
Progress:
I have ordered new switches for the voting machine.
Problems
None at this time.
William Karpowicz (Chairman), carbidekid@prodigy.net
Colin Gatland: Canada, TX, OK Ernie Coffman: NV, HI, CA
Marty Brown: AR Hal Joerin: MI, IN, WI
Bill Klimack: PA, DE, MD, VA, WV, NC, SC
Bob Liebman: Member At Large Marge Nelson: CA
Jerry Zimmer: AK, WA, ID, OR Ryan Brown: CO, UT, WY
Melanie Coleman: CO, UT, WY Robert J Hall: NY, NJ
Bill Karpowicz: NY, New England
Current Plans:
The Membership Committee will be working with Tracy Copp and
Cheryl Jones to provide direct contact to those who have been
requesting brochures. The plan is to put these people in direct
contact with local grottos to keep them interested in the society
and caving while finding them partners to cave with and hopefully
keep them from venturing out on their own
Progress:
Both email and snail mail have been sent to the committee members
to confirm their addresses and make them aware of the new
project.
Problems:
none.
Cheryl Jones (Coordinator), 703 442-8499, cherylj@erols.com
Plans: 2003 NCKMS in Gainesville, Florida, hosted by the NSS Cave Diving Section.
Progress:
Proceedings for the 2001 Symposium have been published and
may be purchased in hard copy and on CD from NSS Bookstore and
Speleobooks. Web site continues to develop.
Problems:
None
Montana Autumn Spencer (Chairman), 423 396-4521, Cavrbab@earthlink.net
2003 NSS Nominating Committee Members
Joseph D Marchese, 48495RE, Verification Teller
Dave Belski, 7875RL, CM, FE, Southwestern Region
Craig Cantello, 41176RE, Eastern Region
Elaine J Hackerman, 9048RL, FE, Southeastern Region
Plan for 2003 Board Election:
Confirm eligibility of candidates with the NSS Office. I
anticipate no problems.
Draft ballot is well under way. Completion of the composition and layout the 2003 NSS Board Election Ballot and mailing should be ahead of schedule again this year.
Submit ballot for printing and mailing no later than three weeks before the mailing deadline, forty-five days before the ballot receipt deadline. Ballots will be mailed out of Huntsville, AL this year using the NSS bulk-mailing permit saving a few dollars in permit expense.
Travel to Huntsville on mailing day to hand stuff and affix postage to the foreign ballots and be available if there are problems or questions regarding the domestic ballot mailing.
If time allows I will compose and submit an article to the NSS News, May issue encouraging membership participation in the election and stressing the importance of exercising their voting rights.
Receive and account for all valid ballots on tally sheets by the deadline.
Recheck count with supervision from the Verification Teller.
Notify NSS President and all candidates two weeks before the NSS Convention.
Notify the NSS Board of Governors at the NSS Convention. Have on hand all ballots and final tally sheets for inspection by the candidates. Submit same to the NSS Archivist.
Notify the membership of election results via an NSS News, September issue article.
Progress on the 2003 NSS Election:
Committee in place with Bylaw requirements exceeded.
Originally a good idea in theory, my personal goal to have
representation from all regions of the U.S. has not been an
asset. With the exception of Elaine, none of the other regional
reps have been successful at either helping me solicit candidates
or even providing names from their region. I will probably do
away with idea and reduce my committee back to three members to
meet the Bylaws since this is really a one-man job.
Announcement was published in the December NSS News advising prospective candidates of contact information and submission deadlines, etc. at least forty-five days prior to the deadline for nominating petitions per the Bylaws.
I have successfully secured more than enough candidates for nomination to the membership to fill the four open Director seats on the Board of Governors. 109 additional members were contacted and 69 of those declined the nomination. Again this year, I have a growing file of cavers who have requested I contact them in various future years.
Detailed guidelines for submission of election material have been provided in a timely fashion to all interested candidates. I answered several other requests for information including requirements of Directorship, samples of past ballot submissions, and other volunteer opportunities within the Society. By the Spring Board meeting, I will also be in receipt of all bios/platforms and photos for the ballot.
Confirmed with Stephanie that the NSS permit could be used for the election mailing, which she confirmed with the post office. Advised her that I would be requesting the member database for the labels and discussed the transfer of funds to the post office for mailing day.
Problems associated with the 2003 NSS Election:
I initially thought I would be under budget this year by
securing a cheaper quote for the ballot printing, collating,
labeling, mailing prep, and post office delivery and by being
able to use the NSS' bulk permit. However, due to the large final
number of confirmed candidates received by the February 1st
deadline, I will have to add an additional page to the ballot to
have room for all of the bios/platforms. I am still waiting for
the revised quote to see what this will do to the end cost.
Vacant (See Agenda for Candidate)
Dr. Penelope J. Boston (Cell), 303 579 4775, pboston@complex.org
Committee members:
No formal committee roster exists. I have been drafting help ex
officio, as I needed it for various items. Val and Jim Werker
have done much of the footwork vis à vis the potential NSS
library/NCKRI agreement.
Progress and Activities:
NCKRI has taken on its new permanent Director, Dr. Louise
Hose, as of the middle of December. Progress continues on
architectural selection for the NCKRI Headquarter’s
Building. I participated in New Mexico Tech.’s assessment of
the architectural firm candidates. Site selection negotiations
continue in Carlsbad.
NCKRI and NMT have finally agreed on a formal Memorandum of Understanding Draft and it will be signed in a formal signing ceremony within the next several weeks.
My specific NSS/NCKRI activities have continued primarily with work on the White Paper described in my last report.
A joint NCKRI and NMT meeting is planned for sometime during late summer or next fall. We have discussed including NSS as a sponsorship partner for this meeting. If we decide to proceed with this, then a formal proposal will be submitted to the BOG.
Problems:
The association of NSS with NCKRI is promising. It has been
slow to develop because of delays in hiring the permanent
director. Now that Dr. Hose is on board, the pace of activities
and frequency of contact has accelerated. We anticipate that this
will continue into the future.
Until the plans for the new NCKRI building become solidified, it is impossible to move very far forward with the NSS library issue. Safe housing of the collection, whether to move or not move the present NSS library inventory, and potential funding to support any such activities are still unclear. Work is continuing as possible. We hope that this issue can be fully explored and a determination made very soon about the future of a possible NSS/NCKRI joint library connection.
Rane L. Curl (Liaison), 734 995-2678, ranecurl@umich.edu
Rob Robbins (Committee Member)
Progress:
No new developments to report.
Plans:
Heather Garland and I will be corresponding to update the NSS-TNC
website, when she has a chance to get caught up with the
material.
Problems:
Not hearing from TNC (but not wanting to “pressure”
them).
Thomas J. Pollock (Chairman), 908 294-6634, TJPollock@aol.com
No report for this period.
Jay Jorden (Chairman), 214 202-6611, jjorden@texoma.net
Committee Members: David McClurg, Jack Hissong, and Sandra Hissong.
Progress:
In the months since the last report, members of the Public
Relations Committee have fielded several requests for
information. All the responses included a strong safety and
conservation message. The committee also helped Jim C. Werker and
Val Hildreth-Werker, NSS Conservation Division co-chairs, with PR
material for an upcoming book on cave conservation and
restoration.
Details: Contacts included a producer for a television series planned on a cable channel and a publicist representing an adventure race called the Subaru Primal Quest. In the latter case, concerns were raised about depicting caving in such a venue. Information was also provided to several other journalists who had general story ideas involving caving. The committee, which late last year received copies of the NSS biennial report, has been distributing it with other background information in response to publicity inquiries.
Plans:
Publicity efforts will also include distributing more items under
the heading “conservation flash,” with news of interest
to newsletter editors and others from the Cave Conservation and
Management Section. The background sheet the committee also sends
in response to media inquiries is being updated; work also
continues on restructuring of a “press kit” as well as
providing information for the web site. Development time and
input are necessary.
Problems:
As always, please let me know of any specific PR concerns or
needs, either from the officers or the Board.
Lee Stevens, leestevens@starpower.net
Progress:
The draft of the October 2002 Board meeting minutes has been
circulated. The corrected version of the draft was sent to Tom
Rea and is posted on the web.
Plans:
To continue to produce the Board of Governors meeting minutes in
a timely way.
To further pursue development of a computer based method for recording the motions and votes during the Board meetings. An ad will be placed in the NSS NEWS to seek volunteers interested in developing a new computer based method to record motions and votes during NSS Board Meetings. The Recording Secretary will be the point-of-contact for the ad. Selection of the best qualified volunteer will be made after consulting with cavers familiar with computer systems and the NSS President
Problems:
The plan to pursue development of a computer based method for
recording the motions and votes during the Board meeting remains
a plan. The specs for the system have been written.
Implementation of this project will be a priority this spring.
Vince Kappler, 973 579-2116, vkappler@nac.net
Progress:
Twenty copies of the manual update from the Fall 2002 meeting
were mailed in early January. The update was 28 pages. The
officers also received a copy of the personnel list as it appears
on the web. I requested that they review the information for
their respective departments and advise me of any corrections. To
date I have received over a dozen corrections.
Plans:
I will continue to update the personnel files as corrections come
to me and I will work with the web master to get the changes
posted to the web as quickly as possible.
The manual is printed and maintained in a “3-ring binder” format. Many years ago, I supplied a printed binder for each manual. Budget constraints now mandate that users purchase a suitable binder locally. It has been suggested, and I concur, that I supply a cover page that could be inserted into the plastic sleeve of the standard 3-ring binder. This would greatly enhance the overall appearance of the manual. I have been discussing this with a graphic designer and hope to have a suitable design available in the near future.
I will prepare the update from the minutes of the next meeting for posting to the web and mail to recipients as quickly as possible.
Problems:
None.
Gordon Smith (Chairman), 812 945-5721, glstis@aol.com
Progress:
I attended the International Show Cave meeting in Slovenia in
October and the National Caves Association annual meeting in
October also. Very educational but nothing specific to report.
The trip to Slovenia was spectacular to say the least and while
there I visited the Karst Institute with Trevor Shaw.
Plans: Keep three caves open to the public and try to solve any cave owner/caver problems that I can identify.
Problems: None.
Jack Hissong (Chairman), 317 841-0687
Progress:
After discussing the committee functions and my long term service
in this arena, Scott Fee and I decided that it was time to find
new blood. An ad was run in the NSS News. The Education Co-chairs
evaluated all the applications and have submitted a name, which
appears on the March 2003 agenda.
Plans:
A motion on the agenda, if approved, would move this committee to
the NSS AVP.
Problems:
none
Cheryl Jones (Chairman), 703-442-8499, cherylj@erols.com
Plans:
Continue to stay in touch with Sharon Todd, the landowner's
daughter, as the lawsuit aftermath drags on, to arrange to cover
Ms. Beckner's outstanding legal bills. She would like to wait on
progressing with this until the case is closed. Also continue to
discuss with Sharon and Ms. Beckner their wishes for the future
of the cave.
Progress:
Tennessee Court of Appeals recently issued an opinion denying the
appeal of the trial court's dismissal of the wrongful death
lawsuit. The court ruled that summary judgment in favor of the
landowner, Mrs. Beckner, was appropriate in light of Tennessee's
landowner protection statute, Tenn. Code Ann. section 70-7-102,
which lists “caving” as a recreational activity which a
landowner does not owe a duty of care to protect a participant
from accident and injury. This is huge legal victory for
Tennessee landowners that own caves. The court held that Ms.
Beckner was “clearly entitled” to the recreational use
immunity defense based upon the facts of this case. The court
went on to note that a cavern-owner's failure to post a warning
sign at the cave entrance, or to otherwise warn of the dangerous
condition inside a cave, does not constitute “gross
negligence.” The plaintiffs still have time to request
special permission to appeal this case to the Tennessee Supreme
Court.
Problems:
None that are within our control
Paul Stevens (Chairman) (home) 703 724-7642 (e-mail) paulstevens@adelphia.net
Plans:
The recently chartered ad hoc Library Infrastructure
Committee is developing an on-line NSS Library web site and
searchable indices to NSS periodicals. Andy Niekamp, Tom Rea, Ira
Sasowsky, and Paul are the principle participants. Paul is
working with Roger McClure and Diana Northrup to acquire
permission to display a searchable “Guide to Speleological
Literature of the English Language” on-line.
The recently chartered Huntsville Grotto Library Development Commission [led by Charles Lundquest] is also working to improve the NSS Library. Jim Hall is almost finished adding subject key words to the on-line library catalog. He then plans to start adding NSS internal organization periodicals to the catalog. Jennifer Pinkley is working on entering all the available bibliographies into a searchable format. The library has probably 150 bibliographies. She hopes to have everything entered by the end of February.
This is just the title, author, etc. not all of the citations in the bibliographies.
Progress:
The web site can be viewed at http://www.caves.org/pub/on-line-library/.
Problems:
None.
A. The NSS shall:
Work with the Institute to determine what portion of the NSS collection will be lent to the Institute. NSS may indicate any materials that the NSS does not wish to transfer to the Institute.
Allow the Institute to have temporary possession of the mutually agreed upon NSS collection to be kept and housed by the Institute at its facility in Carlsbad, New Mexico. The NSS has no intention of transferring the ownership or permanent possession of its collection by the terms of this agreement.
Work with the Institute to determine a schedule for the transfer of the mutually agreed on NSS collection.
Provide a valuation of each book or item transferred.
Transfer possession of the agreed upon portion of its collection to the Institute in Carlsbad, New Mexico, at the expense of the Institute.
Retain ownership of all books and materials transferred to the Institute.
Provide a valuation of the annual dollar amount for use of the NSS collection by the Institute, which will constitute an in-kind match of funding.
Provide an annual (federal fiscal year) valuation of NSS volunteer hours for activities related to the NSS collection, which will constitute an in-kind match of funding.
Transfer possession of mutually agreed upon new acquisitions to the Institute in Carlsbad in a mutually agreed manner at least once a year. These new acquisitions will include 5 copies of any newly published NSS books. Such transfers of possession shall conclusively be deemed additions to the NSS collection and shall not constitute donations to the Institute.
The NSS will send five copies of the NSS News and the Journal of Cave and Karst Studies to the Institute when they are published. In addition three sets of the bound periodicals will be forwarded after they are bound by the NSS.
Fund the shipping costs of any or all books in the NSS collection housed at the Institute that the NSS requests in writing to be returned.
B. The Institute shall:
Work with the NSS to determine what part of the NSS collection will be loaned to the Institute.
Work with the NSS to determine a schedule for the transfer.
Fund the shipping of the NSS collection, as mutually defined, from Huntsville, Alabama, to Carlsbad, New Mexico.
Not move the NSS collection in the initial move from Huntsville, Alabama, or at any other time without approval of the NSS Board of Governors.
Fund tasks related to the shipping, cataloging, and maintaining the NSS collection as described in individual task orders to this agreement.
Provide professional cataloguing of the NSS collection resident at the Institute, including the addition of keywords to the current electronic card catalog.
Provide a secure physical environment for the NSS collection within the Institute Library.
Employ staff to manage and maintain the Institute library and the NSS collection housed at the Institute.
Provide clear identification of the NSS collection through the cataloguing system and physically on each book, monograph, or other component of the NSS collection.
Provide a separate area of the Institute library for the NSS collection.
Provide Internet and interlibrary connections to facilitate wide access to the Institute library and the NSS collection.
Enhance the off-site library search capability by making at least book indices (or when no index exists, the table of contents or chapter headings) word searchable on the Internet.
Digitally scan rare books or publications withheld from circulation so the information may be accessed over the Internet, if copyright permits. The NSS will determine whether any particular rare book or publication may be circulated, and the NSS’ determination of which parts of its collection are “rare” shall be final.
Protect proprietary or sensitive information, possibly by not accepting this type of information, but rather leaving proprietary or sensitive parts of the collection in the physical possession of the NSS. The Institute recognizes that caves are sensitive and easily damaged and that locations of individual caves must be treated as confidential, sensitive and proprietary information, and that the NSS, as a matter of its institutional policy, has for many years carefully restricted access to cave locations contained in its collection.
Not lend or circulate any publication in the NSS collection unless there are more than two copies. The first two copies of any work shall not be taken or sent outside the physical library.
Set and publish hours for access to the Institute library and the NSS collection.
Accept future transfers of mutually agreed upon material from the NSS (additional books and periodicals acquired by the NSS either through purchase or donation) and identify those books as part of the NSS collection.
Perform an annual inventory the books and provide a copy to the NSS
Report, in writing, within 14 days of discovery, any losses or damage to the NSS collection. The Institute shall pay the full amount of such loss or damage within 60 days of such report. Any disputes regarding damage shall be resolved through binding arbitration under the rules of the American Arbitration Society and not through litigation.
Replace or repair any books in the NSS collection lost or damaged while in the care of the Institute. Any disputes regarding damage shall be resolved through binding arbitration under the rules of the American Arbitration Society and not through litigation.
Return to the NSS any or all books in the NSS collection housed at the Institute upon written request. Expense and arrangements for return of books is the responsibility of the NSS.
C. Additional tasks may be defined under this agreement with the mutual written consent of the Institute and the NSS Board of Governors.
Reports and/or Deliverables
Starting 60 days after the receipt of the NSS collection at the Institute, and annually thereafter, the Institute shall provide the NSS an inventory of the NSS collection.
Within 14 days of discovery, the Institute shall report to the NSS any loss or damage to the NSS collection and specify how it shall be corrected.
With the original delivery and each subsequent delivery of materials from the NSS to the Institute, the NSS will provide an inventory of the contents of the delivery. Materials sent as new acquisitions from the NSS to the Institute will include the information for the library catalog entry.
Additional reporting requirements may be described in specific project plans as detailed in task orders to this agreement.