NSS Cave Management
Division
Cave and Karst Acquisition
Committee
Conservancies Committee
Contemporary Cave Use Study
Committee
NSS Cave Preserves Committee
NSS Conservation Division
Conservation Committee
Volunteer Value
Online Database
Discovering Caves
Brochure Series
Conservation Division Web site
Resource Preservation Committee
Geo-caching Committee
Conservation Grants Committee
Conservation Task Forces
Mammoth Cave Restoration
Committee
GIS/ESRI
Liaison to NSS Conservation
NSS Liaison
for The Nature Conservancy to NSS Conservation
Bat
Conservation Liaison
NSS Cave Vandalism
Deterrence Reward Commission
KEEP Update
NSS Education Division
Education Grants and
Scholarship Committee
Environmental
Education Committee
Safety and Techniques
Committee
Video Production Committee
Youth Groups Liaison
Committee
AGI
Environmental Science Textbook Ad-hoc Committee
Associated Projects
and Societies
National Cave Rescue
Commission
NSS Convention Division
Convention
Development Committee
2005 NSS Convention
2006 NSS Convention
Salons Committee
Congress of Grottos
JSS Report
Attachment A-1 – NSS Cave Preserve Detailed Reports
Feb. 5, 2005
Plans:
It has been a challenge to sit down and formulate plans while learning all the Division’s responsibilities contained with the AVP Department. As I have been communicating with the Division heads and Committee chairs, I believe that that this Department has become too diverse without a solid chain of accountability. I am reviewing positions and am in the process of creating a flow chart of position/ responsibilities/ accountability so that progress and returns to the Society can be measured. It is my hope that this Department can be streamlined and still accomplish our goals and mission without overloading our volunteer base.
Progress:
I have meet with the Conservation Division head and am reviewing with them the structure and responsibilities and goals within their division. Dialog has been started with the Education Division to do the same.
NCRC is meeting Feb. 11–12 to final plans to restructure their instructor certification/ re-certification curriculum. A final report to the Board is to be available by the March 5 meeting date.
Problems:
2005 Convention- waiting for final contract documents for review. Several positions to be filled.
Comments: While not without some minor stress, I am enjoying the challenges of the AVP position. I want to thank all who have helped in guidance, comments and constructive criticism.
Kim Metzgar, Chairman
Members: Lee Florea, David Taylor, Pat Kambesis, Philip Moss, and
Mark Lancaster.
Progress:
No requests as of this time
Plans:
Problems:
John M. Wilson, Chairman
Home email: john@wilsonj.org
Plans:
Conservancy papers at the NSS convention in 2005 will be
considered part of the Conservation and Restoration session.
The Eighth Annual Cave Conservancy Round-table will be held at
the 2005 NSS Convention. The NSS CCC meeting will also be held on
the same day.
Progress:
An article for the 2005 conservation issue of the NSS News was sent to the issue editor Val.
An article for the same issue of the News explained the relationship between the website of the Conservancies Committee, the Conservation and Management Section, and the Conservation Division.
New Round Table Meeting Day
The Committee suggests that the Cave Conservancies Round Table be held on Thursday for 2005 Convention. This may allow and encourage Board members to attend.
Link to NSS Cave Conservancies Website
It was agreed that all conservancies should place a prominent link to the NSS Cave Conservancies website and allow this site to serve as their link to other conservancies.
Problems:
None known
Garrett Czmor, NSS 22709(R)(FE), Chairman.
Committee funding under review at this time.
Gary Bush, Chairman
E-mail: gary@wgbush.com
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REPORT of the NSS NATURE PRESERVE COMMITTEE - JANUARY, 2005
===========================================================
I. GENERAL:
Reports were received from ten of the thirteen NSS Nature Preserves this period. The Preserve Managers reports I've received are attached, for the record. As is my custom, I've also summarized the status of each Preserve report in Section II of this report. Details can be obtained from the original reports. Overall, the properties continue to be in good condition.
In addition, I will be submitting my resignation as Chair of the NSS Preserves Committee at this Board Meeting. Although I continue to enjoy the position and feel I'm still effective, I also feel 10 years in the position is not healthy for the Committee. New insight and a fresh approach are probably long overdue. I remain available to maintain the duties, until the position can be advertised and a successor can be found, approved, and installed. I'll do my best to ease the transition. Similarly, I'm open to discussing other positions the Board may have a need to fill. I'm not quitting, just trying to invigorate the system.
1) PROGRESS:
Most of the Preserves have reported below normal activity this fall. Winter has slowed almost all activity. Updates to the older management plans are going slower than expected (by me, that is). A bat count was completed at the Potter Unit Preserve over Christmas. The landowner relationship at Barton Hill, with Neil Baumann, seems to have improved since he dropped the lawsuit. A survey of the Preserve Managers was conducted for the AVP, concerning access relationships at their properties.
2) PLANS:
Gate repairs at McFails are still planned, if skilled help can be arranged. A new gate is also planned for Blue Moon Cave at the Potter Unit Preserve. Maintenance projects are underway or planned at McFails, Barton Hill, Schoharie Caverns, Mill Creek Sink, Tytoona, Wells, Great-X, and Potter Unit.
3) PROBLEMS:
The problems reported at Tytoona Cave Preserve, where there was serious flooding due to the remnants of Hurricane Ivan, were determined to be less severe than thought originally. A county road bridge on the normal access to the Preserve, destroyed during the flooding, has now been replaced. Vandalism to the signage at Barton Hill has apparently stopped, as has the ATV incursions onto the property. But, there may be impending tree disease there to the Hemlocks on the property.
There has been a very strained relationship between the Board and the Preserve Managers this past year, despite my efforts to smooth over some rough spots. I sincerely hope that can be rectified in the coming year. Our Managers and their local support staff are all very dedicated volunteers and should be afforded more appreciation for the voluminous effort they expend to keep our properties in good order. The Board must understand that the Society cannot manage the properties remotely from Huntsville or any other single location. The Managers and their helpers are truly "where the rubber meets the road". They understand the issues there better than the rest of us. Enough said.
II. PROPERTY STATUS: (Listed in Order of Acquisition)
* McFails Cave Nature Preserve (NY): The cave is closed for the winter. No pending work has yet been completed. Several trees are down and will be removed this Spring.
* Shelta Cave Nature Preserve (AL): (No Report received this period)
* John Guilday Cave and Nature Preserve (WV): The annual Conservacation was successful. A digging project continues. All's well at the Preserve.
* Kingston Saltpeter Cave Nature Preserve (GA): All is well at the Preserve. Two special trips were guided this past Summer. A research photo trip and the annual teacher's trip for the Weinman Mineral Museum. The bat population appeared to be down last summer.
* Barton Hill Nature Preserve (NY): All's quiet at the Preserve this winter. The ATV incursion problem has dropped off. Maintenance projects are planned for the spring. A tree disease is affecting Hemlocks in the area. It hasn't hit the Preserve yet, but it probably will soon.
* Warrens Cave Nature Preserve (FL): (No Report received this period)
* Donald R. Russell Nature Preserve (OK): (No Report received this period)
* Schoharie Caverns Nature Preserve (NY): Winter has just about shut down the Preserve. A few walk to the cave. Spring will bring an upgrade to the driveway.
* Mill Creek Sink Nature Preserve (FL): Diving has been limited this quarter due to poor visibility. The management committee has met recently to plan upcoming maintenance projects. The NSS-CDS has allocated funds to pay for these repairs. They are also monitoring impending construction across highway 441 from the Sink for any impact on water quality.
* Tytoona Cave Nature Preserve (PA): Additional trips to the property have shown the damage from storm Ivan has been minimal. The washed-out road bridge leading to the property has now been replaced, but was responsible for the low visitation this past fall. Many maintenance work projects are scheduled after the weather breaks this spring. Recent donations were sent to the NSS Office for the property. The Preserve is in good condition.
* Wells Cave Nature Preserve (KY): There has been low activity at the Preserve, but all is well there. Work projects are planned for the spring. The Greater Cincinnati Grotto is funding some of the projects.
* GreatX Cave Nature Preserve (WY): No activity now at the Preserve, due to the Winter conditions. Work project are planned for the spring. The Preserve Manager is upset by recent Board actions concerning the Preserve, without consulting or involving him.
* Potter Unit Nature Preserve (OK): Activity at the Preserve was down during hunting season. Work projects are now planned to begin shortly. The local Fish & Wildlife Commission conducted their annual bat count at the Preserve over Christmas. The bat population was down about 10%. As it was warmer than normal, there's no concern yet. The previous landowner has requested a lock change on the road gate, as too many keys had been made for the current one. All's well there.
Respectfully Submitted, January 28, 2005,
Spring 2005 Report
Jim C. Werker & Val Hildreth-Werker, Division Chiefs
Vision for the NSS Conservation Division: Heighten awareness of the importance of cave and karst conservation. Develop strategies to serve a greater diversity of audiences throughout the U.S.
Mission:
Develop programs to strengthen public knowledge about the benefits of cave and karst protection. Promote common knowledge about protecting karst systems and ground water quality. Advance general understanding and appreciation of cave ecosystems. Partner with other cave and conservation organizations/agencies/associations/institutes that provide cave and karst outreach programs to landowners, land managing agencies, show cave interpreters, educators, and the public. Develop cooperative programs, distribute information, and network projects to promote awareness and conservation of karst terrains, cave ecosystems, the perpetuation of speleological processes, and the protection of spelean resources and values. Strengthen and extend common knowledge among cavers on cave/karst protection, conservation, and ethics.
Jim C. Werker & Val Hildreth-Werker, Co-Chairmen werks@zianet.com
Jim and Val serve on various national and international committees. Maintain contact with federal agencies. Coordinate communications among members of the Conservation Committee. Define conservation goals. Initiate programs. Network people and expertise. Delegate conservation responsibilities. See that conservation questions directed to the NSS do receive answers. Serve as conservation editors for the NSS News. Represent the NSS in answering the frequent media inquiries from radio and print journalists. We also conduct workshops on cave/karst conservation and restoration/repair throughout the country. An NSS manual on cave conservation, restoration, and speleothem repair titled Cave Conservation & Restoration, edited by Val and Jim, is scheduled for press in 2005.
NSS News—Calls for the NSS News 2005 Conservation Issue were submitted on schedule and is the March issue. We thank the authors for their fine contributions to this 2005 NSS News Conservation Issue. They offer the NSS readership inspiring tidbits—a quote from an 1857 newspaper disparaging the practice of marring cave passages with graffiti—a Conservation Task Force article describing why cavers put forth so much volunteer effort—a new award structure for the NSS Group Conservation Awards—caves added to the federal significant cave nomination list—archeo-savvy tips for cavers—tens of thousands of dollars in Volunteer Value—a year jam-packed with beneficial conservation activities—insight on the art and science of cave restoration—history of the Cave Conservancy Movement—revitalization and redirection for a Cave Conservancy—the discovery of an obsidian thrusting spear tip—cave, karst, and groundwater education prototypes—a full Conservation schedule slated for the 2005 NSS Convention in Huntsville, Alabama—and details on the new NSS Conservation Membership. Book—The manuscript of Cave Conservation and Restoration, featuring peer-reviewed contributions from more than 40 authors and edited by Val Hildreth-Werker and Jim C. Werker, is in the final stages of correcting layout and the book is slated for press during 2005. See NSS Special Publications Committee Report from Tom Rea.
Convention—Conservation plans for the 2005 Huntsville Convention include the traditional Restoration Forum and Conservation/Management Session. Papers addressing any aspect of cave conservation, management, or Conservancies will be accepted. Abstracts are due to us by April 20, 2005. Send abstracts to: werks@zianet.com
NSS conservation activities will be scheduled throughout the week of Convention. The Southeastern Regional Association Karst Task Force (SKTF) is sponsoring three in-cave, hands-on workshops during the Huntsville Convention × Speleothem Repair Workshop × Graffiti Removal Workshop × Sinkhole Haul-out System Workshop. Workshops will be scheduled at sites near Huntsville. Contact is Jim Wilbanks, SKTF Chairman: jimgail69@earthlink.net
Convention Staff and Others: Please note the difference between Conservation and Conservancy activities during Convention. These two words are easily confused. We want to avoid scheduling/wording faux pas.
Seminars & Workshops—Restoration and Lint Camp Colossal Cave, Arizona, Scheduled Photo monitoring Workshop in Texas April, Lincoln National Forest and Guadalupe District, Wildcat Cave Management Protocol in Kaibab, Black Range District of Gila, Heritage Ranch, Ladder Ranch, Journada del Muerto Caves Bat Programs
Availability of Bat Gate Design Manual
The definitive gating manual for designing and constructing bat friendly closure options is available through the NSS Bookstore for $18. Based on a special Bat Gate Design Technical Interactive Forum held in 2002 in Austin, Texas, the book details state-of-the-art techniques for protecting caves and underground mines. Many of the authors are NSS members. Older gating manuals should be used for historical reference only.
Bern Szukalski, Co-Coordinator bszukalski@esri.com
Jennifer Foote, Co-Coordinator bigredfoote@yahoo.com; Jennifer.Foote@Merrick.com
Mark Lankford, Co-Coordinator mark.lankford@mci.com
Cavers give significantly to the protection, exploration, scientific investigation, conservation, and preservation of cave and karst resources. The volunteer value database will create a single location to collect and document volunteer value throughout the NSS. Volunteer value statistics can be used by public and private landowners to augment resource management and by cavers in grant application processes, cave management proposals, and karst protection battles. Volunteer Value forms and information will continue to be available on the NSS Conservation Division website.
Plans:
Phase 1 - Determine the needs and requirements.
Phase 2 - Implement online Volunteer Value Input Form on NSS Web
Site
Phase 3 - Publish static reports on website
Phase 4 - Possible interactive online mapping/GIS component to
retrieve data
Progress:
We have completed Phase 1, determining data fields and contacting NSS IT to explore software and compatibility issues. We are now beginning Phase 2, and we have started work on a mock-up database. Once it is tested, we can develop the web interface and get it on the Conservation website. Depending on web development issues, it may be up by Convention.
Problems:
Getting the web development done is the next block. Could be issues with web developer skills and with NSS server space access.
Cheryl Jones, Coordinator cs.jones@verizon.net
Mike Dale, Graphic Design miked@backpacker.com
Plans:
- Explore possibility of producing a new title in the Discovering Caves series, pending funding in FY04-05.
- Work with the NSS Grants Committee to obtain outside funding to produce NSS brochures, when the Committee is able to proceed.
John M. Wilson, Coordinator
wilsonjml@msn.com
John Wilson is serving as the Conservation Web site Coordinator and is updating and coordinating several cave conservation sites. Please send any updates or notices to John wilsonjml@msn.com and copy the Werkers werks@zianet.com
Albert A. Krause, Chairman
NSS Conservation Grants
1721 SW 76th Terrace, Gainesville, FL 32607-3418 res.
352-332-2276 ofc. 352-392-7396 fax
352-392-3044 aakrause@ufl.edu
PLANS:
No change. NSS website, Members Manual, the NSS News Conservation issue, and the Conservation and Management Section provide extensive coverage on the Conservation Grants Program.
PROGRESS:
No grant applications have been received or are known to be pending for the current fiscal year. A balance of $3,000.00 remains in the grant fund.
PROBLEMS:
None as such -- there appears to be an appreciable decline in the current number of active conservation-related research and educational/public-awareness projects being undertaken. This is an area that historically waxes and wanes.
REMARKS:
This program has historically been under-utilized and overlaps in subject matter with several other NSS grant and "Save-the-Caves" programs. It may well be time to consider revisions of the Conservation Grant Guidelines to better meet the needs of the membership and the objectives of the NSS.
The current Conservation Grants Program is the result of the combination of two formerly separate programs – one for Conservation Research and the second for Conservation programs. The melding was performed by the Board to provide more flexibility for funding Conservation initiatives by blending the two programs and budgets into a single account. Based on precedent, the resultant program provides funding for cave/karst conservation-related research and outreach programs of potentially broad impact. Generally, grants are competitively awarded to eligible applicants based on project merit and available funding. Preference is given to graduate research theses and dissertations of merit, followed by other academic research, followed by conservation-oriented educational programs of broad impact. Cave-specific projects, like clean-outs, gates, land improvements, etc. which constructively serve as capital improvements to real estate are NOT eligible for assistance under the Conservation Grants Program.
Pease note: There is an application for a Grant in process- Per AVP.
David L. Joaquim, Chairman
8120 E. Mitchell Dr.
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
480-970-8186
caveconservation@hotmail.com
Hazel A. Barton-Olsen (Chairman)
Amy Bern (Committee member)
Larry Flemming (Committee member)
Bob Hall (Committee member)
No report submitted.
David H. Jagnow, Coordinator
djagnow@cybermesa.com
NSS Conservation Task Forces are created to focus on local and regional level conservation issues. The Conservation Task Force (CTF) Coordinator, Dave Jagnow, stands ready to lend assistance with advice and networking to any group of conservation-oriented cavers who care about protecting the future of cave and karst resources. CTFs may be formed to address any cave or karst concern on public or private property. Whether a single cave or an entire region, a situation requiring secrecy or publicity—if you are involved in cave and/or karst conservation projects, your work may benefit from CTF designation.
We welcome two existing groups who have been actively pursuing restoration projects for several years applied for and have been designated as Conservation Task Forces (CTF).
Southeastern Regional Association Karst Task Force (SKTF) – Contact: jimgail69@earthlink.net
High Guads Restoration CTF – Contact: bigredfoote@yahoo.com and/or Jennifer.Foote@Merrick.com
Updates from all CTFs are forthcoming in future reports.
Roy Vanhoozer RVanhoo@aol.com
Rick Williams, Treasurer
Short-Term Goals
The demolition of the Echo River Bridge remains our primary project and goal. Only 125 feet of the original 1300 feet of bridge is still standing. Flooded cave passages caused by frequent rains have precluded work on this project.
Long-Term Goals
Remove approximately 1.5 miles of lighting fixtures, wiring, and switchboxes from unused tourist trail in the Silliman and El Ghor passages.
Project Updates
Frequent flooding has diverted work from our primary project (the Echo River bridge) to other tasks. As a result, in 2004 the Restoration Camp made significant strides in its long-term goal of removing the wiring and lighting from The El Ghor passage. Over a mile of wire and lights has now been removed from the passage, returning it to a more natural state.
Attendance at the weekend camps has noticeably increased. The January and November 2004 camps had over 90 volunteers each.
Tentative plans are being made to have a ceremony at the August weeklong camp to commemorate the successful and total demolition of the Echo River bridge.
Problems
Inclement weather continues to be the most significant problem.
Jay Jorden, Chairman
jjorden@texoma.net
Current commission members: Gale Beach <raybeach@earthlink.net>; Thomas Rea <tomrea@ccrtc.com>; John Wilson <JohnW@LewisGinter.org>; Aaron Atz <atz@netpointe.com>; Thomas Lera <frontier2@erols.com>
Progress:
In the months since the last report, the commission has continued to work with various groups in fighting cave vandalism and promoting the deterrence reward system. Members helped contact operators of the auction site eBay to remind them of their commitment to uphold U.S. cave protection laws after more speleothems were posted for sale. In the past, we have contacted eBay’s general counsel in California and urged that items be removed from the site; such action was later taken. Regarding rewards, the latest action involving an anonymous tipster through a Missouri crime stoppers’ program is publicized in a press release that’s posted on the Public Relations page on the NSS Web site. News services and other media have picked up the information.
Plans:
Commission members will continue to review all successful prosecutions of cave vandals with an eye toward publicizing the Society's conservation objectives and rewarding diligence on the part of those individuals who work in furtherance of those goals. Other means of publicizing the commission's activities are also envisioned. The commission chair also plans to continue contributing to the NSS Conservation Division’s publication efforts.
Activity and Networking Updates These updates are included to facilitate networking and improved exchange of information between the NSS Conservation Division and conservation-focused agencies and organizations with national or regional scope.
Jim "Crash" Kennedy
Cave Resources Specialist, Bat Conservation International
jkennedy@batcon.org
Updates are submitted periodically.
Bern Szukalski
bszukalski@esri.com
Periodic updates are submitted.
Heather Garland
hgarland@tnc.org
Periodic updates are submitted.
Hilary Lambert
Hilary@KWAlliance.org
This is a brief report on karst conservation activities in Kentucky as carried out by KEEP (Karst Environmental Education & Protection), KICK 66, KY Heartwood, Kentucky Waterways Alliance, and the Cumberland Chapter of the Sierra Club. Go to www.stoptranspark.org and www.kick66.org for more information.
These groups are involved in karst and cave protection issues related to the proposed new coast to coast Interstate 66 that would cross much of Kentucky’s pristine caves and karst and rural waterways and national forest areas; the proposed TriModal Transpark situated between Bowling Green and Mammoth Cave National Park; and the proposed Thoroughbred Power Plant which if built would be upwind of Mammoth Cave National Park.
I-66 and the Transpark
Introduction: I-66 as DC Evacuation Route
Interstate I-66 if completed would be a new coast-to-coast interstate highway (it is one of many new highways proposed for funding in the as-yet unapproved $295 billion transportation bill languishing in Congress). I-66’s first – very heavily disputed – short segment has been built west from the D.C. Beltway and is being sold as a Homeland Security "Evacuation Route." Republican Congressman Hal Rogers, whose district includes southern and eastern Kentucky, very much wants to have the second segment built in his district, and he has the appropriations power to move this project forward. (Note: segmenting a project is illegal under NEPA.)
Somerset to London Segment
However this proposed second segment would traverse an area of Kentucky between London and Somerset that presently is served with four-lane, under-used excellent Highway 80, and is full of caves and karst, historic and pre-historic places. The draft EIS will be available early this summer for review. Dr. Jerry Lewis has been doing the cave biota work and has found a number of unusual and new cave species; and NSS members Jim Currens and Randy Paylor of the Kentucky Geological Survey are doing dye trace studies along the route, although that information will be completed too late to be included in the draft EIS.
KICK 66 and the Sierra Club and several individuals are Consulting Parties for the Historic Properties section of this work, and a Citizens Advisory Committee is kept very busy with meetings to discuss which of the proposed spaghetti of routes should be chosen. However KICK 66 and the Sierra Club along with other organizations such as KEEP and KY Heartwood (a national forests advocacy group) and a growing number of local citizens advocate the NO BUILD option: I-66 is unnecessary and destructive of caves, karst, water quality, forests, farms, funds, and families, and should not be constructed. KICK 66 is also looking into a proposed Somerset/London-area Transpark bankrolled by Hal Rogers that is in the EA process at present.
NSS member Mark Turner is a great advocate and dogged questioner of faulty Transportation Cabinet actions and policies. Also, NSS members Larry Simpson, Lee Florea, Chris Johns, Ralph Ewers, and others are working in cooperation with The Nature Conservancy and the NSS to obtain protection for the Sinking Valley drainage (a documentary video is under preparation) and its many caves and extensive, unexplored karst drainages. Thanks to the NSS for its support of Wells Cave.
KICK 66 has taken part in several national campaigns focused on this proposed highway and its wastefulness (Taxpayers for Common Sense; the Sierra Club’s list of Ten Worst Transportation Projects; an NRDC study of so-called ‘streamlining’ of environmental projects) – details supplied on request. KICK 66 also has a companion organization, Nix I-66, with whom it is working in southern Illinois.
E KY Segment, KY-MO Segment, and the Bowling Green/Mammoth Cave Area Segment: Tied to the Transpark
Other I-66 segments are in varying stages of planning across Kentucky – the easternmost segment from W VA to Pikeville KY is waiting for construction funding. The westernmost segment from KY to MO has been put on hold while I-69 (that would be built from IL southwards and has its own karst problems – ask Phil Moss) is studied.
The segment that would impact Mammoth Cave National Park has apparently moved through the planning process in a stealthy fashion that seems to defy the law and NEPA. Although KEEP and KICK 66 understood that the Transportation Cabinet had paused at the point of determining which of the spaghetti of proposed routes would be chosen, a long-range transportation planning map issued by the local development district shows the final I-66 route on the map with interchanges in place, and ties it directly to a proposed Connector from I-65 through the proposed Transpark to 31W on the east side of Bowling Green.
Dr. Jerry Lewis has been tasked with looking for the KY Cave Shrimp (federally endangered) in the Connector road corridor. KEEP assisted Jerry in finding suitable sampling locations but has since learned that he has been contracted to NOT look in the larger Graham Springs drainage, and hence will not be helping him any further.
The Transpark, a proposed 6000 acre ‘smart growth’ monstrosity to be built on Crawford-certified ‘safe karst’ and to include heavy industry, a new airport with flight routes over Mammoth Cave National Park, a trucking node, and a rail node, continues to move forward with no EIS in sight. A major automotive factory building has recently been completed, built over sinkholes and the subterranean rivers of the downstream Graham Springs basin -- with many locally reported collapses that are not made public. A set of internal roadways is under construction to serve the Transpark. A new improved water line is in the planning stages. A water tower has been built on a knob.
There have been at least ten problematic karst collapses in the internal roadways construction zone over the past few months according to one astute local resident, including one cave and shaft complex that attracted the interest of Mammoth Cave National Park (why, we wonder, if there is no hydrologic connection between the Graham Springs Basin and Turnhole Springs Basin, as maintained by Dr. Crawford and others?). At most recent report (1/30/05), this cave and shaft complex was 2200 feet in length and 70 feet deep; it has been surveyed by Patricia Kambesis. KEEP is trying to find out more about this situation but seems to be locked out of this, as well as with its struggles to obtain an EIS for the mega-Transpark, which continues to accept yet simultaneously deny the presence of Federal funding. Legal challenges to the rezoning of farmland for the Transpark continue but have no traction whatsoever.
KEEP is now incorporated with a Board of Directors consisting of Thomas Barr, Leslie Barras, John Blubaugh, Roger Brucker, Hilary Lambert, and Tom Poulson. KEEP is commenting on other projects locally including proposed cell towers for Mammoth Cave National Park. KEEP will also be working on fundraising and organizational development during 2005 with the assistance of Kentucky Waterways Alliance.
Thoroughbred Power Plant
Thoroughbred is the grossly mis-named proposed mega-coal fired power plant that would be built in Muhlenberg County near the notorious Paradise Plant ("Oh daddy, won’t you take me back to Muhlenberg County…" sang John Prine) built by the Peabody Coal Company. Over the past two years, the Cumberland (KY) Chapter of the Sierra Club has mounted a legal challenge to the state-issued air permit for this plant, maintaining that they were not even trying to use the latest equipment and that their proposed emissions levels were way too high for an area that already has air quality impairment problems. NSS members Roger W. Brucker and Hilary Lambert are citizen plaintiffs in this case, along with Sierra Club member Leslie Barras.
Mammoth Cave National Park, downwind of this proposed behemoth, is listed as among the worst national parks in the nation for air quality. There was some political subterfuge in D.C. to get the Park to back down from saying that the project would have any adverse effects on air quality.
Peabody Coal fought back and the result has been a two-year very costly fight for the Kentucky Sierra Club chapter that is now under consideration by the hearing officer. Mammoth Cave NP personnel were required to testify under oath as to the potential ill effects of bioaccumulation and other adverse processes on Mammoth surface and subterranean resources and water quality. Drs. Chris Groves and Thomas Poulson also provided testimony.
The state-issued water permit for Thoroughbred has also been challenged by Kentucky Waterways Alliance, due to the impacts that the removal and use of water would have on the Green River, one of the fluvial jewels of our nation. This challenge moves forward slowly. Other air quality challenges are being developed in western Kentucky and include participation by other cavers. Even if Thoroughbred is stopped from proceeding or agrees to clean up its act in order to proceed, this is just the tip of the iceberg of some 24 proposed new coal-fired power plants in the works for Kentucky.
Spring 2005
Amy M. Bern, Division Chief
Progress:
AGI Earth Science Week
I received 50 ESW packets from AGI. Over half of them have been distributed. The NSS used sinkholes in a cup as their contribution to the activity book.
I attended the AGI ESW planning meeting at the Annual Geological Society of America Meeting on Nov. 8. The theme for the next ESW in 2005 will most likely involve the collaboration of earth science with other sciences, focusing on the earth science aspects. Topics may include geomicrobiology, biogeochemistry, geophysics, medical geology, and others.
AGI Textbook Update
I attempted to attend the AGI Environmental Science Textbook Committee meeting in Denver, however the meeting was actually for the final comments on a college non-major textbook. I will attempt to keep everyone informed of developments on the middle school textbook as information is sent to me.
Collaboration with the Geological Society of America (GSA)
The Education Division is working with GSA on an educational CD-ROM on caves and karst. Gary Lewis, Director of Education and Outreach, is spearheading the project, which will put a CD in circulation by September 2005. Gary has put together other cave and karst educational materials in Australia, where he lives. The CD is intended for teachers and for commercial cave owners wishing to train their guides or for others providing programs to schools. The NSS logo will be presented on the cover and the NSS will receive $1 for each CD sold. This revenue will be placed into the Cave Education Fund to help fund future educational efforts.
A request for images for the CD has been put on the NSS Discussion Board. I have already heard from people willing to provide images for the project.
Dr. Ronald James, who runs a youth camp for diabetes patients in Columbia, MO, contacted me about certification programs for caving for youth groups. I provided some information to him and also directed him to Pat Bingham for further information.
Colorado Cave and Karst Education Initiative
Requests are slowing down, but the initiative is still active. We have had one presentation to a gifted classroom in Denver since the fall report.
Plans:
Education Poster Session at the NSS Convention
I would like to begin having a poster session at NSS Conventions focusing on educational activities. It would include any type of education that falls into one of the Education Division’s committees. I will contact the Convention staff to see if this can happen this year.
Dinosaur Discovery Days
I have been asked to give three workshops on caves and karst at the Dinosaur Ridge National Historic Site, Morrison, CO the weekend of October 1. The Association for Women Geoscientists (AWG) is sponsoring the event.
GSA CD-ROM
Place the request for images on various caver list servers. I also plan to contact Colin Gatland and Cady Soukup for photos from past year’s photo salons (to use images with permission from the photographers). We have a deadline of March 1 to collect images.
I have received a rough draft of some of the CD content and am looking to form an ad-hoc committee to review the CD.
I need to look into how the NSS can distribute the CDs. I would like to do this through the NSS Bookstore and still have the money allocated appropriately.
Safety and Techniques Chairman
Anmar Mirza has resigned as Safety and Techniques Chairman, effective as soon as a replacement can be found (see Safety and Techniques Committee Report below). I have sent an advertisement for a new chair to the NSS News, which will be printed in the April issue. A new chair will be chosen for consideration at the 2005 Convention Board of Governors Meeting.
Video Production Committee
I recommend the dissolution of the AV Production Committee (Act 97-491). The purpose, as defined in Act 97-491 are covered by the Audio-Visual Aids Committee (Act 97-396), the Video Committee (Act 97-473), and the Public Relations Committee (Act 86-361). The Education Division will contact the A-V Committee or the Video Committee when it needs educational media and video resources.
Problems:
This is not particularly a problem, but an item of note. I would like to have a copy of the records of the activity of the Cave Education Fund for the past two fiscal years. This will be used to plan the allocations for use of the funds for FY 05/06.
Committee Reports
Education Grants and Scholarship Committee
Paula Grgich-Warke (Chairman)
Progress
Project Underground was awarded $2,000.00 to complete printing of a book to be distributed to participants. To date an article has not been received from Carol Zokaites for publication in the NSS News. A reminder has been sent.
An article submitted to the NSS News regarding a one-time surplus of budget requesting applicants for grants has not yet appeared in the News. I am currently looking into this, and resending the article for publication. It is hoped that the transferred balance will be carried over to next year’s budget.
Plans
To date funding to support Project Underground has not yet been located. The search for a source or sources continues. Several organizations have been located that may be appropriate as a funding source for this very important endeavor. I will be initiating a dialogue with Carol Zokaites to assist her in applying to these organizations on behalf of Project Underground.
A number of appropriate grant sites and information links have been located. Pending approval and update by the web master, this information will be added and the web page once again reformatted. This has been a goal of the last quarterly report, and has yet to date come to fruition. It is hoped that this information can be updated appropriately, as Web communication is one of the most vital links to our organization. Additionally, an electronic submission contact has not been added to the application page, making initial access difficult. I will request that my personal email address be added to this page until an assigned contact email address can be provided.
To date the committee has remained on target with 2004 goals. The two primary goals for 2005 continue to be improvements to the web page, with significant information directing individuals to various grant sites, as well as assisting PU in finding a primary funding source.
Barbara L. Moss (Chairman)
Plans:
Web Page: Continue to update links as they come in http://www.caves.org/committee/education/learn_more_about_caves.htm
Updating Earth Science Week web link by providing links to Virginia Cave Board site at http://www.dcr.state.va.us/dnh/cavewk2004.htm
Collecting "water" theme photos for Earth Science Week poster
Progress:
No new photos to share with educators: [Photo Resource Information on website on how to make pictures of caves, karst, and groundwater on WebShots http://www.webshots.com/homepage.html ]
"Cave, Karst, and Groundwater" Yahoo Discussion Group Membership increasing; posting files, links, and pictures
Problems:
No problems at this time.
Anmar Mirza (Chairman)
Due to excessive travel this last six months and putting in a ton of work to get the new NCRC training manual ready, I have not done any significant work as STC chairman. I do plan to resume writing regular articles for the News to promote safety and training and to work to make the web pages more user-friendly.
I would also like to take this opportunity to offer my resignation effective either by Convention 2006 or when a new committee chairman can be found. I have given this much consideration and I feel this is best as at this juncture I do not feel as I have the personal time to give to the position what it needs. Until such time as a new STC chairman can be found I will try my best to keep up with the job, but I am not planning on undertaking any new projects with it.
Roberta K. Serface (Chairman)
No activity with this committee.
Pat Bingham (Chairman)
Progress
The members of the Committee are currently working on:
Creating a program cavers can use to teach caving ethics, conservation, and skills to youth groups and their leaders.
Cave Safely, Cave Softly is a proposed caving course for use by cavers for all youth groups. This is based on a caving course given to a local BSA troop that was created by Charles Acklin and Timpanogos Grotto. The conservation part of the series of meetings can be used by schools and youth groups that want to learn about cave conservation and perhaps go into a commercial cave, but don't necessarily want to go wild caving. The next step is to create a PowerPoint show that may be downloaded directly from the NSS website.
Creating a Cave Rating system
Charles Acklin is creating a cave rating system that may assist cavers and youth group leaders in determining if a cave is appropriate for various skills levels of youth groups.
Assisting Boy's Life, the Boy Scouts of America magazine, to write an article discussing flashlights and headlamps.
Promoting discussions about youth group caving on the NSS Discussion Board.
Creating a "Frequently Asked Questions" web page about youth group caving.
Plans
Develop a general waiver for cavers to use with youth groups.
This waiver will be available on the youth group’s web pages. No progress on this yet, though a post on the NSS discussion board has led to several e-mails asking for such a waiver. Developing a waiver is now a priority.
Create a national network of regional youth group coordinators.
These coordinators will act as a liaison between youth groups who want to go caving and grottos that are willing to take them caving. The regional coordinators will direct educational activities for youth group leaders and organizations. I am currently looking for someone to head up this program, as I do not have the time to develop it.
Create a national youth cave leader certification program that can be directed by youth organizations and taught by experienced cavers. The certification would be granted in the name of the national youth organization. A person new to caving could become certified as a cave leader within one year. Each leader would have to learn, under the guidance of experienced cavers, a cave before leading his youth group through that specific cave.
Problems
Several committee members have decided to leave the committee as time constraints and other commitments do not allow them to be active contributors to the committee. The NSS owes them a big thank you for their past service and commitment to the Youth Groups Liaison Committee. I am currently looking for NSS members who have the time and commitment to be active contributors to the committee goals.
See Education Division Chief Report above.
Indiana Karst Conservancy Education and Outreach Report
Kriste Lindberg
Chairman, Education and Outreach Committee
Lindberg is employed as an Education Specialist for the City of Bloomington in the Parks and Recreation and Utilities departments. She has accepted the position of Chairman of the City’s Environmental Commission for 2005. This is a productive blend to help get the word out on our mission to others, including agencies, businesses, and the general public. She has also brought various City service-learning projects together to help form the Citizen Scientist program (www.bloomington.in.gov).
Adopt-A-Trail. Trail restoration workshops are provided in the spring and fall for groups and on an individual basis. 12 more groups joined our ranks!
Hoosier Riverwatch. Two workshops were provided for citizens. A newspaper article entitled "Watching the Waters" included an interview with Lindberg and appeared in a local newspaper. Bryan Park has a stream that is in the process of being naturalized.
Storm Drain Marking Program. Many more neighborhoods have been "marked." A workshop, "Storm Sewer Secrets," was given at Bloomington’s WonderLab Museum and a televised PowerPoint presentation was made to Bloomington’s City Council.
Project Underground Workshops were given at the Hoosier Heartland Resource Conservation and Development spring camp for educators, Camp Gallahue, and the annual Environmental Education Association of Indiana conference. Lindberg is working with WonderLab on one of the activities, Barefoot Cave, for which a local building supplier, Bender Lumber, donated materials. IKC also sponsored a program on bats given at WonderLab and presented by a caver, Laura Hohman.
Lindberg attended the state’s Service-Learning Conference.
The City and Monroe County worked together to present a forum on what the public can do to help improve stormwater quality. It was well received, and broadcast on local television.
Lindberg and the City’s environmental planner attended a workshop on using native plants in development. JF New, a company that specializes in native plant restoration, hosted it.
Lindberg and Anmar Mirza were interviewed by a television station regarding cave safety and ways in which to protect caves including responsible land use for one of their educational news programs.
The IKC is investigating the possibility of doing a video on karst biota as related to land use issues. IKC Director, Don Ingle, is working with producer David McGowan to coordinate this important and timely educational piece.
Educational adventures field trips were given at Leonard Springs Nature Park, the Lost River Cave System, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and Hoosier National Forest, and for the Midwest Ground Water Conference Field Trip. For more on this field trip, go to http://igs.indiana.edu/survey/news/event.cfm?EventNum=3.
IKC Director Don Ingle represented us at TNC’s "Spring Fling," which showcases partnerships between the two agencies and others.
There is a proposed new-terrain, highway scheduled for the area - I-69. Lindberg has been working with researchers who are studying karst concerns. She has been asked to join the project’s Community Advisory Committee (CAC) as a representative of the IKC. For more details, see the IKC Update, December 2004, Number 75.
Lindberg has presented "Agencies as partners in karst protection – How to" at the National Cave Conservation Forum in West Virginia, Indiana Cave Symposium, Bloomington Environmental Commission, a US Fish & Wildlife Service regional conference at a state park in southern Indiana, NSS Con 2004 in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and for a School of Public and Environmental Affairs class on land management at Indiana University. Lindberg also gave the presentation at a career talk for high school students hosted by Bloomington North High School.
John Punches (National Coordinator)
633 West Hazel St.
Roseburg, OR 97470
Home: 541-957-5461
Work: 541-672-4461
e-mail: national@ncrc.info
NCRC Web site: ncrc.info
Board Of Regional Coordinators (BORC)
Doug Moore (Eastern Region Coordinator)
David Ashburn (Training Coordinator)
Mark Bowers (Western Region Coordinator)
Bob Rodgers (Southwestern Region Coordinator)
Sam Chewning, MD (Medical Coordinator)
John Evans (Northeast Region Coordinator)
Marc Ohms (Rocky Mountain Region Coordinator)
Tim Comer (South Central Region Coordinator)
Anmar Mirza (Central Region Coordinator)
Ken Hill (Cave Diving Coordinator)
Efrain Mercado Vasquez (Caribbean Region Coordinator)
Tim White (Southeastern Region Coordinator)
John Punches (Pacific Northwest Region Coordinator)
Staff
Harold Chrimes (Equipment Manager)
Tricia Daugherty (Database Manager)
Andy Franklin (NCRC Discussion and Administrative List Manager)
Rebecca Jones (Education Board Member)
Berta Kirchman (Financial Officer)
James Hall (Archives Officer)
Steve Hudson (Education Board Member)
Monty Strange (Education Board Member)
Susan Thrasher (Assistant to the National Coordinator)
Marc Tiritilli (Education Board Member/Curriculum Coordinator)
Kathy Welling (Recording Secretary)
Progress:
A major curriculum revision project has been underway and is making excellent progress.
A weeklong, regional cave rescue seminar was held in California in October.
A curriculum update meeting was held in November in San Juan, Puerto Rico, for instructors in that geographic region.
The next draft of our NCRC textbook is nearing completion.
Plans:
The next NCRC Board of Regional Coordinators meeting will be held February 11-12, 2005, in Walker County Georgia. A major topic of discussion will be instructor training, certification, and re-certification policies.
The NCRC 2005 National Cave Rescue Seminar is being planned for Alabama, June 25 – July 2. Most of the arrangements have been completed, a brochure has been prepared, the budget has been submitted for NSS review, and the seminar website is active.
The 2006 NCRC National Cave Rescue Seminar is being planned for Puerto Rico.
A regional weeklong seminar is being planned by the Eastern Region (fall 2005).
Orientations to Cave Rescue are being planned/considered by several regions
Problems:
We’re still looking for insurance. We’ve been successful in purchasing event policies for individual seminars, but not in securing an ongoing policy.
Carol Tiderman
Carol Tiderman, Chairman
Progress:
Communicating with the 2005, 2006 & 2007 groups. Checking on their progress and passing along new information, filling requests for data, history and other materials and answering any questions
Plans:
Attend convention committee planning meetings (any year's) whenever possible
Continue working with confirmed groups
Continue working with the Gainesville group planning to submit a bid for 2008
Continue to solicit new host groups.
Problems:
None at this time that the AVP is not involved with.
NSS 2005 Convention- State of Affairs January 26,2005
We have the VBCC Concert Hall and the South Hall reserved and deposit has been made.
We are still working on the Space and Rocket Center, it is cheaper to have a hamburger cook out than have snacks served, so we will go with Hamburgers, vegeburgers for the grass eaters.
The Campground is reserved and deposit has been paid.
Our Insurance policy has been delivered to Lou Hovater along with the e-Mail Ted Kayes sent me explaining the policy.
I have two 20 x 40 foot frame tents reserved on my credit card for the week from Mullins Rental.
The Shower truck is reserved and deposit has been made.
I gave the phone numbers of Bush Fire Services to Lou Hovater so the city could contact them about requirements for the shower truck.
I have a verbal agreement with Aerial Sewer of Athens for 18 port a Johns. I have sent him a letter detailing our agreement.
I have a verbal agreement with Action Security for gate guards. I have sent them a letter to detail our agreement.
I have a verbal agreement with Gibsons Bar-B-Q. for the Monday night Howdy party. I have sent them a letter to detail our agreement.
I have a verbal agreement with LaidLaw Bus for shuttle service. I have sent them a letter detailing our agreement.
I have a verbal agreement with ABC Bus Charter for the Geology/Hydrology trip on July 3 Sunday. I have sent them a letter detailing the agreement.
I have a verbal agreement with BFI for a dumpster. I have sent them a letter to detail the agreement.
I have asked the Mayor of Huntsville to attend our opening ceremony on July 4 and to attend our banquet on July 8. I have delivered a letter detailing this.
I am working with Grissom for a fixed price for the downstairs plus the Library for the convention. Wade Lispcomb is the contact. I have delivered a letter to them detailing this.
Byte Size Inc, 555 Sparkman Drive, Huntsville; 830-5354 will rent us 4 lcd projectors for the week for $387 each x 4 = $1,548. I have e-mailed them detailing what we need.
JSS has an agreement with Guaranty Ice for an Ice machine and ice for the week.
Emily and I have agreed on the vendor fees and Emily is contacting the vendors with them.
Action Items
we still need to find software for registration.
The end of March I need to apply for the liquor license to allow us to serve beer.
We still need to come up with display stands for the salons.
We still need to find a band for Monday night July 4.
Event prices from Coca Cola are more per case than local prices. They want $8.50 a 24 case of cans.
Event prices from Pepsi were $7.50 a 24 case of cans. (right now Kroger has Pepsi products 24 cans for $6)
Tractor Supply has 100 gallon stock tanks for sale, I intend to buy one of these for icing down soft drinks Unless I can borrow one for the week.
Jim Hall
Budget submitted and under review. Questions regarding specific issues have been submitted to the Convention Chairman.
Paul & Lee Stevens
No changes since last report.
Chairman: William (Bill) Jackson
wjackson44@comcast.net
Vice-Chairman: Don Shofstall
Chairmen NSS I/O Committee: Evelyn Bradshaw, Keith Wheeland
No report
Rick & Faye Bowersox Co-Chairmen
321 Pinecliff Dr
Las Vegas, Nevada 89145-5259
Phone: (702) 242-6995
Fax: (702) 242-6916
LavaBeds@lvcm.com
Progress:
Plans:
Problems:
No problems to report at this time.
2/14/05