Submitted by Steve Ormeroid, AVP
March 6, 2006
In keeping with the theme of condensing the many 3P reports and providing pertinent information, I submit the following information to the Board. Copies of the actual 3-P reports will be made available as requested.
The Department of the AVP consists of 4 Divisions and two Commissions. Contained within are 19 committees and various subcommittees. A current review of all personnel information is being conducted for the upcoming Members Manual and Web site update.
1. The March and April issue of the NSS News will be the Conservation issues.
2. Continuation of contacts is being made from the White House Conference on Cooperative Conservation. The importance of our attendance at this Conference may show itself more as Federal Agencies continue to scale back on funding and personnel in land management areas. An item of recent discussion involves the formation of a Resource Conservancy to aid governmental agencies in karst/ cave land management. This would be done with volunteers and utilize the concept of Cooperative Conservation.
This concept is in discussion only and will require more investigation to determine viability.
3. The sale of speleothems at gem shows and on EBay has again arisen. Several NSS members immediately became involved to help stop these sales. Discussion is taking place to create a greater awareness in the general public as to the destruction that occurs to obtain these items.
4. A new write up regarding the revised Conservation Grants is in progress and soon to be advertised. There was some delay in waiting for the draft minutes of the last BOG meeting to confirm the final approved version.
5. The Volunteer Value Online Data Base Subcommittee has progressed to Phase 2 of 4 of their development plan. Once implemented, this data base should prove to be instrumental in identifying resources, aiding in land management and conservation issues. This is the type of background work that has very little glory, but can be very valuable to the Society when information is needed quickly.
6. Discovering Caves Brochure Series Subcommittee is exploring two new brochures. One for cave "critters", the second involves cave and karst geology. Funding for these is under review within the AVP department.
7. Conservation Website Subcommittee has improved the website navigation and is adding more materials.
8. Geocaching Subcommittee Plans involve monitoring geocache websites and promoting the message of conservation when karst lands are involved.
9. GIS/GPS Technology Subcommittee Several projects have been completed involving participation in related conferences, volunteer efforts with various karst land managers, and the beginning of the development of a tutorial in cave and karst GIS. As the land development progresses at a faster pace, this level of information will become more vital in identifying potential conservation issues.
10. Mammoth Cave Restoration Camp Committee. The major work projects are winding down. Long term goals are to assist the NPS in determining future projects and required resources.
11. Conservation Task Forces Two CTF’s reports. One stated that fuel prices are hindering volunteer efforts. The second report discusses issues and problems that reflect the current Federal government policy of cutbacks in personnel and oversight. (Note-see item 2 above for discussion)
Amy M. Bern, Division Chief
1. The GSA/NSS Educational CD is selling at the NSS Bookstore with $1.00 of each sale going to the Education Fund.
2. The Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle contacted the NSS regarding an educational program on caves being developed at the zoo. Information and resource materials were sent.
3. Concepts for a new educational CD is in the works
4. Two Educational Grants were submitted and approved.
5. Two committee chairs are open and being advertised.
6. Educational Grants and Scholarship Committee Paula Grgich-Warke is serving as an interim Chairman until a replacement is found. Two grants were approved.
7. Environmental Education Committee After serving for 10 years is this position, Barbara Moss has asked to be replaced. She will continue to serve as a committee person.
8. Safety and Techniques Committee no report. The position is open and advertised
9. Youth Groups Liaison Committee The website has been improved and a FAQ page is being developed. Regional coordinators are being added and are starting to work with various grottos and local youth groups. The YGLC is very active in development of programs to educate upcoming cavers.
10 Associated Projects and Societies Project Underground is continuing to progress and is starting to expand to more states.
Chief position open
1. The position of Division Chief is open and advertised. A recent inquiry is being investigated.
2. Cave and Karst Acquisition Committee No requests as of this reporting period
3. Cave Conservancies Committee Several conservancies have been invited to become NSS Cave Conservancies. No commitments as of yet.
4. Nature Preserves Committee The filming of Warrens cave by a Tampa TV news crew lead to some interesting discussion within the BOD. A poll of the Preserve Managers regarding video/ filming of NSS Preserves has formed the following conclusion. A) That the NSS should not create a policy. B) Each management plan should contain some language to allow for oversight, but to attempt to control content and final production of such a project would be beyond the means of the property manager. C) It was felt that the NSS should be more proactive in such projects and have a prepared information package to present for inclusion into such filming projects.
Highlights of Preserve reports are included here.
Barton Hill Nature Preserve- Little visitation this winter, the cabin will require substantial work.
Donald R. Russell Nature Preserve- Don Russell, the property benefactor and manager has suffered a stroke. A team of 3 NSS members are acting as interim managers. It has been reported that Mr. Russell had originally desired to give the property to the USFWS for inclusion into the Ozark Plateau NWR. An issue at the USFWS prevented this from happening in the time frame (and tax year) that Mr. Russell desired. The property was then given to the NSS to satisfy a tax year donation. As the property is rarely visited by cavers and is a valuable location to the local bat population, discussion has been initiated as to whom may be the most appropriate caretakers of the property.
Great X Nature Preserve- no changes as of last report
John Guilday Caves Nature Preserve- A bat count was conducted and temperature monitors placed. Goals are to create a long term data base for annual counts in specific areas of the cave. The monitors were placed to determine if environmental changes are occurring. The trail from the highway has destabilized due to construction by the highway department. Contacts are being made in attempts to have them correct the situation.
Kingston Saltpeter Cave Nature Preserve- no report
McFails Cave Nature Preserve- The cave is currently closed for the season. The register has been replaced and a volunteer has been located to help replace the gate.
Mill Creek Sink Nature Preserve- the proposed construction of a Wal-Mart close to the
Property has various NSS and CDS members working on collection of data and information regarding the site. Communication is in place and ongoing with the various Florida regulatory agencies regarding the review of the required permit. It is hoped that some precedents may be set regarding cave and karst features in land use conservation issues
The Potter Unit Nature Preserve- No report
Schoharie Caverns Nature Preserve- There has been modest use of the cave and cabin this winter. An assessment is being made of improvements to the cabin. Cost estimates should be available by the Convention BOG meeting. A planned sump dive video project is on hold and being reviewed by the AVP.
Shelta Cave Nature Preserve- no report
Tytoona Cave Nature Preserve- Sumps 1 to 3 have been surveyed with plans for Sump 4 for this year. The dry novice section is being surveyed. Work is continuing on an erosion barrier. The property manager is again contacting the township in regards to the poor condition of the guardrail around the sinkhole and road.
Warren Cave Nature Preserve- Visitation has been near normal. A mock rescue was conducted with Florida cavers, Alachua County personnel and Florida FRD resulting in excellent relations between the groups. A meeting is being arranged with the new adjacent property owner. The current access road to Warrens crosses this property and a possible fence construction may force the construction of a new access drive. A Tampa TV news group filmed a feature story and has been aired.
Wells Cave Nature Preserve- no report
Carol Tiderman, Chairman
The 2006 Convention is well underway. No significant issues to report as of this time. Contacts are either in place or await final approvals and signatures. Registration and sales are picking up. The current number registered is 85 (March 3, 2006). A more detailed report will be available by the meeting date.
The 2007 Convention planning is progressing with a final review of their budget being conducted.
Bids for the 2008 Convention are to be presented at this meeting
The 2009 ICS and Convention planning is moving at full speed. No issues or problems as of this report.
The Vermont bid for 2010 is ready for a motion to approve.
Interest has been received for 2011 and 2012. Proposals have not been submitted.
Discussion has been started regarding the formation of a permanent Convention Registration Committee. This Committee could relieve the changing Convention staff a great amount of work in the Convention planning. It would also provide better continuity regarding Convention records. Upcoming changes regarding how the NSS handles credit cards may also influence how registrations are processed.
All 10 salons have experienced chairman in place.
Evaluation is being conducted on digital projectors for the salon presentation. The sophistication of the presentation is taxing the existing NSS equipment. The committee is working to make this year’s presentation seamless with an eye to necessary changes in the future dealing with technology. Planning is up to date for the 2006 Convention.
Commissions
John Punches, National Coordinator
The NCRC textbook is in final draft form and will be implemented as of July, 2006. It will be published in a loose leaf format to allow for updates. Several seminars and classes have been conducted throughout the USA. A committee has been formed to develop an international rescue exchange at the 2009 ICS. The next National Cave Rescue Seminar will be held in Puerto Rico in April, 2006.
Jay Jorden, Chairman
No requests for awards have been submitted during this reporting period. The Committee continues to promote the message of the deterrence reward system.
3/6/06