Attachment A-1

National Speleological Society

Department of the President

March 17, 2007

Table of Contents:

President’s Report
Corporate Report Committee
Awards Committee
Board Arrangements Committee
Bylaws Committee
Fund Raising Committee
Government Liaison Committee
Grants Committee
International Congress of Speleology
International Secretary
Legal Committee
Logistics Committee
Membership Committee
National Cave and Karst Management Symposium Coordinator
Nominating Committee
NSS/KWI Liaison
NSS/NCKRI Liaison
NSS/TNC Liaison
Planning Committee
Public Relations Committee
Recording Secretary
Secretary to the Board
Show Caves Liaison Committee
Ad Hoc Committee Office Software

President’s report: Bill Tozer (765) 778-3259, president@caves.org

There are 24 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 chair of each committee or organization, followed by their report. The committee and sub-committee chairs 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 chair, please refer to the NSS Members Manual or go to: http://www.caves.org/nss-business/bog/table-4d.html#President.

The activity of the many committees are reported below. A number of activities are taking place in the membership area. The corporate report will be on the Web shortly. The donations to the Society were up significantly in response to the fall fund raising letter.

The planning committee is still vacant. The position was listed in the NSS NEWS with no response. A strategic plan should look at our mission and how to implement it.

Our mission has not changed since the inception of the NSS. That is to promote the exploration, conservation, and study of caves, and to promote fellowship among members. Through the years we have worked to this mission, although the means have changed as has the world. Cave conservancies have grown in size and number as we have recognized that stewardship through ownership is the best way to insure conservation and access to caves. The Society must continue to reach out to the large land conservancies such as the Bureau of Land management, National Park Service, The Nature Conservancy, State and regional cave owners and managers. These groups have a great deal of respect for the NSS because of our donation of time and money to the restoration of caves. Our support of Cave Science has continued with the publication of the Journal of Cave and Karst Studies. The Journal is recognized as a major player in Cave Science. The annual convention provides a platform for the scientific members of the Society. Of course the convention also supports the fellowship of the cavers through the social events. The NSS Convention is an opportunity for all cavers to meet and talk with others across the caving spectrum. We have continued to support the education of the public through public television programming and movies like "Amazing Caves"

Communication through Email has brought us together almost instantly through grotto, region and national lists. Issues are quickly communicated to many cavers. This networking brings us closer together.

At the president’s forum in Bellingham, the subject of membership was prominent. How do we retain members and how do we attract the non NSS cavers to join. The general conclusion was our strength is the grottos and regions. They are our hope in reaching and maintaining members. Our presence on the world wide web is important to reach cavers and the general public.

Corporate Report Committee:

Kristine Deveny, Chairman, 702-870-1618, kmdeveny@earthlink.net

Progress: The Corporate report is completed and being reviewed.

Plans:  The report will be posted on the web by the time of this publication.

Problems:  None at this time.

Awards Committee:

Scott Fee Chairman, 205-914-7487, scottfee@caves.org

Committee Members:
Barbara am Ende, Mike Bachke, Gale Beach, Evelyn Bradshaw, Bill Bussey, Carolyn Cronk, Donald G. Davis, Michael Dyas, Dr. Daniel Fong, Jr., Mike K. Hood, Roy Jameson, Pat Kambesis, William Mixon, Gary Moss, Dr Diana Northup, G. Thomas Rea, Geary M. Schindel, Gordon L. Smith, Jr., Linda Starr, Lee Stevens, Bill Tozer, Dr. George Veni

Progress: The 2007 award nominations are being reviewed 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 Board so that they may select these awards at the spring meeting.

Plans: The AC will provide recommendations for the 2006 awards to the Board at the spring meeting. After the meeting, the AC will begin preparing the Awards program for the 2007 NSS National convention. All recipients will be notified so that they may attend the convention and be recognized. Plans are to have photos for all recipients so that they may be displayed with a power point program at the awards banquet.

Problems: I will not be able to attend the 2007 Spring NSS Board of Governors meeting. Bill Tozer, former AC Chairman, will be my proxy. There are no problems in the selection process for 2007 at this point. The process is moving along according to schedule.

Board Arrangements Committee:

Mike Hood ,Chairman, mhood@caves.org

Plans: I will continue to seek hosts for meetings by posting announcements on the various e-mail groups, NSS Discussion Board and NSS News. I will also stay in frequent contact with those groups hosting meetings to make sure they are moving along and to assist them if needed.

Progress: Philip Moss will host the fall 2007 meeting on October 13^th, in Waterloo, IL. I’m pursuing possible hosts for the spring 2008 meeting (the next open meeting). I have no firm bids yet.

Problems: Nothing serious—for awhile, I was getting bids at a steady pace. This seems to have slowed down.

Bylaws Committee:

Tom Rea, Chairman, 765-653-4423, tomrea@caves.org

Progress: Nothing has been referred to the Bylaws Committee during this period.

Plans: To respond to inquires in a timely manner.

Problems: none

Fund Raising Committee:

Scott Fee (Interim Chairman), 205-856-9177, scottfee@caves.org

Progress:

I am excited to report that we have paid off the Great Expectations Nature Preserve Debt. Although donations were accepted throughout November, we took the opportunity to showcase the pending payoff with a short "mortgage burning" ceremony at the Fall NSS Board of Governors Meeting. With the help of Cheryl Jones, NSS OVP, we prepared informational postings for the NSS Forums and an article that appeared in the January 2007 NSS News. Furthermore, we circulated these announcements throughout the States via various e-mail list serves.

The Annual Fund Raising Letter was mailed in Mid October. In 2005 the total amount raised was $10,249.00 and 141 members donated. Again, I am pleased to report that in 2006, 371 members generously donated $29,298.02!

I submitted the 2007 Combined Federal Campaign Application on January 25th. (We have to renew annually to be accepted into this recurring program.) CFC is the world’s largest and most successful annual workplace charity campaign, with more than 300 individual CFC campaigns throughout the country and internationally to help to raise millions of dollars each year. Pledges made by Federal civilian, postal and military donors during the campaign season (September 1st to December 15th) support eligible non–profit organizations that provide health and human service benefits throughout the world.

We received our first donation from the 2006 CFC Campaign courtesy of the Middle Georgia Area CFC Campaign. Since each "area" is managed separately, I am optimistic this initial donation of $26 will increase exponentially as the funding is reported from the various regions heavily populated with cavers and government workers like Washington DC, as an example.

Plans: With Great X paid off and the Fall Fund Raising Campaign completed and the CFC Application filed, I have no current plans. I would be interested in anyone’s ideas regarding fund raising for the Indiana Convention.

Problems: The committee needs a permanent chairman.

Government Liaison Committee:

Hazel Medville, Chairman, 703-860-0134, Hazelmedville@verison.net

Progress: Met with the AGI Government Affairs Council at the GSA Meeting in October in Philadelphia, PA. Accepted an award from the NPS to the NSS at the GSA meeting and wrote a report for the NSS NEWS.

Plans: I will probably join the AGI, GSA, IEEE, etc. for congressional visits on May 1-2. I still need to write the new members of the Senate and House committees who deal with NPS, USFS, F&W, and BLM funding to let them know what the NSS is. We are planning another session at convention; I wrote the cave specialists but we haven’t decided on a format yet for this year – a poster "session" was one of the suggestions.

Problems: We are still looking for a new NSS Government Liaison.

Grant Writing Committee:

Hazel A. Barton, chairman, 859-572-5303, hazel@cavescience.com

Progress:   I’ve only had one person agree to help with the committee (MANY others turn me down), with the caveat that the people interested in funding are responsible for writing the proposals themselves.  So far only one NSS Member has approached me with a request to help identify funding.  Unfortunately, there are not any funding opportunities available for a capital improvement project (which is unlikely to change in the near future), so it wasn’t possible to move forward on this idea.

 Plans:  Currently the plan is to identify people that are interested in obtaining funding for a specific project and then determine if there are funding opportunities available.  At some point (when I’m done writing my own grants), I’ll write something up for the NSS News about the committee.

Problems:  I think there is a broad misconception about the role of the NSS Grants Committee.  Writing a full proposal for significant funding can take 10s to 100s of hours of work – a level of effort that cannot easily be requested of a volunteer.  The only way the committee could work in its present structure is if the writing is done by the person/people ultimately benefiting from the funding, which no one seems particularly excited to undertake.  The other possibility is that, if the NSS is truly interested in obtaining outside funding, the board find the funding to hire a professional grant writer.

International Congress of Speleology:

George Veni, Chairman, 210-558-4403, gveni@satx.com

Progress:

(1) Shots for promotional videos were made in Texas by Dave Socky and he is well into producing a short promotional video for release on the Web and by DVD. Work on a script for a longer video has begun.
(2) We have met with Sodexho, the food services vendor for Schreiner University, and are satisfied that they will do a superb job for the Congress and at reasonable costs.
(3) Travel agencies to assist with ICS pre and post-Congress field trip travels have been interviewed and one is tentatively selected. By the time of the March BOG, the remaining details should be worked on to have the agency on board.
(4) A new promotional T-shirt for 2007 has been designed and approval from the Congress officers is expected soon.
(5) A detailed planning schedule for the committee was completed.

Plans:

(1) Collect updated descriptions this month of the various planned activities for use on the website and to produce the first circular announcing the ICS.
(2) The first circular will be written this spring and distributed internationally by NSS Convention.
(3) The short ICS promotional video will be ready this spring.
(4) Various logistical coordination and arrangements will be completed this spring.
(5) Based on feedback from committee members and changing circumstances, the planning schedule will be modified. This process will continue throughout the planning process, with hopefully the more significant adjustments made this spring and only relatively minor adjustments later.

The above are just some key immediate plans. A complete list of goals and deadlines as required by the International Union of Speleology? guidelines are available upon request. The detailed planning schedule for the Organizing Committee is completed and available upon request.

Problems: Some plans and actions are moving slower than expected. So far nothing is causing significant difficulty but prompt action will be needed soon to prevent problems from developing. Two committee members will probably be replaced by the time of the March BOG due to personal conflicts that is making it difficult for them to meet their ICS commitments

International Secretary:

John Moses, Secretary, 915-781-2161, johnmoses@excite.co
Eleanor Larson (Committee Member) Santa Barbara, CA
Tom Lera (Committee Member) Falls Church, VA

Progress: Replied to various international correspondence.

Plans: Complete review of recent request for an International Participation Grant. Provide assistance (if requested) with visa invitations for UIS (International Union of Speleology) Bureau members attending 2007 meeting in Puerto Rico. UIS Bureau members have been invited to tour the site of 2009 International Congress at Kerrville, Texas following the early August, 2007 meeting in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico.

Problems: None.

Legal Committee:

Joel B. Stevenson, Chairman, 828-669-0126, cavelaw@jbs-law.com

Progress: Most of the Committee work this quarter has been related to the review of the copyright matter.  Ted Lee and Bert Ashbrook, lawyers whose practice actually involves this area of the law, have done the substantive work on this project.  I have reviewed their work [without finding much to change] and have had telephone conferences and numerous emails relating to the work.

 Plans: I will continue to be available to address questions from the Board and from the EOC as well as inquiries from Society members.  I have received an inquiry from the last Treasurer of the old C.A.V.E.S. Region regarding some funds still in that account, and I will advise him of how the funds should be disposed of.

PROBLEMS There are no problems of which I am aware.

Logistics Committee:

W. Roswell Jones, Chairman, 412-367-3522, wrj48221@comcast.net

Progress: The voting machine has been checked over and is ready for the spring meeting. The damaged laminator has been repaired and is ready for the summer meeting.

 Plans: The voting machine will be at the spring meeting.

 Problems: I’m still waiting for an  idea for a computer voting machine.

 Membership Committee:

Dawn Ryan, dwn_ryan41@yahoo.com

Progress- According to the NSS Strategic Planning some of the weaknesses of the NSS pertaining to membership are:

Stability of membership

Failure to recruit proportion of cavers into the NSS

Ineffective communication to members the value of membership

Lack of welcoming new members

The Membership Committee has been addressing these issues. To accomplish this, Ernie Coffman, Ron Fulchers and I have been contacting all new members on a monthly basis, welcoming the new members to the NSS, learning how they found out about the NSS and answering questions. This has been very productive. Several members had not heard from the NSS since sending in their initial dues, due to address problems. Others had general questions such as safety training, volunteering and meeting cavers in their region. As a whole, our initial contact has been welcome by all new members as it puts a point of contact and actual person for the new member to talk to. We also believe this may serve to keep new members past the first year, to stabilize membership, and help alleviate ineffective communication. I have to add, Stephanie, at the NSS office has been very helpful fixing address and membership card problems.

The committee has also been contacting members who are delinquent in renewing after 90 days. We believe that this will also help stabilize membership.

To recruit new members who are already grotto members, we distributed membership packets this last quarter. Grotto representatives were contacted via email informing them about the membership packets. These packets include: The Guide to Responsible Caving, Caves a Fragile Wilderness, Bats and a NSS Membership Application. The grottos can add to this their own membership application. This was highly received by the grottos as most took advantage of this offer. Many grotto contacts expressed their gratitude toward the NSS for this offer, thus promoting the value of membership in the NSS. Once again, Stephanie was very helpful with accomplishing this.

We have also just begun contacting prospective Institutional members. There is nothing to report as yet.

Plans: There is discussion on how to streamline the categories of membership. One option would be to eliminate the Conservation and Conservation Life category as there are only 4 and 6 members. These members could be considered Life members and then given recognition under the annual "Donor" list in the Members Manual for the extra monetary donation made.

Ron Fulchers has rewritten one page of the Membership webpage. This has to do with some concerns that it appears the NSS is "begging" for money. We were waiting for the NSS server to successfully change over before having the webpage updated.

We would also like to have a line added to the NSS Membership Application asking new members, "How did you hear about the NSS?" We feel this may open an avenue of untapped members.

Problems: There are no problems or issues.

National Cave and Karst Management Symposium Coordinator:

Cheryl Jones, Coordinator, 703-442-8499, Cheryl.caver@verizon.net

Progress:  The Proceedings of the 2005 NCKMS has been published, in both bound hard copy form and on CD, and distributed to attendees.  Doug Marchant stepped down as Web master after several years of outstanding service.  The new NCKMS Web master is caver Robert Sewell.

Plans:  Move the NCKMS Web site to 1and1 hosting service with the NSS Web site.

Problems: None

Nominating Committee:

Montana Autumn Spenser 41155RL, Chairman, 260-982-7792, Cavrbab@earthlink.net

2006 NSS Nominating Committee Members
Brent M Grist, 50247SU
David D Seng. 2437 RE
Verification Teller Webmaster/IT support

Progress: Published December NSS News candidate solicitation article including contact information, submission deadlines, etc. at least 45 days prior to the deadline for nominating petitions per the Bylaws.

Continuing solicitation of candidates via personal phone calls and e-mails (to those with no phone information listed). To date, I have eight confirmed candidates with three maybes still undecided. Approximately 78 members have been considered and contacted for nomination and 30+ have firmly declined the nomination with another 30+ not responding to multiple messages.

Ballot submission guidelines were sent to potential and confirmed candidates requesting details regarding the election process and director responsibilities.

Updated Nomination Committee website.

Sent Stephanie courtesy e-mail regarding timetable for transmission of membership zip files to printer and money transfer to our bulk mailing account at the post office.

Completed ballot layout as far as I can at this point.

Plans: Conclude solicitation of potential director candidates for the 07 election by February 15.

Contact NSS Office to verify eligibility of confirmed and strong maybe candidates.

Complete ballot layout, composition, and proofing.

Submit ballot for printing, processing, and mailing out of Huntsville, AL using the NSS bulk-mailing permit.

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 40 days before the NSS Convention per the Bylaws.

Notify the NSS Board of Governors via e-mail correspondence.

Send to Convention all ballots and final tally sheets for inspection by the candidates and/or delivery to the NSS Archivist.

Notify the membership of election results via the August or September NSS News.

Problems: None at this time.

NSS/KWI Liaison Committee:

Kelly Norwood chairman, 770-723-9040, Kelly_norwood@dnr.state.ga.us

Progress: The KWI has completed working on the Benchmark book, which features many of the ‘pioneering papers’ in karst science from the past 50 years and more. I would imagine the book is now in the publishing stages, but have not heard for sure. The book should be available through Speleobooks.

As you will remember, the annual KWI meeting was held directly before the banquet dinner last year. The NSS was approved as an affiliate at that time. I’m happy to announce that since my last report, the NSS has been listed on the KWI affiliates web page: http://www.karstwaters.org/kwiaffiliates.htm Hopefully, this will serve as another avenue for people to find the NSS in the future.

Plans: The KWI is continuing with preparations and co-sponsoring three events:

The "Time in Karst" symposium, which is scheduled for next month, March 14-18, 2007 in Postojna, Slovenia, at the Karst Research Institute. Dr. David Culver is the contact person for this symposium. He is listed in the NSS Member’s Manual. More information is available at: http://www.karstwaters.org/timeinkarst/tikannouncement.htm

The "International Conference on Karst Hydrology and Ecosystems (Karst2007)", on August 13-19, 2007, at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Information about the conference can be found at: http://hoffman.wku.edu/karst2007/k2007.html

The "Second Appalachian Karst Symposium", on September 12-15, 2007, in Johnson City, Tennessee. This symposium will focus on and foster communication related to karst systems in the Appalachian area of the United States. More information about the symposium can be found at: http://www.etsu.edu/physics/appkarst/

As always, my plans are to continue to forward all KWI information out to the NSS membership, and to promote open communication between NSS scientists (of which KWI persons are included) about their science projects.

Problems: None.

NSS/National Cave and Karst Research Institute Liaison:

Patricia E. Seiser NCKRI/NSS Liaison, pseiser@plateautel.net

Progress: NCKRI finally has a new director – George Veni. He started work on the 5^th of February. Last week was a NCKRI Inc. Board meeting, as well as meetings with NMT (who is his official employer). At this point, NCKRI is under NMT’s umbrella, though there are still ties to the NPS. With the various things that have and/or have not currently been occurring with NCKRI, the current focus will be in establishing the basic foundation necessary for any "business" and then NCKRI will be in a position to put together some real plans. At this point George is meeting and greeting with various people and organizations to gain an understanding of needs and expectations, from which potential goals and plans for NCKRI can be formulated.

Plans: George plans to attend the BOG in Arizona to meet with the NSS. My suggestions is to approach with an open mind, understanding that George will most likely be on an information gathering mission rather than being in a position to make any specific proposals regarding partnerships on projects.

Problems: At this time, none exists. We just need everyone to keep an open mind. Funding is always an issue and until a business plan is formulated, it will be unclear as what funding will be available for collaborating on projects.

NSS/TNC Liaison:

Rane Curl, Liaison, Liaison,734-995-2678, ranecurl@umich.edu

Progress: I have nothing new to report in this cycle.

Plans:

Problems: Nothing new.

Planning Committee:

Chairman (Vacant):

Public Relations Committee:

Jay Jorden, Chairman, (214) 202-6611, jjorden@texoma.net

Committee Members: Matt Bowers, David McClurg, Jack Hissong, and Sandra Hissong.

Progress: The Society received mention in print and electronic media coverage of vandalism at Caverns of Sonora, a commercial cave in Southwest Texas. The references were in newspaper, news service and television news reports across the country. NSS coverage was in the form of reaction from members to partial destruction of the famed "Butterfly" formation and the standing reward, through the Cave Vandalism Deterrence Reward Commission, for information leading to successful prosecution of vandals. Although the vandalism was tragic, media placement of Society views was constructive and beneficial. The Public Relations Committee has also continued to field information requests from media organizations, prospective authors and others. We are seeking volunteer resources for updating content on the committee’s Web site. Other projects include working with the 2009 Congress Organizing Committee and the Cave Vandalism Deterrence Reward Commission.

Details: The committee drafted news releases on convention-related activities. Inquiries from several journalists and writers were answered. The committee provided information on conservation and safety.

Plans: The committee is finalizing a draft of a communications plan for the NSS. It includes working with the Awards Committee, board members and officers to raise awareness to members and to journals and organizations in the communities appropriate for each recipient. Channels include journals and other publications in science and conservation as well as government agencies and media representatives. A media response protocol for cave rescues will be included.

Problems: Please let me know of any specific PR concerns or needs.

Recording Secretary:

Lee Stevens, sldstevens@msn.com

Progress: The draft minutes of the November 2006 Board of Governors meeting have been circulated and posted on the NSS Web site.

Plans: Timely production of the Board of Governors meeting minutes. Draft and circulate an advertisement for a new voting system.

Problems: Although the design specifications for the new voting system for NSS Board of Governors meetings exist, its implementation is still in limbo since no advertisements for someone to build the system have been run.

Secretary to the Board:

Vince Kappler, 973-579-2116, vkappler@nac.net

Progress: One correction was made to an Act since my last report: The wording of Act 83-705 conflicted with Act 83-626 which established the NSS Corporate Report. 83-705 was corrected as necessary in the web version of the manual in October 2006. All other versions of the manual were corrected in my December 2006 mailing of the Manual updates from the November meeting. The corrected Act follows:

83-705 Corporate Report Committee 03-25-06:12, 11-06-04, 07-27-01

The Corporate Report Committee is established in the Department of the President. The committee is responsible for publishing an annual Corporate Report of the Society’s and Internal Organizations’ activities, accomplishments and plans, and an audited financial statement. The Corporate Report will be posted on the society Web site by January 15 each year.

Plans: Prepare and circulate manual updates as quickly as possible.

Problems: None at this time.

Show Caves Liaison Committee:

Gordon Smith, Liaison, 812-945-5721, glstis@aol.com

Progress: I have worked with the 2007 NSS Convention Committee coordinating the use of the area show caves during the Convention.  Regular guided tourist trips will be at half-price at all Indiana show caves for Convention attendees.  There will be no charge for off trail trips although these trips will be controlled to a certain extent depending on the area to be visited.  Some trips will be available without a guide (Old Town Spring Entrance to Marengo Cave) while others will require more coordination and guides such as trips into the back sections of Wyandotte and the "New Discovery" section of Marengo. Geology and biology field trips will also be welcomed at no charge.  I will help coordinate these events.

Part of the need for close coordination is that this will be peak tourist season for the show caves and the banks will be looking over our shoulders so to speak. Cavers don't realize the "commercial" aspects of the business.

Plans: In addition to the above I will be visiting show caves during the coming months. 

Problems: None that I am aware of.

Office Software ad Hoc Committee:

Karen Dennis, chairman, 619-504-0306, kidennis@aol.com

Progress: Due to a severe illness in the family, I have not made any progress since the last time we talked.  I will try to do some more before the spring meeting and present a rough draft of the requirements, but I do not currently have access to my data, and won't be home for another two weeks.

Plans: Peri and I have set up a tentative schedule, as follows:
By spring 2007 board meeting  -- rough draft of software requirements
By summer 2007 (convention)  -- final draft of software requirements
By fall 2007 board meeting      -- preliminary report on sources and funds for software acquisition
By winter 2008 board meeting  -- final proposal on software acquisition and funding
By spring 2008 board meeting  -- acquisition and installation
 Beginning of next fiscal year     -- Start running new system in parallel with old system

Problems: I have not yet found someone who can help in the area of acquisition and funding.  This is an area in which I have little or no expertise.

3-2-07