Administrative Vice President
The Department of the Administrative Vice President consists of 16 Committees, two Commissions, and four NSS Convention hosts Committees. Within these are nine Conservation Task Forces, ten Cave Preserves, six NSS Conservancies, and several sub-committees.
The current name and contact information for the chairman of each organizational entity may be found at on the web site.
As this is my first report as AVP I wanted to make this a little more to the point, less wordy, and less destructive to trees. This seems to be an impossibility, however. Sorry.
NSS Cave Management Division
Cave and Karst Acquisition Committee
Thom Engel, Chairman
Arrangements for the donation of Wells Cave east of Somerset, KY are proceeding. No other activity has occurred. The committee has not been contacted by any conservancies.
Payments have been (or shortly will be) made to the NCC and the WVCC for Sellecks Cave and McClungs respectively.
Cave Conservancies Committee
John M. Wilson, Chairman
Plans: A symposium for cave conservancies, land trusts with caves, and related cave management interests is planned for the 2002 NSS Convention. Rane Curl will plan and chair the session.
Progress: The committee continues to supply the same services to cave conservancies as previously reported. The Cave Conservancies round table at the 2001 NSS Convention was well attended. I stepped in to chair the discussion when the session chairman was not able to attend.
Problems: No known problems
Information has been compiled from TAG, VAR, MAR, and NRO, so information is available on closed caves from most of the eastern seaboard. Now the committee is now stuck. Efforts have been made to get information from Ohio valley, Kentucky, Arkansas, etc, with no luck. Everett thinks that people are just resistant to have the listing out regardless of his assurances. He plans to put together a NSS News Article but has not had time to write it just yet.
Also part of the problem he is having is getting survey information or reasons for the closure on the caves. Especially up north.
Contemporary Cave Use Study Committee
Garrett Czmor, Chairman
The committee still have a good supply of materials for the CCUS project. Some items for example, the CCUS manual will be reprinted and updated perhaps this winter.
They are still data crunching old register books prior to year 2000. Hopefully, (despite one hard drive crash already) it will be completed this year and a full data report issued sometime thereafter.
No data from year 2000 and beyond is being tabulated pending new software in the works.
Two software programmers have come forth to help make the new CCUS (Windows format) software. Tim Kilby actually compiled a rough draft version in his spare time and knowledge. His rough version is quite nice but still very limited plus installing problems needs additional work. His time is very limited on this project and welcomed any additional help or comments from others. I would like to express my thanks to Tim for taking the time (and my pestering him) to try and get something workable for the CCUS.
Garrett Czmor has also found another programmer (non-caver) who does this sort of work for a living. He has been volunteering his time and is developing very professional software for use. Although it is not finished yet either, he promises that his Windows based software will be very easy to install and use. Garrett has seen some of the screen splay shots and program options and it is quite impressive. It is hoped this new software will make it possible for everyone with a computer in the CCUS project to utilize it's capabilities and make data reporting much easier and faster. Of course this will help eliminate sending data books and take some of the load off of us here. Hopefully, this software will be finished and all the bugs worked out by year-end.
Land Owner Relations Committee
Bill Thoman, Chairman
No report received.
NSS Cave Preserves Committee
Gary Bush, Chairman
I. General: The Preserve Managers reports I've received are attached for the record. As is my custom, I've also summarized the status of each report in Section II of this report. Only seven of the ten Managers submitted a report this period. The national turmoil of the past several weeks resulted in very short notice to the Managers as to their due date.
Overall, the Preserve properties are in good condition.
1) Plans: Most Preserves have additional maintenance projects planned for this Fall. The most ambitious is the replacement of the entrance gates at Shelta Cave with a high perimeter fence encompassing both entrances.
2) Progress: The Baumann suit at Barton Hill has finally been dropped. Successful clean-ups occurred at several of the Preserves this Summer. Educational trips, with outside groups, took place at both Kingston Saltpeter and Tytoona Preserves.
3) Problems: Minor vandalism occurred at Tytoona. A large tree fell at Shelta, requiring its removal, before the fencing project can begin. Again, no progress on obtaining legal opinions to support or refute the use of waivers at the Preserves.
II. Property Status:
McFails Cave (NY): The regating project for the Halls Hole entrance is in design. The Acks Shack regating is to follow. There've been 9 trips into the caves so far this year.
Shelta Cave (AL): Four bids to install a high fence surrounding both entrances have been received. Paul Meyer is seeking outside funds and grants to cover the cost of the project. The very large oak tree near the main entrance has fallen over the area to be fenced. Bill Torode and Jim Hall are clearing away the tree.
John Guilday Cave Preserve (WV): The annual Conser-vacation was held this past Saturday. Very little litter needed to be removed. More brochures about the property have been printed.
Kingston Saltpeter Cave Preserve (GA): The annual teacher's trip, negotiated with the Weinman Mineral Museum, was held again this summer. Several outside grants have been received to help fund the on-going research at the property. Overall, the property is clean and in good shape.
Barton Hill Karst Preserve (NY): Neil Baumann has formally dropped his lawsuit against the Preserve. Additional fence and cabin work is planned for this Fall.
Late breaking news: A rescue was required from Gage Caverns the night of October 7th. Shioka Kudo; 21-years old of Milford, Massachusetts; became wedged in a tight passage on the west side of the Amphitheater. The general call out was at 5:30 P.M. She was extricated by 9:30 P.M. and was assisted out of the cave by 10:15 P.M. Many thanks to members of the Albany-Schoharie Cave Rescue Team, the Schoharie County Sheriff's patrol, the Schoharie Emergency Management Office, the Schoharie Rescue Squad, the Gallupville Axillary, and several other agencies that lent equipment and personnel.
Warrens Cave (FL): (No Report received this period)
Donald R. Russell Preserve (OK): (No Report received this period)
Schoharie Caverns (NY): (No Report received this period)
Alachua Sink Preserve (FL): Two additional guides are being qualified for the Preserve. The construction of new steps into the Sink is on-hold, pending design approval by the Committee. Other clean-up is underway. The Sink is currently undiveable, due to high rainfall in the area.
Tytoona Cave Preserve (PA): Local donations have finally reached the stated goal of $6000, all sent to the NSS Office. Numerous maintenance projects have been completed this Summer. A local TV station produced a segment about caves and organized cavers, with a good safety and conservation theme, at the Preserve. Several minor acts of vandalism occurred this period. All were reported to the state police. Additional work projects are planned for this Fall.
NSS Conservation Division
Jim C. Werker & Val Hildreth-Werker
PO Box 207
Hillsboro NM 88042-0207
voice (505) 895.5050
werks@att.net
note new address
Vision 2000 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 US.
Mission: During 2001 through 2005, develop programs to strengthen public knowledge about the benefits of cave and karst protection.
Partner with other cave and conservation organizations/agencies/associations/institutes to provide cave/karst conservation outreach programs to landowners, land managing agencies, commercial cave interpreters, educators, and the public. Cooperate in distributing information and developing materials that promote awareness and conservation of karst landforms. Strengthen and extend common knowledge among cavers to include multiple aspects of cave/karst protection, preservation, and ethics.
Current Conservation Highlights
Thomas Lera is serving the NSS Conservation Committee as the NSS Liason for International Speleothem Protection. We applaud Tom for his success in encouraging eBay and Yahoo to revise their policies to warn against speleothem sales. (Tom Lera has also agreed to work with Carol A. Hill, President of UIS Commission on Cave Mineralogy, as the [Interim] Chairman of the Working Group on Speleothem Protection.)
Karst Environmental Education and Protection (KEEP) is an organization composed of individuals, businesses, and organizations dedicated to the study, dissemination of information about, and protection of karst terrains wherever they may be threatened. KEEP is focusing on the Kentucky TriModal Transpark Project (KTT) being proposed by the InterModal Transportation Authority (ITA) on the Sinkhole Plain near Mammoth Cave National Park. Many area cavers are involved in this protection effort. Contact Hillary Lambert Hopper or Roger Brucker for information.
Progress has been made on protection for the Road 18 Caves in Oregon. Contact Larry King for status.National
Bat Gate Design Workshop is scheduled for March 4-6, 2002, in Austin, Texas. Jim and Val are serving on the Steering Committee for this Technical Interactive Forum. Topics have been carefully selected so that the proceedings (digital and hard copy) will serve as an updated bat gate manual. See below. Also see www.mcrcc.osmre.gov
Jim and Val have been invited to join the World Commission on Protected Areas (WPCA) of IUCN - The World Conservation Union, 2001-2004. The mission is: "To promote the establishment and effective management of a representative worldwide network of terrestrial and marine protected areas." The Vth World Parks Congress is scheduled for Durban, South Africa, 8-17 September 2003 and WPCA work will be progressively focused on this event.
The Conservation Division Website is being created by Elizabeth Rousseau-Bunnell and now has a specific link on the NSS Home Page. As the site is developed, many links will be added between the Conservation Division Website and Rob Stitt's Cave Conservation & Management site.
To better meet the needs of the caving community during the run of the IMAX film, Journey into Amazing Caves, Elizabeth has launched the Conservation Division Website with information for grottos and NSS members on interfacing with IMAX theaters and media. This site is providing materials that grottos can use in action plans for IMAX demands and ramifications. Our long-term vision is to serve cavers and non-cavers with information concerning the many aspects of cave/karst systems and protection. We will also develop resources for conservation/restoration methods and encourage minimum-impact caver ethics.
An NSS Display was created by Leisa Eidson, a graphic arts professional and long-time member of the TAG caving community. Leisa, Jim, Val, and Cheryl Jones collaborated in development of a portable, museum-quality display on the goals and activities of the NSS. Leisa committed hundreds of extra hours on short notice to finish this display for its debut at the Smithsonian. The exhibit, designed and fabricated to facilitate easy transport and set-up, was on display at the NSS Convention in Kentucky and is scheduled to be in Phoenix.
The NSS Conservation Division and the Education Division are collaborating to develop NSS outreach materials on the benefits of karst and cave protection. Chuck Acklin, Education Division Chief, along with Jim and Val, Conservation Chiefs will coordinate efforts.
Conservation Committee
Jim C. Werker & Val Hildreth-Werker,
Co-Chairmen
Convention - We scheduled and coordinated Conservation presentations/discussions with the 2001 NSS Convention. The Restoration Workshop was on Monday morning, the NSS Conservation & Management Section meeting at noon on Monday, and the Conservation & Management Session on Monday afternoon. The afternoon session started with a panel and interactive discussion on Cave Wilderness, coordinated by Pat Seiser. Zelda Chapman Bailey followed with a overview of the National Cave and Karst Research Institute. On Wednesday, the new Conservation Team gathered for a half-day meeting.
Brochures - Michael Dale, a professional graphic artist-caver, is working on the brochure on lava tubes. We have received copy from Patty Daw, Rick Elhard, and Bill Halliday as a start for this project. Cheryl Jones is helping to coordinate this effort.
Jim Kennedy of BCI has agreed to update our NSS Bats Need Friends brochure. He will start from the draft created by Eugene Vale. The new brochure will be a joint NSS/BCI project focusing on general conservation facts about bats.
The Future of the Underground, The Fragile Underground, and other brochures will be updated or created as time permits. These and other brochures and fact-sheets will eventually be available on the Conservation Division website as downloadable PDF files so grottos or individuals can print as needed.
Book - Cave Conservation and Restoration continues in the reviewing and editing process. Editing for more than thirty authors is an extended process. Jim Werker and Val Hildreth-Werker, the editors, are working with EVP Don Paquette, the NSS Special Publications Committee, various reviewers, authors, and photographers to produce a quality NSS publication.
[Progress continues in the preparation of this book. However some real-life (i.e., non-caving) realities have now unavoidably shifted the release of the book. Jim retired in early October and we've relocated to Hillsboro, New Mexico. Please note new contact info above.]
Presented information on the NSS and cave/karst conservation during the first national Cave Management Training Workshop for BLM land managers, coordinated by Jim Goodbar and conducted in Carlsbad, April 24-26, 2001.\
Presented cave conservation seminar for Lincoln National Forest personnel in Alamogordo, New Mexico on May 8.
Hosted an NPR radio journalist, Daniel Grossman, on June trip to Carlsbad for science interviews in Spider Cave. He has contacted us about doing a piece on conservation work in caves.
Scheduled to present workshops at Timpanogos Cave National Monument and at Convention in July.
We are developing presentation material kits for Conservation Team members. Kits will include modular slide shows and CDs, hand-out masters, transparencies, brochures, booklets, and posters on the benefits of karst and cave protection. We have received commitments from a dozen NSS cavers across the country who will participate in this team by conducting seminars and presentations in their geographic areas. Most of these members already are booking frequent presentations. The new Conservation Team modules will supplement their current materials and the team will facilitate collaboration and information-sharing across the country. Other NSS Members have offered their consultation and expertise in material collection and development. We are partnering with cave and conservation organizations throughout the country for information, images, and materials.
We continue to interact with national contacts in the federal agencies. Jim and Val represented the NSS as guest speakers during the April BLM Cave Management Workshop in Carlsbad, NM. We update regularly with Zelda Chapman Bailey of the USGS, appointed as the Interim NPS Director of the National Cave and Karst Research Institute--she will be attending the NSS Convention in Kentucky and will present information on the Institute at 2:30 PM during the Conservation & Management Session on Monday. Ron Kerbo has spoken with us about contributing to NPS seminars and workshops. We continue to coordinate with Forest Service personnel, Jim Miller and Jerry Trout nationally, and have spoken with others about scheduling seminars in several FS Districts. We are evaluating the interest in joint seminars for federal and state agency land managers during future Conventions and NCKM Symposia--these events will include the agency coordinators listed above as well as Bob Currie of the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
Bat Gate Design Steering Committee - Jim and Val are serving on the national steering committee for producing a handbook on gate designs for underground habitats. The initial meeting was held in Alton, Illinois in April. Other meetings are by conference call. The Office of Surface Mining (OSM) Mid-Continent Regional Coordinating Center (Kimery Vories) in cooperation with the US Fish and Wildlife Service (Bob Currie), and Bat Conservation International (Jim Kennedy) initiated planning for this technical interactive forum/workshop on the subject of Bat Gate Design and invited us to participate and represent the NSS. The technical interactive forum, an educational event on Bat Gate Design, will be held in Austin, Texas, March 4-6, 2002 and will provide the basis for a state of the art manual on bat gate design, construction, maintenance, beneficial aspects of conserving bats, tested methods to safe guard bat habitat and public health, and ways to mitigate for loss of bat roosts and habitats. See the website for further information www.mcrcc.osmre.gov
NCKMS 2001 in Arizona - The 15th National Cave & Karst Management Symposium will be held in Tucson, Arizona, October 16-19, 2001. Plans are progressing. Direct your information requests to Jerry Trout, US Forest Service, Federal Building, 300 W. Congress, Tucson, AZ 85701 jtrout@fs.fed.us phone: (520) 670-4552. The 2001 Symposium schedule and other information is listed on the NSS website. Click on Events.
NSS NEWS - We continue to submit material for upcoming issues and are seeking material for the 2002 Conservation Issue.
Media, Publications, etc. - Represent the NSS in answering frequent media inquiries from radio and print journalists. Requests have increased as Amazing Caves opens across the country. Agreed to write section on cave restoration/repair/conservation for the Cave and Karst Encyclopedia.
Other Communications - Receive US and international correspondence on various cave and karst conservation and protection issues. We send support letters as necessary and keep logs of these e-mails and phone calls.
Conservation Grants Subcommittee
Albert A. Krause, Chairman
Only one grant has been applied for so far this Fiscal Year, leaving a balance of $2,500 available in the Conservation Grants Fund. Three applications for grants to procure karst groundwater models were held over from last fiscal year, but needs were met by a specially-funded NSS Conservation Committee-level procurement for models which can be deployed as needed over time.
A Conservation Grant in the amount of $500.00 was awarded to the I-66 Special Project of the Ohio Valley Region of the NSS. This grant will help support the Region's efforts to explore, survey and investigate caves along the proposed I-66 corridor in Pulaski County, Kentucky. The intent of the study is to develop data and information which can be used in public education and planning meetings aimed at minimizing the impact of proposed development on the cave and karst resources along the I-66 corridor. A key aspect of the project involves evaluation of the hydrology of three primary karst areas and the role played by karst conduits and cave systems. Jason Gulley, Lee Florea and Larry Simpson will be serving as the principal investigators for the three primary areas of concern: the Sinking Valley karst, with its underwater caves; the Flat Lick, Cedar Creek and Grundy aquifers; and the caves along the Somerset bypass section of the I-66 route.
Recognition: Shortly after becoming AVP, I was asked to look into a grant that had been denied. After examining the issues, I felt the turning down of the grant was fully justified. Despite the turn of events, the grant applicant was laudatory of professional manner in which Al Krause had dealt with the applicant.
Conservation Task Force Subcommittee
Jo Schaper, Chairman
NSS Conservation Task Forces are sub-units of the NSS, designed to furnish a not-for-profit mechanism to NSS members to address threats to caves and karst. CTFs usually focus on regional, ongoing issues. A CTF is formed under the NSS umbrella for members in common cause where caver-citizen activity, by study, stewardship, publicity, etc., can help landowners, managers, or other authorities protect cave and karst resources. The CTF division of the NSS stands ready to lend assistance with advice, networking, and other help to any group of conservation-oriented cavers who care about the future of the underground.
Activities and Status:
Jo Schaper has tried, once again to resolve difficulties
between Dr Bill Halliday and the Hawaii Caves CTF. Dr Halliday
was calling for the removal of Dr Fred Stone as HCTF chairman,
due to Halliday's perception that Stone is obstructing cave
conservation in Hawaii. This is an ongoing situation. The CTF
coordinator does not have the ability to remove a CTF chairman
except for documented cause, and no such documentation has been
presented to the chairman. She advised Halliday that should he or
others wish to form a CTF for a specific geographical region of
Hawaii (such as the Kazamura Pseudokarst) this could be done. Dr
Stone was not at convention; Jo spoke to Doug Medville, and
advised him of the situation. Medville said he would pass it
along. As I understand it, this situation between Dr Halliday and
Dr Stone is an issue of long standing, and is unlikely to be
solved by anyone operating long distance.
Oregon Caves CTF and Klamath Mountains CTF are continuing to advocate in the issues of the Road 18 Caves and the decision of the NPS to set up off trail trips in Oregon Caves. Both these are old news, and ongoing issues.
Other than that, the problem of getting quarterly reports out of the CTFs persists. The basic claim is that people are too busy doing things to sit and report them more than once a year. One would think that e-mail (and all CTFs save one are now on email) would have expedited this, but it has not. Critical issues are often posted direct to NSS conservation related websites and listserves, bypassing the CTF coordinator. This is fine as far as getting the fast action needed to help solve these issues, but it is not conducive to communication with the Conservation Committee.
Resource Preservation Committee
Val Hildreth-Werker & Jim Werker,
Co-Chairs
Conservation Team kits are being developed. Kits will include modular slide shows and CDs, hand-out masters, transparencies, brochures, booklets, and posters on the benefits of karst and cave protection.
Team members met during Convention to coordinate and share ideas.
Mammoth Cave Restoration Committee
Norm Rogers (Co-Chairman) Karen Dennis
(Co-Chairman)
-awaiting report
NSS Cave Vandalism Deterrence Reward Commission
Jay Jorden, Chairman
Members: Gale Beach, George Huppert, Tom Rea, and John Wilson
Progress: Although the committee has received no inquiries concerning vandalism deterrence in the months since the last report, it has reached out to Jim Goodbar on a report of a possible opportunity in a Guads area cave. If it develops into a proposal for an award based on information leading to prosecution and conviction for cave vandalism, details will be forthcoming in the next report.
Plans: The commission intends to review all successful prosecutions of cave vandals with an eye toward publicizing the Society's conservation goals 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 and Management Section's publication efforts.
Problems: None noted with the commission.
Liaison for International Speleothem Protection
Thomas Lera
eBay changed policy on speleothem sales and posted changes on their website. NSS News will be publishing an article in October issue.
Yahoo changed policy and is currently changing website.
Conservation Division Website
Elizabeth Rousseau-Bunnell
The Conservation Division Website is being developed by Elizabeth Rousseau-Bunnell and now has a specific link on the NSS Home Page. A new site design has been implemented to easily accommodate changes and additions to written and graphic material, and to make the site easier to navigate. Elizabeth is the Webmistress and Communications Coordinator.
We are looking for someone to fill the role of Website Research Coordinator.
To better meet the needs of the caving community during the run of the IMAX film, Journey into Amazing Caves, Elizabeth has launched the Conservation Division Website with information for grottos and NSS members on interfacing with IMAX theaters and media. This site is providing materials that grottos can use in action plans for IMAX demands and ramifications. Our long-term vision is to serve cavers and non-cavers with information concerning cave and karst systems/protection and to develop resources for conservation/restoration methods.
Elizabeth has been pleased to receive regular feedback on the site, including the IMAX pages, as an indication that grotto members are accessing the information provided.
With the help of Tom Lera, information on environmental law, conservation grant writing, and conservation activism is coming along well.
Writers are needed for pages on biospeleology and speleothems.
Presentations on restoration and groundwater are available from Jim & Val, but a solution needs to be found for transferring them from Powerpoint to a format Elizabeth can use.
Many photographers have agreed to donate use of their images to the Conservation site.
NSS Education Division
Chuck Acklin
Environmental Education Committee
Barbara L. Moss, Chairman
Nothing to Report.
National Cave Rescue Commission
John Punches, National Coordinator
Updates:
Progress
Project Underground
Carol Zokaites
Plans The National Park Service grant is going forward this fall with 5 workshops around the US for NSS members to receive materials and information to use in classroom talks. Also there will be a NCKMS Project Underground workshop.
Progress The education materials for the IMAX have helped spread the word about cave and karst education. This summer there where PU workshops in many states including Virginia, West Virginia, New Mexico, Kentucky, Minnesota and Tennessee. Virginia has a very strong cave and karst education program including cave week sponsored by the Cave Board and the Virginia Show caves.
Problems Funding - Since the Project Underground program needs a paid coordinator, who also needs to travel, funding is always a problem. This year Virginia is funding a part time position for this which helps a lot. This Va. position is only funded through 6/2002 though. The NSS and other cave organizations have been helping with a small amount of funding, which we need to increase. Cave and karst education is the most important cave conservation tool we have and it is very important to keep it funded.
Safety and Techniques Committee
No report received.
Television/Video Production Committee
John P. Scheltens, Chairman
No report received.
National Park Service National Cave and Karst
Resource Management Education Co-op Agreement
Peggy Kessner, Project Coordinator
The materials for the program have been purchased and workshops have started. There was one workshop in Denver and another is scheduled for October.
NSS Convention Division
Carol Tiderman
We have no solid hosts for the 2004 Convention!
Convention Development Committee
Carol Tiderman, Chairman
There has been some fuss about names on name tags - using real names vs nicknames. Currently the Manual only states that names must be in large letters. Do we really want to put a stick in the sand and set a name on badges policy in the Manual? The Board's opinion on this matter would be appreciated.
Accomplishments:
Hosted Convention Planning and Development Meetings
during the NSS Convention Attended 2002 & 2003 planning
meetings. Continued to pass along and new information and/or
developments to the confirmed host groups. Continued to mentor
approved host groups. Sent a request for convention hosts to all
the I/O's via Keith Wheeland's list server in early September.
There have been a few replies and one expressing interest in hosting.
Plans:
Continue working on securing a host for 2004 and beyond.
As usual, the Manual needs updating after the last convention.
Continue mentoring the approved host groups.
Problems
No solid offers to host 2004 - yet.
2001 NSS Convention -
See Attachment C-1
Bill Carr, Chairman
See attached report.
Accomplishments:
The convention was well-planned and well run and came
off with very few problems. Those who couldn't attend missed a
good one.
2002 NSS Convention (full report Attachment C-2)
Peter Jones, Co-Chairman
Kevin Harris, Co-Chairman
Pre-registration began smoothly with the distribution of 2002 forms in 2001 registration materials. Several dozen pre-registrations have been processed, resulting in several thousand dollars of early revenue.
DeLorme Mapping Company has agreed to be a sponsor for the convention.
The next convention staff meeting is scheduled for 3-Nov-2001, at Kevin's place in Nashua, New Hampshire.
The convention mascot "Clawed" was introduced at the 2001 convention.
The convention website is up and running.
2003 NSS Convention
Peri Frantz, Chairman
General Planning
Schedule: A detailed planning schedule has been developed and distributed.
Organization: The committee continues to grow, and are actively looking for several additional chair-people.
Logo: The committee has a logo (actually two), and are investigating prices for symbolic devices
Campground: Plans for providing shade and misting in the campground are being developed.
Publicity: Work is in progress on a Publicity video, to be rolled out in Maine, and distributed to the grottos.
PR: Presentations will be made to the Chamber of Commerce and other civic organizations this winter.
Theater (Photo Salon): Contract has been signed. Detailed measurements are available for planning purposes.
Finance
Treasurer: Michele Richardson has resigned as convention treasurer. Peri Frantz has appointed Amy Ponsetti to replace her. Amy has reviewed the NSS fiscal policy, and is coming up to speed rapidly. Peri will provide more details at the Board meeting.
Budget: Budget has been lagging due to unavailability of the Treasurer. With a new treasurer, It is expected that a budget to fall into place rapidly.
Porterville College
Contract: Peri meets with the college 9/28, and believe we have resolved all of our differences. She'll have the revised contract with her at the Board meeting.
Library: The committee has surveyed the library and determined that they will be able to erect at least 400 linear feet of display wall for the various salons. This is in addition to the 150 linear feet in the Art Studio. There will also be ample space for free standing displays for t-shirts, emblems etc. However, they've just learned that the library may not be available, due to expansion plans. The College has agreed to help find alternative space should this occur.
Vertical Workshop/Contests: John Wood (Vertical liaison) has raised questions about the suitability of the Gymnasium and alternatives are being explored.
Field Trips:
Geology Field Trip: Louise Hose has agreed to organize a second Geology Field Trip to cover different aspects of the Southern Sierra.
Caving Trips: Planning is progressing well, with identification of suitable caves, consideration of conservation and safety issues, and contacts with agencies (NPS, NFS, BLM, California State Parks, and local agencies).
Crystal Cave: Sierra Naturall History Association has offered to do a historic evening and barbeque at Crystal Sequoia Cave.
Registration: The committee currently has their own URL and web site. We are discussing the feasibility of using the NSS's site with the NSS web committee.
Junior Speleological Society
Rick and Faye Bowersox, Co-Chairmen
Progress:
We had a very good convention this year in Mount Vernon,
Kentucky. A total of 66 juniors registered and attended JSS
scheduled activities (JSS registration fee required) and
approximately another 35 (non-paid JSS registrants) children
attended activities open to all youth. We had 21 children in a
cave for their first time and 15 on rope for their first time. We
had a greatly expanded vertical training program this year with
age appropriate classes and an in-environment vertical workshop.
We held our first classes on environmentally sound caving
practices and classes on safety. Our schedule this year was
filled solid and expanded from 2000s' with 8 cave trips, 4
vertical workshops, a trip to the Kentucky Horse Park and an
after-hours extended trip into Mammoth Cave. The JSS pavilion was
open each evening (until 10:30 P.M.) as a safe place for the juniors to gather and
socialize. Two additional computers supplemented the original
three to provide the kids with an extra source of evening
recreation. The children had a selection of non-violent games and
educational programs. No Internet connection could be furnished
as hoped this year, as only one new telephone line was available
to the GSP site. The JSS was able to provide free Fax service to
people who needed this service.
We finished below our budget of $2,317.00 ($35.00 per youth registrant as we requested) using only $1,837.27. While the lions share of the funds were used to provide a program for JSS registrants, we felt it necessary to provide a limited amount of activities open to all the convention youth. Because of this mixture of paid and non-paid activities, we cannot provide an accurate cost per child as in years past.
During the convention, both 2002 and 2003 Convention Chairs and members of their staff had the time to meet with me and review the JSS committee needs and make plans for the upcoming conventions. The coordinators for the 2002 were also present (one for the entire week) for on the job training. This training helps JSS bring forward each year a consistent program in both content and safety. The major changes made to the JSS staff structure in 2000 worked well this year and will become a permanent part of our program.
All Convention Chairpersons through 2003 have been contacted and Convention Coordinators have been selected.
Plans:
I am planning a trip to the site of the 2002 convention to meet
with Convention Chair Peter Jones and the JSS Coordinator Karen
Porter. We will review the site and start on scheduling
activities.
A bank account will be opened for the JSS (according to all NSS guidelines) to hold extra funds from this year's and future conventions. This account was authorized by the Board of Governors in creating The JSS Restricted Fund passing #18-687 on 11/4/2000.
Problems:
The JSS committee is continuing to evaluate the best method of
funding for conventions. Without the JSS fee included in the base
convention registration we had about 50% of the total youth (pay
the additional $35.00) to registered for JSS. In the past all
registered youths have been eligible to participate in any
activities. Many of these kids want to participate but parents
are not willing to pay what they believe should be covered in the
base registration fee. The base registration fee for convention
has ranged from $35.00 in 1998 to $95.00 in 2000. This past
convention's fee was $50.00 (JSS extra) and next years will be
$85.00 (JSS extra).
1998 7-17 years old registration was $35.00, with no extra fee for JSS. JSS received a mix of private donations and funding from convention. 120 children participated. A total of 1700+ registered for this convention
1999 7-17 years old registration was $35.00, with no extra fee for JSS. The JSS received the $35.00 base registration collected per child. 76 children participated. A total of 980+ registered for this convention.
2000 7-17 years old registration was $95.00, with no extra fee for JSS. The JSS received $30.00 per child from base registration fees. 106 children participated.
2001 7-17 years old registration was $50.00, with an extra fee of $35.00 charged for the JSS for a total of $85.00 per child. About 110 children registered for the convention and 66 for the JSS.
2002 7-17 years old registration will be $85.00, with an extra fee of $35.00 to be charged for JSS for a total of $120.00 per child.
This kind of back and forth registration pricing make it difficult to plan for attendance at future convention and places a financial burden on families that want to attend but are of limited means. This problem is being worked on and we hope to have permanent plan in place by 2003.
This is a summary of the convention for 2001. This report will reflect on some of the activities leading up to and through convention. The financials at this time are not completely done. This is do to some problems in collecting monies due the convention from people with bad checks, credit cards that have wrong numbers. There was also more work handed the treasurer that we did not expect. We will present financial report to Board at the meeting in March in Dayton, Ohio.
The 2001 convention brought 1,480 cavers to this year's event. This number does not reflect animals, nor is it multiple counting of day passes. This is a true head count of cavers who paid to come to convention. This is the way all conventions should present their numbers to NSS.
Convention began with starting up online registration on the day of 2000 convention. It proved to be our most valuable asset due to the large number pre-registrations we received. 957 people found it better for them to do online registration. This made our job a lot easier as well. The online registration is the wave of the future for all of us and shows us that we need to continue with it for future conventions.
On Friday registration went extremely well and we never had any long lines. This is due to several changes we made. We opened our campground up one week in advance. This let people get settled in camp and come to registration at their convenience. We also opened a day earlier then most conventions. We believe that along with a great registration staff that these things helped tremendously.
The field trips on Sunday went off perfectly. I never heard one complaint on any of the trips and all seem to leave and make it back on time.
The Monday night howdy party normally sets the tone for convention for the rest of the week. From everyone having a great time it seemed like we pulled off a great party in the cave. The food was very good and there was plenty for everyone. The beer flowed all night while the party lasted.
Tuesday night is supposed to be more of a relax night, but in our case we hosted the 60th Anniversary birthday party where we served cake and drinks to everyone. Colin Gatland showed the 60th Anniversary slide show.
Wednesday before the auction we ordered 200 pizzas and had a "Come out and meet the staff party". This was a huge success and we hope that this can become part of every convention. The auction once again was very successful bringing in over $4,000. The party then continued back in the cave for more beer and dancing.
The photo salon for Thursday was another huge success with a great facility like Renfro Valley Barn. Not only did it have good seating for everyone, but also they opened up the concessions so everyone so they could get something to eat and drink. This is also one of the better sound systems we have had to work with.
The Friday night Banquet and Awards seemed to wrap up the convention in style. The awards seemed to go quickly and no one fell asleep. I think they had too much fun with the balloons. Our caterer outdid themselves with some excellent food.
Saturday we held a pancake send off breakfast. This makes for a good way to say good bye to all our friends and it gets help in cleaning up the school. This should be a part of every convention.
Summary:
It's hard to find much that didn't work at the 2001 convention. If you can pull off all the major things that make up convention then it will produce a great event. We had good planning from start to finish. We had a staff of around fifty and another fifty volunteers that made this convention a huge success. The hardcore staff worked very hard to make this a memorable occasion.
I don't doubt we raised the bar very high with a convention like this. Some of the unique things we did was holding not one but two great parties in a cave with beer in a dry county. We had a great campground for everyone to enjoy. There where adequate showers for all staying at the campground. The school was finally and really air-conditioned. The band didn't bother the campground sleepers. We had caves for all to enjoy right on the property. We had some of the finest food served to us at the parties and banquet.
Some problems we had during this convention would be the road to the school was long and very curvy. We knew this when we looked at the site but felt that the other facilities would more than make up for the driving time. We where just hoping that everyone would be a responsible driver and as cavers should have been more used to back roads. This truly was the only drawback to the 2001 convention, but despite this obstacle we still proved that we had a great site with exceptional facilities. As another commit made by some was the school was to cool. For those complainers I would just have them remember when they where baking in classrooms at other conventions as I did. Last but not least, Yes it did rain. Seems we are used to it by now.
Things that need to be looked at for future conventions that we feel are very important.
1. The NSS bookstore credit card machine needs to be in the hands of the people doing registration, much earlier then we received it. The machine was finally set up on Tuesday of convention which was way too late. We had already registered 90% of our people. This is why we will be late on presenting the NSS with a check and a financial report due to many credit cards not correct. My thought on this is there should be a card machine made available to the registration team the day they start taking the cards. This sending in the numbers to NSS bookstore and then waiting for a check is all too time consuming and creates double the work.
2. The COA line budget system used today is outdated and needs to be revised. It does not pertain to conventions like we have today.
3. Board needs to define what they believe is a modest profit for convention.
4. Consignment sales should be handled at convention and not after. People who have merchandise to pick up should retrieve their things, get a check for they're sold items and be done. This creates a whole new job for treasurer, which is really not necessary. We have to go through the consignment sales to see who gets what check. Another note on this is that consignment sales should have the second best selling spot at the school. In the past they have been always stuck at the end of a hallway.
Wrap up:
I believe from all the comments and emails that we put on one of the best conventions to date. My staff worked very hard to make sure that the Board and all the cavers where happy and having fun. >From my staff and myself we would like to thank the NSS for allowing us to put on what was one of the most memorable experiences of our time. I know we will never forget the great time we had.
Thank you
Bill Carr
NSS # 16821
2001 NSS Convention Chairman
A great deal of progress has been made on the 2002 Convention at and after the 2001 event in KY. The hats have been passed! While Peter and I were deeply saddened by the events on 11-Sep, a quick check has revealed no direct impact on the convention staff or their immediate families. The impact on the attendance at the convention is obviously our primary concern. We're watching our budgets carefully and increasing our emphasis on publicity and encouraging attendance. If any NSS members or their families prove to have been among the dead or missing, we will plan a memorial event.
Highlights:
Pre-registration began smoothly with the distribution of 2002 forms in 2001 registration materials. Several dozen pre-registrations have been processed, resulting in several thousand dollars of early revenue.
As a result, we have been able to successfully cover all our early reservation payments to the venues and caterers. Our financial position was boosted by our first success with our sponsorship campaign - DeLorme Mapping Company has agreed to a Silver Sponsorship at the $2500 level. In addition to their sponsorship, they are planning to provide discount coupons for use in their factory outlet near I-95 in Yarmouth, ME. However, with the economic downturn, we anticipate that additional sponsorships will be difficult to obtain. We have already received rejections from Hannaford (local Grocery chain), Kodak, and LL Bean. We're still in the running for a grant from MBNA Bank, Camden's major business.
The 2002 website is up and running with a respectable amount of content. Substantial additional content with photos is planned. On-line registration support is scheduled for 22-Oct. The web server is providing mailing lists for use of the convention staff and to distribute to early registrants, which will be established at the same time.
The 2002 Convention meetings on 23-Jun in Camden and at Convention were a big success. The next convention staff meeting is scheduled for 3-Nov-2001, at Kevin's place in Nashua, NH. We will plan the future staff meetings leading up to convention, and review progress on all scheduled activities.
Staffing success has continued. We gained several important volunteers at convention 2001 and since:
Events Chairman - Dave Lester
Logistics Chairman - Jim Hall
Speleolympics Chairman - Mark Jefferson (OTR)
Replacement Guide book Editor - Mike Nardacci
On-site trip coordinator - Roioli Schweiker
Publicity for the convention has had several notable successes with the appearance of our mascot "Clawd" at several events, including his formal introduction at the 2001 convention Program and Banquet, and the Doo-Dah parade at the 2001 OTR. Additional publicity is being planned.
Planning for the use of the venues and the events is ongoing and no major snags have arisen, with the exception of those listed below.
Issues:
Attendance, if USA travel is still crippled.
Lack of a committed provider for the schooner cruise. We are still optimistic that we can find a replacement in time, we are talking with several potential providers. It may require more logistics than previously planned, if we need to use 2 boats rather than a single one.
The permanent bathrooms and shower facilities at the Union Fairgrounds are not yet built, although the owners continue to assure us that they will be ready in time.
McFails Cave Preserve Quarterly Report — Summer 2001
Progress: No recent progress has been made on the Halls Hole entrance gate. Earlier this summer, we temporarily placed a wooden form at the proposed gate location to assess the feasibility of the location. Measurements were then taken of the passage so that the gate could be pre-built in the shop to the maximum extent practicable. A large tree was removed from Disappointment Pit. Work on the leaflet describing the property is progressing, albeit slowly.
Plans: The Halls Hole entrance gate will be installed on a date to be established. Repairs to the Acks Shack entrance gate and a catchment basement upstream of the Halls Hole entrance will follow.
Problems: There are no reported problems.
Trips (including those previously not reported)
| Date | Trip Leader | #Party | Purpose |
| 2/17/2001 | Ed Galbavy | 3 | Hanors/Cave Disappointment - Recreation |
| 2/18/2001 | Karen Summers | 6 | Hanors/Cave Disappointment - Recreation |
| 5/19/2001 | Marc Tremblay | 6 | McFails - Recreation |
| 6/12/2001 | Chuck Porter | 4 | McFails - Recreation |
| 6/23/2001 | Ed Lucas | 7 | McFails - Recreation |
| 6/23/2001 | Luc Le Blanc | 5 | McFails - Recreation |
| 8/11/2001 | Mark Folsom | 3 | Hanors/Cave Disappointment McFails-Recreation |
| 8/18/2001 | Bob Jacobs | 7 | McFails - Recreation |
| 8/24/2001 | Art Palmer | 2 | McFails - Scientific Study |
Submitted,
Thomas C. Rider
McFails Cave Preserve Manager
Shelta Cave Preserve Report - September, 2001
Progress: Bids from fencing contractors were received from four fencing vendors. These range in value from approximately $20,000 to $30,000. Some of the vendors did not follow our specifications for a steel fence, but instead bid chain link fence of inadequate height.
Signatures were obtained for a grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. They plan to provide $5K for the perimeter fence effort at Shelta.
We have received over $2,700 from Bat Conservation International. The Hunstville Grotto has pledged $1,000 in support, and we are working a matching fund agreement with the State of Alabama to provide up to $6,000.
A proposal in the amount of $20,000 was written to the Turner Foundation. We should hear from them within the next two weeks as to whether we met the proposal guidelines and under which funding cycle period we will be evaluated for possible funding. It is anticipated the proposal will be reviewed for the December 2001 funding cycle. This proposal may be found at http://www.caves.org/grotto/huntsville/shelta
An article was written for the NSS News requesting donations from the general membership of the NSS.
The really huge oak tree (four to five feet in diameter) on the NSS property succumbed to rot, termites, wet soil, and winds and fell. It completely blocked the entrance to Shelta. Bill Torode and Jim Hall have cleared the majority of the tree. This is really important as USF&W and Alabama Dept. of Conservation were encouraging us to leave this tree for habitat. We had desired to remove this tree at a potential cost of thousands of dollars. If the perimeter fence had been in place, it would most likely have damaged about 100 feet of fence.
A Shelta Cave restricted fund was voted on and approved by the NSS Board.
Plans: Work on a draft cooperative management agreement between the NSS and the USF&W service. An initial draft has been written and reviewed by Jay Clark (legal counsel to the Huntsville Grotto) and by Joel Stephenson counsel for the NSS. Their comments need to be worked into a second draft and this needs to be sent to the USF&W for review and negotiation with counsel.
Work on other potential funding sources should we fail our other attempts.
Make selection of fence contractor.
Problems: None.
Submitted,
Paul Meyer
Chairman, Shelta Cave Preserve Committee
John Guilday Cave Preserve — 9/24/2001
Plans: Nothing unusual. Will schedule another Conservacation next year.
Progress: A successful Conservacation weekend just completed on 9/22/2001. Clean up teams went into all three of the main caves and found very little to do. Two people worked outside, clearing part of a fallen tree from the trail and doing general trash pick up. Again, very little in the way of litter.
The Guilday Preserve Brochure has been reprinted with no changes. The bill will be forwarded to the Treasurer to reimburse Bob Hoke, who handled the arrangement. It is interesting to note that despite the large number of brochures distributed at the property, none are found amongst the litter.
Problems: Thankfully, none.
Respectfully submitted,
David West, Chairman
KINGSTON SALTPETER CAVE PRESERVE — September, 2001
We continue to experience no problems with the property, although on occasion some new trash is discovered, evidence of someone having gotten into the cave. We are presently trying to add to our list of committee members, which will better facilitate security.
Since our last report we have led another group of teachers into the cave, as part of our continuing relationship with the nearby Weinman Mineral Museum and our commitment to making the cave available for study and research.
The September NSS News carried an update on the status of the cave and property that we had written in order to keep the Society membership apprised of the goings-on there.
After having been unsuccessful in obtaining any funding from the NSS, this year we have been given grants from the Dogwood City Grotto (DCG), The Robertson Association (TRA), the Richmond Area Speleological Society (RASS), and the Southeastern Regional Association (SERA) to enable our continuing research at the cave. Additionally, the Felburn Foundation has committed to funding the book concerning the cave's geology and paleontology that is presently in preparation.
Respectfully submitted,
Larry O. Blair, Chairman
Kingston Saltpeter Cave Committee
1) Barton Hill Karst Preserve Report — June, 2001
Gary — Sorry this is late. It will be brief and without my usual list of trips. There is not most to report on the Barton Hill Karst Preserve (BHKP). The Baumann's dropped their lawsuit just before the last Board meeting.
Trips have been going into the Gages. There have been no trips to Keyhole. Some unknown locals (Not the Baumanns, Noxons, or Nays) have been heavily using the access property with ATVs. We are working on resolving this.
Submitted,
Thomas Engel, Manager
2) Barton Hill Karst Preserve — September, 2001
Not much to report. We got the official paperwork dropping the Baumann Lawsuit. No additional fencing has been done but is anticipated this fall. Some cabin work was done, but due to lack of volunteers not much was accomplished.
Submitted,
Thom Engel
Chairman, BHKP Committee
WARREN'S CAVE REPORT - No Report received this period
DONALD R. RUSSELL CAVE PRESERVE REPORT - No Report received this period
SCHOHARIE CAVERNS PRESERVE REPORT - No Report received this period
Alachua Sinks Preserve — September, 2001
The Alachua Sink Preserve Committee met this month to resolve pending issues regarding guides, stairs, waivers and up-keep of the road. The committee agreed to accept Michael Poucher as the CDS (Cave Diving Section) representative to this committee. Also agreed was to increase the number of guides to 12 active guides thus adding two guides to the existing list. Two guides were nominated and pending them meeting the guide requirements and diving with Bill Main and Jim Taylor they will be inducted as active guides at the next meeting. The “steps project” is on hold until the new plans can be reviewed by the committee and a decision made regarding the step size and location. The committee agreed to get out and clear the drive of brush and weeds and this was initiated last weekend. The sink is not divable at the present time as rainfall has reduced visibility to near zero in the basin with limited visibility past the upstream downstream intersection. Next meeting is scheduled for early November.
Submitted,
Jim Taylor
TYTOONA CAVE PRESERVE REPORT — September 2001
PROGRESS: Donations to date for Tytoona have netted so far $6,048.33 All of this money has been forwarded to the NSS Huntsville office. We have now met our original goal by surpassing the $6,000 mark. I would like to express my deepest thanks to Mike Cullinan (Tytoona Fund Raising Chairman) and those that contributed to make this successful. Contributor's names and amounts are listed at the Tytoona kiosk and on the Huntingdon County Cave Hunters (G314) website http://www.geocities.com/cavehunters
The public is using the four brochure boxes at the Tytoona kiosk quite frequently. The boxes are being restocked monthly at a rate of about 50 brochures each.
I have received a copy of a hydrological dye trace study (Tytoona area) done by Penn State students under the direction of Dr Will White.
All woodwork has been retreated with water preservative (railings, kiosk, signs, etc.). The railing also received a coat of wax to help in removal of any future spray paint should this vandal problem occur.
The engraved lettering on the signs has been outlined with black ink or paint to make reading them easier.
The erosion barrier wall that keeps the stream in check has been refortified.
The old washing machine that some uncaring sole left along the road and Tytoona property has been removed.
Members of the Huntingdon County Cave Hunters (G-314) and I provided local TV station WJAC (NBC affiliate) film crew and news anchor a tour of Tytoona Cave. The broadcast was aired during the evening news at 6:00 P.M., 11:00 P.M. and the next day at 7:00 A.M. The focus was on exploring caves with safety and conservation by organized cavers. WJAC film crew and their editing room did a very nice job on the final version that aired to the public.
The CCUS cave register book was serviced twice this summer due to visitation or book dampness.
The Tytoona Cave Preserve Committee is inspecting the property and cave on a regular monthly basis and myself included.
PROBLEMS: There have been a few incidents that I will comment on plus the remedy procedure that took place in response to those items as follows:
Three out of the four brochure boxes were found to be vandalized when someone apparently broke the Plexiglas front face plates. The State Police was notified of this to be put on file. The brochure boxes have been repaired.
During one of the property inspections, I found a pile of trash near the parking area and on the Preserve property. Going through the garbage, I found documents with a name and address (actually a police citation and court summons). I forwarded the documents to the State Police who in turn contacted the individual. It appears the individual admitted to being on the property. The State Police asked if I would like to press charges and I answered yes. Although still pending, the State Police is charging the individual with littering on the property.
We had one spray paint incident during this period when vandals spray painted a large Aztec-looking face on the cave entrance. This apparently happened late at night when no one in the area would notice it. I had the State Police investigate the incident and of course will get back with me if the culprits are found. The spray paint was easily removed.
PRESENT AND FUTURE PLANS: Supposedly, a cave certified diving film crew wanted to dive the back part of the cave this fall. So far nothing more has materialized of that plan.
I was hoping that an NSS Cave Preserves brochure could be printed that would educate the public a little about the land holdings of the NSS. This idea has apparently died for now since no one was willing to volunteer for the project.
A complete resurvey of the cave and property is currently on the back burner for now.
We hope to remark and clear any debris from the property boundary lines. Plans are either to do this fall, winter or next Spring when the foliage is off the trees.
Plans are to modify a few of the older wooden steps leading into the sinkhole because the stride is too high. This expenditure is of minimal cost and will be included in the next budget proposal.
Plant trees along the old commercial cave parking area (now closed). Probably sometime next year pending budget approval.
Continue to encourage educational studies and community support of our conservation efforts.
Submitted by,
Garrett Czmor, NSS 22709(R)(FE)
Tytoona Cave Preserve Manager & Chairman