President's Report
AGI Outreach Liaison
Awards Committee
Board Arrangements
Committee
Bylaws Committee
Fund Raising Committee
Government Liaison
Committee
International Secretary
Legal Committee
Logistics Committee
Membership Committee
National Cave and
Karst Management Symposium Coordinator
Nominating Committee
NSS/KWI Liaison Committee
NSS/NCKRI Liaison
Committee
NSS/TNC Liaison
Planning Committee
Public Relations Committee
Recording Secretary
Secretary to the Board
Show Caves Liaison
Committee
Youth Groups Liaison
Committee
Board Meeting System Ad Hoc
Committee
Spring Hill Cave Lawsuit Ad
Hoc Committee
NSS Library Ad Hoc Committee
Geo-Caching Ad Hoc Committee
Grant Funding Ad Hoc Committee
Attachment A: Proposed Letter to Cuba
Attachment B: NSS Library Ad Hoc
Committee Discussion Paper
Scott Fee, 317 889-7345, scottfee@pipeline.com
There are 27 committees, commissions, publications, etc. in the Department of the President (PRES). In this report, I provide the names, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of the chairmen of each committee or organization, followed by their reports. The committee and sub-committee chairmen have provided the information in this report although I’ve made some spelling, formatting, and minor editorial adjustments.
For detailed address information of any committee chairman, please refer to the NSS Members Manual or go to: http://www.caves.org/nss-business/bog/table-4d.html#President
Alternatively, you may contact me directly and I will furnish you with the appropriate contact information.
Plans:
Sell our house in Alabama, relocate Jaime, and unpack at some
point in time. As I have been on the “run” since I
became NSS President, I hope to “settle down,” get up
to speed on various issues, and facilitate the open exchange of
ideas and plans for the future of the NSS family.
Progress:
I have successfully relocated to Indianapolis, Indiana, although
I am in temporary housing.
I have joined or rejoined the following organizations: Central Indiana Grotto (CIG), St Joseph Valley Grotto (SJVG), and Indiana Cave Survey (ICS). I have continued my active membership in the Indiana Karst Conservancy (IKC). I regularly attend the CIG, IKC, and ICS meetings. I attended a Weekend camp out of the SJVG. I also attended the following regional caving events: SERA (South Eastern Regional Association); Karst-o-Rama (Kentucky); Indiana Cave Capers. I spoke at Cave Capers about the close ties that Indiana has to the NSS.
I was directed by the Board to establish an Ad Hoc Committee for Grant Funding. Ted Kayes was chosen as committee chairman. In addition to Ted, the committee members are Hazel Medville and Hazel Barton. This committee’s first report is included herewith.
Both the Legal and Government Liaison Committees have reviewed the proposed letter to the Cuban Speleological Society. The proposed letter is listed as Attachment A to this report. If there are no objections, I will send soon after the October Board meeting.
The Congress of Grottoes passed a motion requesting full utilization of the NSS Office database for determining votes. In order to insure that members and internal organizations alike were comfortable with this new procedure, I facilitated the following process. Keith Weiland maintains the IO web page. ( http://www.caves.org/committee/i-o/ ) Every few weeks a new listing is posting on this page that allows any interested party to review the Primary Affiliation of each member by organization.
Problems:
The only items I have to report on will be addressed in closed
session.
Carol Zokiates (Liaison), 540 382-5437, zokaites@usit.net
Plans:
Either I or Amy Berm plan to attend the Education Outreach
Advisory Board meeting later this year.
Progress:
No action taken during this time.
Problems:
None.
Bill Tozer (Chairman), 765 778-3259, wtozer@aol.com
Committee Members:
Barbara am Ende, Gale Beach, Evelyn Bradshaw, Bill Bussey, Donald
G. Davis, Michael Dyas, Scott Fee, Dr. Daniel Fong, Jeanne Hill,
Dr. Cato O. Holler, Jr., Mike K. Hood, Roy Jameson, Pat Kambesis,
Charles V. Larson, Dr. Charles A. Lundquist, William Mixon, G.
Thomas Rea, Geary M. Schindel, Gordon L. Smith, Jr, Linda Starr,
Lee Stevens, Dr. George Veni
Progress:
The NSS 2002 awards were presented at the Maine Convention. The
list of recipients is attached. A power point presentation was
used to project photos of the recipients. The digital
presentation allows recipients to use prints, slides and digital
pictures. The power point program with photos is stored on a CD
for future reference. The call for 2003 nominations has been
submitted to the NSS News for the September issue. The award
certificate was mailed to Dr. Trevor Shaw, as he was not at the
convention. The new OS and HM award certificates were presented.
They look very good.
Plans:
The committee encourages everyone to submit nominations.
Nominations are due by November 15, 2002. The awards selection
process will begin with the nomination deadline. All committee
members participate in the selection of each award. The BOG
selects the OS and HM awards.
Problems:
As always, good nominations are needed for all awards. Otherwise
no problems.
Awards presented at the 2002 NSS Convention:
Honorary Member: Dr. Trevor Shaw (1129 PH, FE)
Outstanding Service: Robert B. (Bob) Hoke (19274 FE)
Bicking Award: David L. Black (15419 FE)
Conservation Award: Kriste Lindberg (36097)
Science Award: Carol Hill (8449 CM, FE)
Spelean Arts and Letters: Colin Gatland (35440 FE)
Certificate of Merit:
Eric and Melissa Hendrickson (43633, 43634) " Passage of the
Maine Cave Protection Law"
Jim Nepstad (29637 FE) "Developing the Cave Management
Program at Wind Cave National Park"
Paul and Lee Stevens (13049 OS, FE and 16985 OS, FE)
"Leadership of the NSS Salon Committee."
NSS Fellows 2002:
Dale Acklin 3099, Bill Boehle 20043, Gordon Brace 27062, Terry
Clark 36369, Mike Dore 19984, Pat Dore 27548, Tom Dotter 35747,
George Jaegers 12978, Larry King 31508, Devin Kouts 19524, Kriste
Lindberg 36097, Harold Love 30386, Paul Meyer 34328, Richard
"Fig" Newton 20569, Jim Olsen 46856, Steve Ormeroid
19017, Doug Perkins 11183, Brian Roebuck 34626, Lynn Roebuck
34627, Joe Skipworth 21125
The Peter M. Hauer Spelean History Award winner is John C.
Taylor, NSS 5624.
The James G. Mitchell award went to T. J. Friend, NSS 42986.
Thomas J. Pollock (Chairman), 908 294-6634, TJPollock@aol.com
Progress:
Host Bids have been accepted through the summer of 2004.
October 5 2002 Michigan; Spring 2003 Park City, Utah; Summer 2003
California – Convention; Fall 2003 Jacksonville, Florida;
Spring 2004 Las Vegas, Nevada; Summer 2004 Marquette, Michigan
I have responded to a request from Met Grotto, New York. A bid request will probably be made, although I suspect they will wait a while.
Plans:
To respond to requests as needed.
Problems:
None.
Tom Rea (Chairman), 765 653-4423, tomrea@caves.org
Progress:
I have reviewed and commented on one proposed bylaw change
submitted by Gary Moss.
Plans:
I await further business.
Problems:
It is not the job of the Bylaws Committee to instruct the Board
on the content of the Bylaws.
Ted Kayes (Chairman), 804 272-4310, tckayes@earthlink.net
Progress:
Limited fund raising was accomplished at the Convention this
year. The Stephenson Group members were easily identified and
there was some interest in the Group.
Plans:
The Fall fund raising letter is being prepared. A campaign
seeking significant gifts to move the endowment fund over
$100,000 has begun.
Problems:
None other than a shortage of time.
Hazel Medville (Chairman), 703 860-0134, Hazelm@patriot.net
Progress:
Worked with Joel Stevenson on the letter of cooperation with the
Cuban Speleological group.
Plans:
Review agreements with federal agencies to determine if updates
are needed.
Respond to member and government queries.
Problems:
None.
John L. Moses (Secretary), 915 921-0535, johnmoses@excite.com
Eleanor Larson (Committee Member) Santa Barbara, CA
Tom Lera (Committee Member) Falls Church, VA
Plans:
Request that the Board officially note the unofficial
international volunteer efforts of Dr. George Veni and Dr. Ric
Finch in their separate tasks on behalf of the NSS (see
“Progress” section below).
Progress:
International Union of Speleology—Since the death of Dr.
George Huppert, the U.S. had not had a representative on the
International Union of Speleology (UIS) Bureau. The UIS had no
constitutional mechanism to deal with succession between
elections. NSS member, Dr. George Veni, agreed to have his name
placed before the UIS as a possible successor. Secretary General
of the UIS, Pavel Bosak, reported that the UIS Bureau, meeting in
July 2002 in Korea, agreed to award Dr. Veni a seat on the Bureau
but without the official title of “adjunct secretary.”
Dr. Veni agreed to serve in this unofficial capacity until the
next International Congress (Athens, 2005).
Honduras Project—The NSS received a request for technical assistance from a university in Honduras that would involve locating and mapping caves in a region of that country for possible tourism development. NSS member, Dr. Ric Finch, responded to our requests for an individual to lead a response effort. Dr. Finch traveled to Honduras in July at his own expense and met with the Honduran project team. According to an email from Professor Gustavo Ustariz in Honduras, "...our week of work with Dr. Ric Finch was a great success. After visiting several caves, he helped us pick three as a base for our project. I have become a member of the NSS just last month; I am waiting for a response (institutional membership as: ConTurismo). I am very eager to participate in NSS activities and maybe get some more technical assistant specially in basic rescue training." Dr Finch has prepared a very detailed report and it is available by emailing me.
"USA '09"—The International Secretary's Committee has been investigating the possibility of hosting the 2009 International Congress of Speleology somewhere in the U.S. Several NSS regions were contacted but, to date, no expressions of interest in hosting an International Congress have been received. Two regions (Arizona and Texas) declined the opportunity.
Also, answered various correspondence addressed to international secretary or sent to NSS relating to international issues.
Problems:
Sent letters of invitation on behalf of several members of Polish
Mountaineering Association, requesting the assistance of U.S.
Consulate in Krakow, Poland, in providing visas to visit the U.S.
These individuals were scheduled to participate in a September
alpine cave rescue workshop, partially funded by the NSS. The
consulate there was reportedly less than helpful.
Joel B. Stevenson (Chairman), 828 669-0126, cavelaw@bellsouth.net
Progress:
I have advised the President concerning procedural matters in the
Lutz Estate. In essence, I advised that the amount of the
contingent bequest did not justify the expense of retaining
counsel and that the Society should handle the matter by
corresponding with the probate court. I made inquiry to the
Estate of George Corrie concerning a possible bequest to the
Society. No response has yet been received. I have advised the
President as to possible wording of a letter to the Cuban
Speleological Society regarding a cooperative agreement between
the two organizations. In essence, any agreement would be subject
to regulations imposed by the State Department pending
normalization of relations between the U.S. and Cuba. I have
responded to several informal inquires from Society members, both
at the Convention and via email and telephone, concerning
potential cave related liability.
Plans:
I will remain available to respond to questions as they arise.
Problems:
None at this time.
Roswell Jones (Chairman), (H) 412 367-3522, wrj4822@sgi.net
Progress:
The Board equipment was recovered from the Maine meeting.
Plans:
The voting machine and the recording equipment will be at the
board meeting on October 5. It will be there whether I’m
there or not.
Problems:
None.
William Karpowicz (Chairman), carbidekid@prodigy.net
Colin Gatland: Canada, TX, OK Ernie Coffman: NV, HI, CA
Marty Brown: AR Hal Joerin: MI, IN, WI
Bill Klimack: PA, DE, MD, VA, WV, NC, SC
Bob Liebman: Member At Large Marge Nelson: CA
Jerry Zimmer: AK, WA, ID, OR Ryan Brown: CO, UT, WY
Melanie Coleman: CO, UT, WY Robert J Hall: NY, NJ
Bill Karpowicz: NY, New England
Plans:
I received an e-mail from Mike Hood just around convention time
stating that the directors wanted to see the membership committee
define a purpose. The feeling is that the Internet age has put
the need to for the committee in question and I was asked where I
think the direction of the committee should head or should it be
abolished all together. I will be sending both email and snail
mail to the current committee members to get their thoughts on
this.
Progress:
N/A
Problems:
Still need coverage for the Kentucky / Ohio area.
Cheryl Jones (Coordinator), 703 442-8499, cherylj@erols.com
Plans:
2003 NCKMS in Gainesville, Florida , hosted by the NSS Cave
Diving Section.
Progress:
NCKMS Steering Committee meeting held at the 2002 NSS Convention.
Proceedings for the 2001 Symposium are expected to be out by the
end of the year.
Web site continues to develop.
Problems: None
Montana Autumn Spencer (Chairman), 423 396-4521, Cavrbab@earthlink.net
2003 NSS Nominating Committee Members:
Joseph D Marchese, 48495RE, Verification Teller
Dave Belski, 7875RL, CM, FE, Southwestern Region
Craig Cantello, 41176RE, Eastern Region
Elaine J Hackerman, 9048RL, FE, Southeastern Region
Plans:
Round out Nominating Committee by filling open regional slots.
Begin work to find a local bulk mail permit that I can use for
the ballots and/or talk to postmaster regarding cost and
procedure for obtaining a new permit. (This is still on hold
until we determine if we're staying in the Chattanooga area or
moving out West.) Shop for local printer and mailing house. (This
is still on hold until we determine if we're staying in the
Chattanooga area or moving out West.)
Progress:
Established time line for the 2003 election. Compiled list of
tentative candidates (45) with contact information and have begun
calling folks. Call for Candidates article for the December 2002 NSS
News issue draft complete.
Problems:
None at this time.
Vacant
Dr. Penelope J. Boston (Chairman), (Cell) 303 579-4775, pboston@complex.org
Committee members: No formal committee roster exists. I have been drafting help ex officio as I needed it for various items. Val and Jim Werker have done much of the footwork vis à vis the potential NSS library/NCKRI agreement.
Progress:
This past half year has been a busy one for NCKRI and
consequently has been reflected in our interactions with it.
NCKRI now has funds in hand to construct the headquarters
building in Carlsbad, New Mexico. Exact site of the building is
subject to ongoing negotiation (polite term for political
wrangling) with the city fathers and other interested parties.
NCKRI has concluded formal agreements with a number of entities for various joint projects including Western Kentucky University, Karst Waters Institute, ACCA, etc. It has agreed to jointly sponsor several NSS books and is very enthusiastic about that connection.
The primary research institution having a joint partnership with NCKRI is New Mexico Tech in Socorro, New Mexico. I have just been named to head up the new Cave and Karst Research Program there and have examined whether or not this may constitute a conflict of interest in any way. I have concluded to my satisfaction that my professional activities are not at odds with my representation of NSS with NCKRI but rather complementary. However, I welcome input and alternative opinions from the Board on this matter.
My specific activities vis à vis NCKRI have centered around putting together a “white paper” drawn from views of the scientific community that is concerned with all aspects of speleological science. This white paper’s purpose is to provide an intellectual framework for the speleological community’s interactions with NCKRI and for NCKRI to use in seeking the non-federal matching funds that are specified in its mandate. (For those not already familiar with this provision, the wording of the legislation that brought NCKRI into being specifies that the federal funds expended on NCKRI must be matched on a dollar per dollar basis by non-federal funds). I have drawn heavily on ideas and concerns from the scientific community within the NSS to provide content for this effort.
I attended the recent (August 7/8) NCKRI working group meeting in Carlsbad and briefed them on NSS interests and activities relevant to the NCKRI mandate.
Plans:
I am attempting to assemble a showcase presentation for high
level potential funding sources to explain the significance of
cave and karst issues, the need for conservation and management,
and the drastic lack of scientific understanding of our national
and global cave resources.
The search for a permanent director for NCKRI is moving forward aggressively. The field of finalists has narrowed to three candidates (all very active NSS members, I am pleased to report). I understand that the final selection and offer will be made within days or weeks of the submission of this report.
Rane L. Curl (Liaison), 734 995-2678, ranecurl@umich.edu
Rob Robbins (Committee Member)
Progress:
TNC has changed its liaison with NSS. Tina Hall stepped down and
Heather Garland has been appointed. Heather is with the Tennessee
chapter.
The traveling NSS-TNC Liaison Display made a showing at the 2002 Convention, though much in the form it had at the prior convention. The stop in Camden ME was en-route to Tennessee, where it will be updated.
An inquiry was received from a NSS member about working with TNC in the New York area, and Heather put them in touch with the right contacts. This is how the Liaison function is supposed to work.
Plans:
Heather and I will be corresponding about that, and also updating
the NSS-TNC website, when she has a chance to get caught up with
the material.
Problems:
Just that this all takes time.
Thomas J. Pollock (Chairman), 908 294-6634, TJPollock@aol.com
Progress:
Have been looking at planning methods of other non-profit
organizations and
strategies they employ. A crucial element in each is the fiscal
policies employed and their willingness to extend fund raising
beyond their own membership.
A question posed from within our membership: Would (Should) the NSS operate a commercial show cave? There are several advantages to doing so. It meets the academic demands of our charter. Done properly, it would advance the conservational themes we espouse merits to a wide audience beyond our membership. It could be a significant addition to our fund raising efforts.
But the negative aspects also need to be considered carefully. The mechanism for operating such a facility needs to be in place before the acquisition. A legal separation fiscally needs to be created. Operational insurance and liability clauses would be mandatory. A professional manager and trained staff for the facility could go far to ensure its success.
I don't think this question should be dismissed summarily. Nor should we purchase and open NSS Superland next month.
No recommendations at this time.
Jay Jorden (Chairman), 214 202-6611, jjorden@texoma.net
Committee Members: David McClurg, Jack Hissong, Sandra Hissong.
Progress:
Members of the Public Relations Committee have fielded several
requests for information in the three months since the last
report. They included press information promoting the Society's
safety and conservation goals. Publicity efforts also include
distributing a "conservation flash" with news of
interest to newsletter editors and others from the Cave
Conservation and Management Section.
Details: Calls and correspondence included a researcher for NBC's ``Today Show'' contacting the Society regarding a proposed story on cave exploration. FYI, network editors often assign researchers to check out story ideas that may take months to produce for a newscast. Information was also provided to several other journalists who had general story ideas involving caving. An NSS background sheet was provided for distribution at a cooperative effort by Mammoth Cave National Park at Wolf Trap Farm, the National Park for the Performing Arts.
Plans:
The background sheet that news releases and responses to media
organizations is being updated; work also continues on
restructuring of a ``press kit'' and committee files. Development
time and input are necessary.
Problems:
Please let me know of any specific PR concerns or needs, either
from the officers or the board.
Lee Stevens, stevenslee@adelphia.net
Progress:
The draft of the July 2002 Board meeting minutes has been
circulated. After approval of the draft by the Board in October
2002, they will be posted on the NSS web site.
Plans:
To continue to produce the Board of Governors meeting minutes in
a timely way.
To further pursue development of a computer based method for recording the motions and votes during the Board meetings. An ad will be placed in the NSS News to seek volunteers interested in developing a new computer based method to record motions and votes during NSS Board Meetings. The Recording Secretary will be the point-of-contact for the ad. Selection of the best qualified volunteer will be made after consulting with cavers familiar with computer systems and the NSS President
Problems: None.
Vince Kappler, 973 579-2116, vkappler@nac.net
Progress:
I printed and mailed four complete manuals for the new officers
and directors that came on board in June. Twenty-one copies of
the manual update from the spring meeting were mailed in mid
June. The update was 36 pages and included a completely revised
Section 18.
Plans:
Prepare the update from the summer meeting for posting to the web
and mailing to recipients as soon as possible.
Problems:
None.
Gordon Smith (Chairman), 812 945-5721, glstis@aol.com
Progress:
Since my last report I have been running three show caves and
just trying to hold on for the ride. For Speleofest and Cave
Capers we let all registered cavers into Marengo and Wyandotte
for free. I also received the Landowner of the Year award from
the Central Indiana Grotto and I was very appreciative of that
honor.
Plans:
I will be attending the National Caves Association annual meeting
in Redwing, Wisconsin, in late September and possibly the
International Show Cave meeting in Slovenia in October.
Problems:
None that I am aware of.
Jack Hissong (Chairman), 317 841-0687
Progress:
Our role and purpose in the NSS has been unchanged for many
years. We exist to answer letters and calls from NSS members and
the general public about caving activities and inquiries by
various types of youth groups. These are mainly from Boy Scout
leaders, although we have received inquiries from other group
leaders as well. The questions cover the whole gamut of cave
related things like: where can we go caving in our home state?
What kind of equipment do we need to get started? Is there a
local club or individual we can contact? Where can we find a good
program about bats? 20 years ago such inquiries were common and
there was a big need for the NSS to have a point person to give
the right answers or get them in touch with someone locally who
could work with them and perhaps take them caving, if they were
seriously pursuing that end. Over the years, the number of
inquiries has dropped each year. The reason is that we live in an
information age now and all the contacts and names and phone
numbers and resources are so available on various Webpages and
Internet connections.
Plans:
We will continue to respond appropriately when contacted, and
distribute information and copies of the Scouting brochure. Some
get referrals to show caves. I do have a list of NSS friends all
over the country who have a history or desire to work with youth
groups, and the serious inquirers sometimes get one of those
names if they need local help.
Problems:
It is like being the Maytag repairman. Inquiries have dried up
and we have little work to do. Once a committee is established,
there is an organizational tendency to keep it functioning. If
you come to a point where streamlining of NSS departments is
desired, perhaps this is one that is obsolete and outlived its
usefulness to the Society. I am not trying to resign to give away
my fiefdom, but if it fades away, few will miss it or even know
it’s gone.
Lee Stevens (Chairman), stevenslee@adelphia.net
See Recording Secretary report.
Cheryl Jones (Chairman), 703 442-8499, cherylj@erols.com
Plans:
Continue to stay in touch with Sharon Todd, the landowner's
daughter, as the lawsuit aftermath drags on, to arrange to cover
Ms. Beckner's outstanding legal bills. She would like to wait on
progressing with this until the case is closed. Also continue to
discuss with Sharon and Ms. Beckner their wishes for the future
of the cave.
Progress:
The family who brought the lawsuit appealed the Judge's dismissal
of the case, and a panel of three judges listened to the
arguments in June. Ms Beckner said the judges seemed “amused
and bemused” that the appeal had been filed. Since this is
an appeal against a ruling on a state statute, the judges are
expected to take their time writing their decision and as of the
end of August there has been no further progress. Should they
rule in favor of Ms Beckner, the next level of appeal is the
state supreme court. That outcome would be one for the law books
because of the effect it would have on the landowner protection
law. However appeals to the Supreme Court are expensive, and the
cost acts as a good deterrent.
Problems:
None that are within our control
Dave Luckins (Co-Chairman), (Day) 810 575-1521, dave.luckins@gm.com
Mike Hood (Co-Chairman), 937 252-2978, mhcaver@aol.com
Progress:
The Maine convention saw a fair amount of informal discussion on
the future of the NSS Library. At the beginning of August, Dave
Luckins, drafted a summary report for distribution to the Board
and other interested parties. That report is included for the
public record as Attachment B
Plans:
Two interesting approaches to maintenance of the Library have
emerged. Both involve, essentially, committing the Library to the
care of a third party.
One approach involves committing care of the library to the newly formed Karst Research facility in Carlsbad, New Mexico. It is proposed the NSS will retain ownership of the library with administrative responsibility in the hands of the facility. Several open issues exist with this approach, including the ability of the NSS to accept donations of private collections from its members, and the relative remoteness of the facility for access by members.
The other approach involves the creation of an independent Library Trust to administer the NSS Library, and presumably the libraries of other speleological organizations. Promoters of this concept envision a structure similar to that used by NSS founders when they created the National Speleological Foundation, Inc. Since this concept, apparently, emerged during the convention, there is a fair amount of work needed before the concept could be employed. Promoters suggest the library would remain in its current facility while money is raised; first to provide a professional librarian and then to locate the library in an appropriate, more central facility. (This concept has received some indications of financial support from a few members.)
Both concepts are interesting and both have significant open issues that require resolution before action may be taken.
The committee chairs note the inclusion of a motion concerning the Library on the agenda. It is our opinion the motion is premature. We suggest three actions are needed. First, the promoters of the Library Trust need to develop their concept and to identify a champion for the concept. Second, there should be a meaningful "open issues" list developed for each approach. Third, reasonable responses need to be developed that address the “Open Issues.”
Dr. Hazel Barton-Olsen (Chairman), 435 649-1598, hbarton@ucdavis.edu
Committee members: Amy Bern, Larry Flemming , and Bob Hall.
Progress:
We are glad to have Bob Hall join our team. Bob has offered to
monitor all the geocaching sites on the web and maintain a
database of when/where geocaches are being placed in caves. We
also contacted all the Federal agencies and obtained copies of
their policies on geocaching. The only organization that does not
have a national policy is the US Forest Service. However, after
talking with Jim Miller, he explained that each Forest is
expected to form their own policy determined by local issues and
conditions.
Plans:
There has been a lot of grumbling about geocaching in the caving
community, and we are in the process of writing an article for
the NSS News explaining the activity and how it impacts caves. In
the article we will also outline the policies of the Federal
agencies that directly impact geocaching on their property (USFS,
BLM, etc.), which should help local cavers address some of the
issues. Otherwise, there is not a huge amount of work to be done,
other than monitoring the problem and attempting to foresee
issues before they arise.
Problems:
The geocachers in Colorado are continuing to place geocaches in
sensitive caves and GPS coordinates on the web. Despite
discussions between Larry Flemming and the Webmaster of the www.geocaching.com website,
these locations are still being posted. The Colorado cavers are
still attempting to resolve this issue amicably.
Ted Kayes (Chairman), 804 272-4310, tckayes@earthlink.net
The message requesting suggestions was very open-ended and went out to Board members, former members, and others who might have a feel for such projects. Addressees were encouraged to further disseminate the message to those who might be aware of such projects. The recipients were asked to respond within three weeks and because of my schedule they had four weeks.
The response could be described as minimal. Cheryl Jones, Val and Jim Werke,r and Carol Zokaites sent in or called with ideas. As we were seeking broad ideas at this time, the lack of definition should not be a concern and some of the ideas were very good. But most were vaguely defined things that the Society might do, but they were certainly not things that people actually want to do and for which funding is needed at this time.
Val and Jim reinforced Hazel M’s suggestion about the need for funding for publication software and multi-user licenses. The need for funding for new office software was supported. Beyond that, the suggestions tended to be nebulous ideas that had not coalesced sufficiently that anyone is looking for funding or is prepared to move ahead. It is notable how many of the ideas dealt with educational endeavors. None of them addressed property acquisition or preservation of real property.
Attached are some of the ideas that were pretty well organized and they are ideas that the Society might wish to take up, but for which there is no constituency at this time. It appears that the problem is not so much one of grants, but rather a want of planning or goal setting.
Some of the following exceeds the committee’s brief, but it is an area of concern that is related:
Leadership of a dynamic Society should be more than addressing problems as they surface. But perhaps the membership does not desire the NSS to be a dynamic organization that is strongly into conservation and education.
But I digress.
Observations:
Recommendations:
1. That the ad-hoc, grants committee apply for grants to enable the Society to obtain modern, integrated software for bookkeeping, inventory control, membership and fund raising.
2. That the Committee document the experience and problems to create a flow-chart that could be used as a template for a future, permanent grants committee.
3. That the committee encourage the Leadership to set up a planning session of at least one half day each year to examine the future of the Society.
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Thoughts on planning session.
Likely it should be adjacent to a Board Meeting, perhaps
Spring 2003.
At the following Convention the ideas that surfaced could be
presented to the membership for discussion and amplification.
Possibly at the Congress of Grotto or a similar forum.
Some of the ideas would have advanced sufficiently so that
appropriate vice-presidents could have planning sessions with
committee chairmen.
Grant proposals could be developed to obtain funding for those
programs that were adopted and require outside funding.
Result could be a more active and effective Society.
Some of the ideas submitted to the committee:
1. Development of a long-term, ongoing, NSS cave and karst
resources educational program. Funding will include cost for
professional leadership or assistance in developing the concept
and materials for the program, and the cost to produce material.
- development of material for use by teachers with elementary and
high school curricula and SoL.
- development of brochures, interactive CDs, and other items for
distribution to children through schools, youth groups, museums.
-cave and karst packets for teachers, youth group leaders, and
for use with museum programs that contain posters and other
material (similar to the USGS packets)
-development of on-line educational material and lesson plans,
and interactive web site for young people.
-training cavers to present the program in schools -- to teachers
or classrooms as appropriate.
2. Professional guidance to assess the effectiveness of the NSS' services, systems, property and programs in accomplishing the Society's goals, and to develop a long term business and development plan for the NSS.
3. Acquiring and developing effective and updated database and accounting software for the NSS office. Acquiring adequate computer hardware and software to efficiently carry out NSS office operations.
4. Construction and outfitting of a modern library, office, meeting/class room, museum, bookstore (and show cave/science center) complex. Salary for a librarian.
5. Development of an ongoing, long-term, cave and karst
conservation and management program. Funding will include payment
for professional assistance in creating and developing materials,
and the cost of production of materials.
- Development and printing (including CDs, books/booklets,
brochures, posters) of various instructional and guidance
materials for distribution to NSS Grottos, state, local, and
federal agencies, other conservation non-profits, landowners and
landowners.
- Development of interactive CDs for school-aged children for
distribution to schools, museums, and libraries.
- Funding to create and conduct an on-going series of cave and
karst conservation and management workshops/seminars nationwide,
aimed at Federal, state, and local agencies, other conservation
non-profits, landowners, and cavers. Funding would include the
costs involved in developing materials, training presenters, and
conducting the workshops.
6. Enhancement of the Journal of Cave and Karst Studies.
7. Acquisition of ground water models for training purposes.
8. Fund a video on karst protection of a quality suitable for public broadcast.
Dr Ercilia Vento Canosa
President, Cuban Speleological Society
The Board of Governors of the National Speleological Society is honored with the proposal of collaboration between our organizations on matters of mutual speleological interest. They have instructed me to advise you that we look forward to working with the Cuban Speleological Society for many years to come.
Pending normalization of relations between our two governments, our participation in any given project will, of course, be controlled by any applicable regulations, but we do not see this as a serious impediment, as there are well established exceptions for cultural and scientific exchanges between our countries.
The NSS will appoint a standing committee to implement our co-operative activities, but until that is established please continue to contact me on any matters involving our collaborative efforts.
This is an exciting development for speleology in our hemisphere, and we thank you for taking the initiative in making the proposal.
With best regards,
Scott Fee
President, National Speleological Society
This paper is being concurrently circulated to the NSS Executive Committee, NSS Board of Governors, and the NSS Ad Hoc Library Committee for review and discussion. (It should be noted, the views are those of the author and have not had prior review by members of the committee.)
The intent of this paper is to provide a summary overview of concepts that have been proposed for the future of the NSS Library; to suggest next steps; and to (broadly) identify where support may reside for future actions. The reader is cautioned that the author has provided his own summary of the merits of each concept; supporters of a particular concept may choose to provide their own input and such input would be welcomed.
The Concepts
Four basic concepts for a future NSS library have emerged. Naturally, there are permutations around each concept, but in general, they fit into the following areas:
1. Do Nothing
Supporters of the "Do Nothing" approach make three general arguments for their position
2. Construct a New Library facility and Improve Support for the Library.
Supporters of this approach tend to view the Library as part of a broader plan for the Society and cite the following concepts
3. Transfer the Library to an Outside Facility
Actually, there are two, distinct, approaches under this concept. For lack of better terms, I’ll describe one as the Karst Research Proposal and the other as the Trust Proposal.
3A. The Karst Research Proposal
Supporters of this concept have many of the same ideas as the supporters favoring construction of a new NSS Library.
In addition they see the NSS as unwilling or unable to take necessary steps to further the development of the Library. As such, they believe an association with the Karst Research Institute will:
A comment may be in order at this point as to why the Karst Research Institute would want our collection. While they can point to their own rationale, there is an implicit acknowledgement of the value of our collection. It is difficult to have a research facility without suitable research materials…our library seems to provide that foundation.
3B. A Library Trust
Discussion of this idea emerged during the Maine Convention. The idea is to spin off the NSS Library to a non-profit Library Foundation or Trust. The model for this approach comes from the approach taken by earlier NSS leaders when they moved NSS financial assets into the National Speleological Foundation to provide long-term stewardship of NSS assets. The view would be to maintain the library, in the short-term, in our Huntsville facility while funding is developed to move the Library to a more permanent facility. There are serious indications that funding would be immediately available to provide, at least, a part-time professional librarian within the NSS facility if this approach was adopted.
Like the supporters of the Karst Research Approach, supporters of this concept cite the following:
What’s Next?
Have we captured all of the potential ideas for he Library? My sense is there are more ideas but, within the above, we likely have the essence of a plan for the future of the NSS Library.
Do we need to act NOW? Supporters of three of the “action” plans will say yes, but, unless there is a compelling urgency to the Karst Research proposal that hasn’t surfaced, it would appear we have sufficient time for prudent reflection and membership discussion. (This position is offered while recognizing our obligation for a timely response to the Karst Research proposal.)
Additional details are required for each concept to place them on equal footing for public discussion. I would like to undertake to change the concept of the ad Hoc Library committee to include supporters of all the of above concepts and to change the charter of the committee to require it to prepare an objective analysis of the four concepts including preliminary implementation plans for each.
Public Discussion: Assuming “Do Nothing” is not your preferred result, Board action at this point would be premature. There is a need for public discussion, either in the NSS News or a presentation at the Congress of Grottos (or combinations of both) in order to have member input and discussion.
Who Cares?
Interesting question. In general, the three concepts involving changes seem to be supported by members who have a long-term interest in the library and by members who have enjoyed leadership roles within the society. It’s safe to say this issue seems to “light up” our long-term influential members and is, in turn driven by their interest. Does this issue “light-up” the general membership? That’s a harder question to answer without a more public discussion of the issue.
The two concepts to move day-to-day operation of the library out of NSS hands generated serious discussion at the Maine Convention, but I’m not sure the supporters of either plan had an opportunity to sit down with each other to find a common ground and approach. I don’t not know if the two concepts are mutually exclusive or if the supporters of each would be willing to support the other.