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SERA Winter Business Meeting '01

Minutes for the 2001 SERA Winter Business Meeting 2/24/01

The roll call of grottos revealed attendance by: Athens Speleological Society, Chattanooga Grotto, Dogwood City Grotto, East Tennessee Grotto, Georgia Speleological Society, Huntsville Grotto, Middle Georgia Grotto, Nashville Grotto, Smoky Mountain Grotto, Southport Chronic Cavers, Tennessee Cave Survey, Upper Cumberland Grotto, and West Georgia Grotto.

Reports from the floor were next. Brian Roebuck, the Conservation Chair of Nashville Grotto spoke about the Spencer Sewage Treatment Plant fight and saving Rumbling Falls Cave. He stated the coalition of groups thought they had stopped the dumping into Dry Fork Creek. Recent developments have cast doubts on that assumption and the fight may have to be resumed. Brian thanked all the SERA grottos for their generous contributions. He stated more contributions may not be necessary, but would welcome pledges if the litigation had to proceed.

Jim Hall (Huntsville Grotto) spoke of grotto plans for the protection of Shelta Cave. He stated the fauna were suffering and the gray bats had disappeared since the installation of the current gate. Huntsville plans to remove the gate and install fencing around the entrance. They anticipate costs of 15-20 thousand dollars. Several funding suggestions were offered from the floor. Jim said Huntsville might be asking for help in the future.

Nancy Holler-Aulenbach (Dogwood City Grotto) spoke about the upcoming IMAX film "Amazing Caves". She stated the caves featured were non-traditional caves. She said the film does not promote sport caving. A brochure available to all grottos was shown.

Jim Wilbanks spoke about recent groundwater education efforts by cavers in Northwest Georgia. He said the group used basic geology and the Project Underground materials for their presentation. The cavers were received well and felt they had made a difference.

Dan Barnick (Dogwood City Grotto) spoke about the SERA Photo Salon. He asked for help with judging and in forming a committee to recommend judging criteria.

Brent Aulenbach (Georgia Speleological Survey) spoke about the SERA Map Salon. He asked for help with the judging.

Joe Douglas recommended local eating establishments.

Wm Shrewsbury (Chattanooga Grotto) spoke about the 2001 SERA Cave Carnival. It is to be held on Smokey Cauldwell's farm near Lafayette Georgia on June 22,23&24.

Lee Trowbridge (East Tennessee Grotto) spoke about last year's SERA Cave Carnival. He presented the Executive committee with a manual for running SERA. He spoke about the tee shirt arrangements they used. They had used Caverags who took the left over stock to sell.

John Hickman (Nashville Grotto) reported on the SCCi. He said there would be an open house at Fricks Cave March 3rd, a board meeting on March 24th, and the Members Meeting on June 30th.

Debby Johnson (Tennessee Cave Survey) mentioned the TAG survey meeting on April 28th. She asked for presentations. She also mentioned a Mapping workshop in March.

The attendees were then asked to identify themselves and speak about what they had been doing.

Bill Overton (Nashville Grotto) spoke about the field trips on Sunday.

The morning session was concluded for Lunch.

At 1:30 PM, the business meeting reconvened. The 2000 minutes were read and approved. The treasurer's report was read and approved.

The committee to review and revise the Constitution, Bylaws and Actions reported. All the proposed changes were read and approved unanimously.

The Merit Award Committee report was given by Don Hunter (Athens Speleological Society). They recommended establishing a SERA Meritorious Service Award. The award is to be a more general award given for service, which does not fall into any of the established categories. More than one can be awarded per year and there is to be no cash award. The award is to be moved and voted on by the Governing Committee. The committee's recommendation was adopted unanimously.

Lee Trowbridge (East Tennessee Grotto) suggested hearing all grant requests before doing any voting. The Chair agreed.

Jim Wilbanks spoke about the need for more direct involvement by SERA on conservation matters. He recommended SERA sponsor conservation activities at both SERA events, the TAG Fall Cave In and Cavestock. Joe Douglas (Nashville Grotto) spoke in agreement. Larry Matthews (Nashville Grotto) and Brian Roebuck recommended adoption of the activities. Paula Ledbetter (Dogwood City Grotto) asked about including education and safety in the mission of SERA. Chris Kerr (Smoky Mountain Grotto) spoke about his vision of SERA being a funnel for information and help. Brian Williamson (West Georgia Grotto) spoke about rural development and the need for coordinated action by cavers to protect karst through environmental activism.
Wilbanks moved that a SERA Conservation Task Force Committee be formed. It is to study the ways SERA can become more involved. It will be empowered to lend SERA's name as co-sponsor to conservation activities and help organize them. The motion was carried unanimously. Named to the committee were: Jim Wilbanks (chair), Brian Williamson, Jeremy Hill, Bill Overton, Debby Johnson, Shari Lydy, and Brian Roebuck.

Joel Sneed spoke about the Kingston Saltpeter Cave Preserve. He requested a SERA grant to help with dating artifacts in the cave. He estimated the cost would be near $1300. Gerald Moni (Nashville Grotto) moved and Brent Aulenbach seconded that SERA give a $400 grant. The motion passed unanimously.

Award committees were then formed: 
Francis McKinney award the members were: Brian Roebuck, Shari Lydy, and Debby Johnson. 
Richard Schrieber award: Holly Bunch, Don Hunter, and Jim Wilbanks. 
Larry Adams award: John Klayer, Karen Marsh and Jeremy Hill. 
Alexis Harris Award: Brian Williamson, Lee Trowbridge and George Plumlee. 
Map Salon: Gerald Moni, Joel Sneed, and Brent Aulenbach. 
Photo Salon: Jeannie Trowbridge, John Klayer, Holly Bunch, and Dan Barnick.

Chair Rob Robbins outlined the evening's events.

Election of officers was then held.
For Vice Chairman: Jim Wilbanks nominated and Nancy Aulenbach seconded. Debby Johnson, who accepted. Brian Roebuck and Jody Bailey were nominated, but declined. John Hoffelt nominated and Joe Douglas seconded April Hannah. Debby Johnson was elected.

For Sec/Treas: Jim Wilbanks was the only nominee and was elected by acclimation.

Shari Lydy moved and Don Hunter seconded that Jim and Gail Wilbanks be awarded the Merit award for their work on the Fox Mtn. Survey. The motion was carried unanimously.

Don Hunter moved and Jim Wilbanks seconded that Jeff Dilcher be awarded the Merit award for his work with TAG-net. The motion was carried unanimously.

The meeting was adjourned.

Awards committees met and the following results were announced at the banquet.

Francis McKinney Award: Randall Blackwood.
Richard Schreiber Award: Jeremy Hill.
Larry Adams Landowner Appreciation Award: Hattie Holder
Alexis Harris Conservation Award: Nashville Grotto.

SERA Map Salon:
Merit Awards:
Ken Oeser for Poplar Hollow Cave
Terry Ragon for Bens Den Cave
Terry Ragon for Morgan Cove Cavern

First prize Large Cave category:
Jack Thomison for Milk Horror Hole
First place Small Cave category
Terry Ragon for Alabama Cave

SERA Photo Salon:

Prints:
1st place: Ken Oeser
2nd place: Ken Oeser
3rd place: Rob Robbins

Slides:
1st place: Rob Robbins
2nd place: Debby Johnson
3rd place: Wm Shrewsbury

Best of Show: Wm Shrewsbury for a stereo slide

The banquet was held and Jeanne Gurnee presented a slide show on the discovery and development of Rio Camuy Cave in Puerto Rico.

Nashville was thanked and the meeting adjourned.

Respectfully Submitted

Jim Wilbanks
Secretary/treasurer
SERA

2001 Southeastern Regional Association Treasurer's Report

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