BACKGROUND: The idea of a National Cave & Karst Research Institute has been suggested for perhaps 20 years. Congress created a major impetus for America’s involvement in cave and karst protection and management by passing the landmark Federal Cave Resources Protection Act of 1988. On November 15, 1990, Public Law 101-578 directed the National Park Service to: "Consideration of the feasibility of establishing a National Cave and Karst Research Institute in association with the National Park Service’s Cave Research Program." The 66-page feasibility [study] was completed by the Park Service in December, 1994.
The study recommended that the Institute be jointly administered by the NPS and another entity. Congress has identified the National Park Service as project lead since it manages over 60 park units containing significant cave resources. The NPS would have ultimate responsibility for the Institute, and would retain indirect control over its activities and programs. An academic entity would plan, coordinate, and administer the Institute and its programs.
The location that the study recommended is a local community (rather than a NPS unit) that possesses significant cave resources and meets other criteria. The Carlsbad location was identified by the study because of the documented strong local-community and political support, and the numerous and diverse cave and karst resources found throughout the region (carbonate, gypsum, and lava caves).
It is estimated that the cost for the Institute during the first five years, if space for the Institute were donated to the NPS, would exceed $1.2 million for operating and capital expenses alone over the five year period. Since New Mexico State University has expressed interest in housing the Institute at its Carlsbad Environmental Monitoring and Research Center during the first five years, it is possible that a permanent facility would need to be built by the sixth year of operation. The estimated construction cost of the Institute exceeds $1.2 million. At this time, however, no academic partnership has been selected.
The National Cave and Karst Research Institute Act of 1997 was introduced in the House (HR 2098) on June 26, 1997, sponsored by New Mexico Representatives Skeen, Schiff, and Redmond. The Senate version (S. 231) was introduced on July 15, 1997, and sponsored by New Mexico Senator Jeff Bingaman.
PURPOSE: The purposes of this Act are - 1) to further the science of speleology; 2) to centralize and standardize speleological information; 3) to foster interdisciplinary cooperation in cave and karst research programs; 4) to promote public education; 5) to promote national and international cooperation in protecting the environment for the benefit of cave and karst landforms; and 6) to promote and develop environmentally sound and sustainable resource management practices.
All cavers owe a debt of gratitude to the many NPS Study Participants and other Consultants who have played a vital roll in getting this legislation passed. Congratulations!
STATUS: Both bills have now passed, and were signed into law by President Bill Clinton on Friday, October 30, 1998. The National Park Service is organizing a conference call next week to establish the responsibilities at the regional and national levels. The NPS has also emphasized that the law has no funding.
FUNDING REQUIREMENTS: Both bills state: "MATCHING FUNDS - The Secretary may spend only such amount of Federal funds to carry out this Act as is matched by an equal amount of funds from non-Federal sources." Possible sources of funding include grants through the selected academic institutes and their affiliates, as well as possible contributions from oil & gas companies that sponsor geologic field trips and training sessions along the Capitan Reef complex. The Interagency Agreement that is currently being reviewed will help to increase participation with the BLM, USFS, USGS, and Fish & Wildlife Service with the possibility of additional Federal funding coming from these affiliated organizations.
There is not much the NSS can do at this time until the NPS gets the ball rolling. Please contact me if you have any questions or suggestions for good funding sources.
Cave Softly, and Leave No Trace!
Dave Jagnow, NSS #8177 Jagnow Consulting Geology
NSS Conservation Chairman 901 18th Street #11300
1300 Iris St. #103 Los Alamos, NM 87544
Los Alamos, NM 87544 505-662-0553 (phone & manual fax)
505-662-0553 (phone & manual fax) djagnow@roadrunner.com
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