Appalachian Cave Conservancy

An Expanded Mission for the Second Oldest Cave Conservancy Specifically Organized for the Conservation of Caves

John M. Wilson and Terri Brown

The Appalachian Cave Conservancy, Inc. is a non-profit organization formed in 1978, as the “Perkins Cave Conservation and Management Society,” to apply “best management practices” to caves on privately owned lands in the Appalachian region. To achieve this mission, the Conservancy accepts cave and karst land donations and enters into voluntary agreements with landowners to develop and implement effective management plans based on the site-specific characteristics of the cave and surrounding property.

The ACC mission changed in 2004 from managing Perkins Cave to managing many caves the southern Appalachian area, partially in response to the presentation at the Cave Conservancy Forum by John Wilson in which he presented the economics of cave acquisition and the six levels of cave management referred to as SICLEO. This concept is explained in more detail on the NSS cave conservancy website www.acave.us/nssccc. The PerCCAMS board agreed that the there are far too many caves without proper management and that the rate of “fee simple” acquisition, while impressive is not progressing fast enough. In short order, PerCCAMS became ACC, incorporated, a 501 C 3 tax exempt organization, and began the process of managing more caves.

Cave Management Methodology

The intent of ACC is to apply the knowledge and skills obtained over the years of managing Perkins Cave to the conservation and management of other caves in the Appalachian region. The relationship of the land owners of the property above caves is crucial to the proper conservation and management of caves and their cooperation and participation is encouraged. Any person who owns land in the Appalachian areas of Virginia and Tennessee with cave entrances may want to consider a land donation to ACC. Such a land owner is also eligible to receive services from ACC. We anticipate that most of our services will be devoted the management of significant caves that require more intense management. However, people who own land with relatively insignificant caves would be able to receive advice on proper cave management.

A fundamental principle of successful cave management is mutual trust and respect between the cave owner and the managing entity. ACC members are mostly cavers and speleologists with intimate knowledge of Appalachian culture and environment, who are dedicated to the protection of caves and karst resources. By entering into an agreement, the Conservancy pledges to work with the landowner towards the best possible techniques for protecting subject cave(s) from pollution, surface disturbance, habitat destruction, vandalism, and excessive visitation.

ACC believes that the best cave management strategies are based on information gathered about the cave through a methodical inventory process. Tasks may include detailed surveying, mapping, photographic documentation, historical research, and scientific studies of cave biology, archaeology, paleontology, hydrology, geology, etc. ACC handles the compilation and control of cave data while maintaining the privacy of the landowner. The cave management plans developed for each cave will remain a fluid document, evolving as new information about factors impacting the cave become available during the inventory process. Cave management goals and prescriptions could be revised accordingly.

The following are examples of specific services that could be provided depending on the situation.

1. Protect caves from vandals by construction of bat friendly cave gates and actively enforcing the cave access

2. Modify passages in the cave to protect mineral formations and improve safety

3. Provide educational information on the value of cave conservation

4. Establish appropriate rules, procedures, and goals for the use of the cave.

What we do for cave owners

In addition to accepting cave donations that relieve the owner of the burden of cave management, the ACC offers a convenient alternative for managing caves, especially for absentee landowners and those concerned about trespassing and vandalism. Many of the cave owners we meet are simply too busy to focus on long-term protection for caves on their property. This is where the ACC comes in. Not only do we accept responsibility for the management of a cave, but we also can

· Control visitation

· Install appropriate conservation practices

· Develop and implement management plans

· Survey and inventory the cave

· Provide sound cave management advice

Many landowners worry about the legal issues associated with having a cave on their property. The ACC can provide lists of resources available where explanations of laws that protect cave owners.

How we work

The ACC seeks to forge trusting relationships with cave owners. This relationship is documented through a written agreement that is usually renewed every five years. No fees are charged for cave management. The ACC raises funds needed for bat-friendly gates and other conservation practices by securing grants and donations. Another option is the donation of a cave or conservation easement to the ACC, with possible income tax or estate tax benefits for the landowner.