Cave Conservationist
The Newsletter of Cave Conservation and Management
Volume 14 No. 1
Published by the
Featured in this issue: World Wide Web, Caver Behavior Codes,
Bolts in Caves, 1995 National Cave Management Symposium, Guadalupe Ranger
District, TCMA, Recreational Caving Fees, Lint Camp at Wind/Jewel.
The following is the source text for the
<!doctype html public
"-//IETF//DTD HTML//EN"><HTML><HEAD>
<TITLE>Cave Conservation and
Management Calendar</TITLE>
<NEXTID
N="1"></HEAD><BODY><H1>Cave Conservation and
Management Calendar</H1><P>
<B>
<B>April 15, 1995:</B> Fourth
Annual Cave Clean-up, Wyandotte Cave, RR1, Box 85, Leavenworth, IN 47137.
Cleanup begins at
<B>
<B>
another one around the same time next
year, people should contact:
Kathy Petty, Phone:
<B>
MD 20759. (410)792-0742. For information
on the Conservation
and Management Session, or to volunteer
to give a paper, contact
George Huppert,
(608)787-0499. <P>
<B>July 31-
Changes and Conservation Symposium,
Zosima Lopez Ruiz, P.C.O. Intern.
Convenciones, Ap. 16046, La
<P><B>
Impact Symposium,
Gunay,
<P><B>
(812)275-5987 (days) or Keith Dunlap
(317)882-5420 (evenings).
<P><B>August 1996: </B>
World Coastal Karst Environments Symposium.
During the 28th
<B>
<B>
<B>
Send information on other events to be
included in this calendar
to <A HREF="mailto:
rstitt@wingedseed.com" >Rob Stitt</A>. IncludeE-Mail addresses or
Web pages whenever possible.<P>
Return to <A
HREF="http://www.halcyon.com/samara/nssccms/welcome.html" >Cave
Conservation and Management Section </A>Home Page.</BODY>
</HTML>
The Cave Conservationist is the
official publication of the Conservation and Management Section of the National
Speleological Society. Distribution is free to members of the Section. Section
membership costs $5 annually and should be mailed to the Secretary. (A
membership form for your convenience is included on page 17.) Additional
complimentary copies are distributed on a temporary basis at the discretion of
the Section to
SUBMISSIONS: Articles and other Cave
Conservationist correspondence should be sent to the Editor. Submissions on
computer disks should be made with 3.5"
Copyright 1995
Printed by members of the D.C. Grotto and
the Potomac Speleological Society.
Cover illustration is by Rob Stitt. This
is the raw text file that when read by a World Wide Web browser appears on your
computer screen as a formatted upcoming events listing. See the Notes
from the Chairman column for more details.
NATIONAL SPELEOLOGICAL
SOCIETY
Conservation &
Management Section
Officers
Chairman and Publisher:Rob
Stitt
Editor and Vice-Chairman:Jay
R. Jorden,
(214)398-9272 jjorden@mcimail.com
Secretary-Treasurer:Evelyn
Bradshaw,
(703)898-9288 c/o kshaw@logicon.com
Directors at Large:Mel
Park
(901)272-9393 mpark@utmem1.utmem.edu
George N. Huppert
(608)787-0499
· MINIMAL
IMPACT CAVING CODE-INTERIM 1994
· CODE OF
ETHICS AND CONSERVATION
· NSS
Policy For Cave Conservation
· 1995
National Cave Management Symposium
· 1995
Management Symposium Call for Papers
· Cave
Permits-Guadalupe Ranger District
· Oil
and Gas Leasing Comments
· Youth
Program at Carlsbad Caverns NP
· TCMA
Meeting Notes-Fall 1994
· TCMA
Meeting Notes-Winter 1995
· BLM Pay for
Caving Initiative
· Danger,
Will Robinson, Danger: Intruder Alert
· Danger
to Your Freedom; Hard on Your Wallet
· Lint
Camp at Wind and Jewel Caves
I thought I didn't have enough stuff for
an issue, but I stuck it all in and here we are, a full issue. And lots of
important things happening:
First of all, our World Wide Web page is
now up on the Internet! You can access it at:
http://www.halcyon.com/samara/nssccms/
If you don't know what that means, then I
recommend that you get one of the myriads of books (many containing software)
and get hooked up to the Internet. (This assumes that you have a computer.) Or
you can get onto the World Wide Web via Prodigy, America Online, Compuserve
(coming soon) Delphi, or other Online Providers.
For those of you who don't have, and/or
don't want to have, a computer-don't worry, the print media won't abandon you
yet. That may come eventually, but for the foreseeable future we will be
printing this publication. However, if you have a computer and an Internet
connection, you will be able to get the information much sooner. This issue,
for example, will be up on the Web within an hour after I print the copy to go
to the printer. You won't get it in your mailbox for up to 4 weeks later,
depending on volunteers and the U.S. mails.
I had planned to include in this issue a
discussion of cave conservation standards. I downloaded the Australian
standards from the Internet, and they are included here along with a copy
of the NSS
Conservation Policy . The issue is: should the NSS upgrade or expand its
Conservation Policy to become more comprehensive, like the Australian one.
Bearing in mind that with the entry of a lot of new cavers into the NSS, the
standards may have lower some, and there may be many members who would oppose a
broader standard. OK, I haven't had time to write a detailed discussion. So
let's get your comments. Send them to me via the Internet, or via the U.S.
Mail, and we'll include them in the next issue and pass them on to the new NSS
Conservation Chairman (yes, Al Krause is retiring, as soon as a successor can
be found).
Al has sent out some information to Jay
on the lack of response to the
The
Finally, the Jewel-Wind
Lint Camp will be coming up in early May. It's a good way to help the Park
Service take cave of two of its caves and get in a short vacation away from the
dull grind. See "Lint Camp at Wind and Jewel
Caves," later in this document..
Rob Stitt
Australian Speleological Federation
MINIMAL IMPACT CAVING CODE-INTERIM
1994
Australian Speleological Federation
(Inc.)
"What we have now is all there will
ever be-Conserve Australia's Caves"
Introduction
The need for a Minimal Impact Caving Code
(
To those of you who have just become
Australian Speleological Federation (Inc.) (
This
General
This code is divided into two sections.
One relating to the exploration of a newly
discovered cave or section of cave and the other relating to general
cave visitation .
The following practices may fall into
both sections and may be modified depending on the type of cave being visited.
It should be stated that we are discussing here a code which will ensure that
cavers have a minimal impact on the cave they are visiting. In many instances
the practices may not apply as the impact that cavers have, may be minuscule,
compared to the impact of flooding of the entire cave, for example. These
practices are generally intended to apply in caves where cavers are likely to
have a detrimental impact on the cave purely by entering the cave.
In-cave marking refers to the use of a
variety of materials to define tracks, routes and barricades in a cave. These
measures should be taken to protect sensitive areas, confine caver foot damage,
make cavers aware that a sensitive (it may be an unobvious cave animals'
territory) area exists.
THERE
New Cave or Extension Explorations
CODE OF ETHICS
AUSTRALIAN SPELEOLOGICAL FEDERATION INC.
Adopted 1992 P.O.
1.
Introduction
1.1
Recognising their primary aim of protecting the caves and karst of Australasia,
cavers will actively promote cave conservation and sound management practices
through example, education, advice and training.
1.2
This code establishes a minimum standard of caving practice.
1.3
Higher standards may be required by management authorities for particular caves
or karst regions, in which case those standards will be adhered to.
2. Toward
Landowners and Management Authorities
2.1
Landowners, tourist guides and any person representing a management authority
will be treated with courtesy and respect.
2.2
All caving parties must have specific or tacit approval from the landowner
and/or management authority before entering any property or reserve, must
follow only agreed routes and must not visit forbidden areas.
2.3
The prevailing procedures regarding gates on properties and reserves will be
followed, and care taken to cause no damage to stock, crops, equipment or
landscape features. In short, leave as found.
2.4
All parties will be as self sufficient as possible and will not presume on the
good will of landowners and/or management authorities for water, supplies or
assistance.
2.5
Where the cave entrance has been blocked by the landowner and/or management
authority, it will be re-blocked after use, or, with the landowner and/or
management authority's permission more appropriate protection installed unless
the landowner and/or management authority otherwise instructs.
2.6
No gate will be installed at or in a cave unless approved by the landowner
and/or management authority and arrangements are made for key security. Any
gate must have an accompanying sign giving reasons for gating and access
conditions unless the landowner and/or management authority otherwise
instructs.
2.7
No cave excavation, including the use of explosives, will be undertaken without
the permission of the landowner and/or management authority and/or management
authority and the society committee, and only after an assessment of the
environmental effect.
3. Toward
Caves
3.1
Camping will not occur in a cave, unless absolutely necessary to achieve a
specific speleological or conservation objective.
3.2
Caving activity must be conducted in a manner responsible to the cave
environment, taking particular care to avoid damage to speleothems, sediments,
biota and other natural phenomena. The maximum size of any party should be
limited to that which provides the best quality of experience or achieves
specific aims.
3.3
Cave entrances and passages should not be excavated/enlarged, including the use
of explosives, water levels in sumps should not be modified and stream flows
should not be diverted, until all possible effects are assessed and the
appropriate permission gained. Any modification must be the minimum required.
3.4
Established marked routes must be used, single tracks should be followed and
care taken to avoid needless deposition of mud. Mud-throwing or modeling is
unacceptable.
3.5
All human introduced wastes must be removed from the cave and disposed of
properly.
3.6
Cavers will not smoke in any cave.
3.7
Caves must not be disfigured by unnecessary marking (including `direction
arrows'). Entrance tags and survey marks should be small and inconspicuous.
3.8
Disturbance should not be caused to any biotic community. No disturbance should
be caused to maternity or over-wintering roosts of bats. Collection of
specimens will be kept to the minimum required for study purposes only.
3.9
The technique, agent and justification for air or water flow-tracing
experiments should be chosen to minimise environmental impact and must be
approved by the relevant authorities and the society committee.
3.10
Explosives should not be used inside a cave or at the entrance unless
absolutely necessary, and then only with the permission of the landowner and/or
management authority and the society committee, and only after an assessment of
the environmental impact.
4. General
4.1
Recognised codes for minimum impact camping will be observed with particular
emphasis on complete removal of rubbish and, wherever possible, avoidance of
camping on karst catchment areas.
4.2
Reports on speleological work and caving activities are to be honest and
accurate, avoiding sensationalism or exaggeration.
4.3
Any published work must acknowledge other people's contributions to the work,
either as clubs or individuals, published work or personal communication.
4.4
Consideration should be given before publishing an article disclosing a cave's
location, as to its intended audience, the wishes of the landowner and/or
management authority, and the subsequent effect on the cave.
4.5
When visiting an area frequented by another society, the club or party will
co-operate fully with that society.
4.6
Disputes will be conducted in a restrained and responsible manner.
From
The National Speleological Society
believes: That caves have unique scientific, recreational, and scenic values;
That these values are endangered by both carelessness and intentional
vandalism; That these values, once gone, cannot be recovered; and that the
responsibility for protecting caves must be assumed by those who study and
enjoy them.
Accordingly, the intention of the Society
is to work for the preservation of caves with a realistic policy supported by
effective programs for: the encouragement of selfdiscipline among cavers;
education and research concerning the causes and prevention of cave damage; and
special projects, including cooperation with other groups similarly dedicated
to the conservation of natural areas. Specifically:
All contents of a cave-formations, life,
and loose deposits-are significant for its enjoyment and interpretation.
Therefore, caving parties should leave a cave as they find it. They should
provide means for the removal of waste; limit marking to a few, small and
removable signs as are needed for surveys; and, especially, exercise extreme
care not to accidentally break or soil formations, disturb life forms or
unnecessarily increase the number of disfiguring paths through an area.
Scientific collection is professional,
selective and minimal. The collecting of mineral or biological material for
display purposes, including previously broken or dead specimens, is never
justified, as it encourages others to collect and destroys the interest of the
cave.
The Society encourages projects such as:
establishing cave preserves; placing entrance gates where appropriate; opposing
the sale of speleothems; supporting effective protective measures; cleaning and
restoring overused caves; cooperating with private cave owners by providing
knowledge about their cave and assisting them in protecting their cave and
property from damage during cave visits; and encouraging commercial cave owners
to make use of their opportunity to aid the public in understanding caves and
the importance of their conservation.
Where there is reason to believe that
publication of cave locations will lead to vandalism before adequate protection
can be established, the Society will oppose such publication.
It is the duty of every Society member to
take personal responsibility for spreading a consciousness of the cave
conservation problem to each potential user of caves. Without this, the beauty
and value of our caves will not long remain with us.
December 1960
CLIMBERS
GUIDE TO PHRANANG BAY THAILAND
Reprinted from the Oregon Speleograph,
December, 1994
Larry King writes: "The most recent
issue of Rock & Ice (Nov.Dec., 1994) has a very good
conservationoriented article on caving (p.43). Unfortunately, the accompanying
climber's guidebook to PhraNang Bay, Thailand on p. 85 features routes placed
directly over cave formations, and is sure to raise concerns from cave
conservationists."
Larry included a copy of the guide by
Will Hair. The cover photo is a climber (Heinz Zak on Siamese Twins), climbing
a massive stalactite mass hanging from a cave roof. Other photos depict
climbing routes across cave roofs on flooded tower karst in PhraNang Bay. The
following are highlights from different routes in the guide: "climb up
the right side of a large stalactite", "follow the bolts on the left
side of the stalactite", "follow the line of bolts up the right side
of the stalactite formation", "a bouldery start off the sand leads up
into a column of stalactites", " A wild Climb! Scramble up to a
ledge, then lean out to a hanging stalactite and clip a threaded sling. Swing
onto the stalactite, then climb through more stalactites", "then step
right onto a bulge covered with blobs of rock that resemble cauliflower". A
copy of the guide is in the [Oregon] Grotto Library for anyone wishing to view
it.
This climbing guide shows a lack of
conservation ethic both with the perpetrators of these routes and Rock &
Ice Magazine for publishing and promoting such activities. Cavers once
thought that they and climbers shared a common love for nature and worked hard
to preserve special places. This climbing activity is not only unethical, but
causes permanent damage to fragile cave entrances. By promoting the activity it
makes it appear to be acceptable, when in fact on Federal lands in the United
States it is in most cases illegal!
A review of the USDA Forest Service Code
of Federal Regulations, 36
First the definitions:
Cave means any naturally occurring void,
cavity, recess, or system of interconnected passages beneath the surface of the
earth or within a cliff or ledge and which is large enough to permit a person
to enter, whether the entrance is excavated or naturally formed. Such term
shall include any natural pit, sinkhole, or other opening which is an extension
of a cave entrance or which is an integral part of the cave.
Cave resources mean any materials or substances
occurring in caves including, but not limited to, biotic, cultural,
mineralogic, paleontologic, geologic, and hydrologic resources.
Damaging means to injure, mutilate, deface,
destroy, cut, chop, girdle, dig, excavate, kill or in way harm or disturb.
The following are prohibited:
· 261.8 Fish and Wildlife. (e) Curtail the free
movement of any animal or plant life into or out of a cave, except as
authorized to protect a cave resource.
· 261.9 Property. (a) Damaging any natural
feature or other property of the United States.
· 261.9 Property. (g) Digging in, excavating,
disturbing, injuring destroying, or in any way damaging any prehistoric,
historic, or archaeological resource, structure, site, artifact, or property.
· 261.9 Property . (j) Excavating, damaging, or
removing any cave resource from a cave without a special use authorization, or
removing any cave resource for commercial purposes.
Any activity which damages a cave
environment such as building trails, camping, concentrated use, climbing on
cave walls, disturbing endemic plants and wildlife, or disturbing
archaeological sites, is clearly illegal. Climbing in cave entrances falls into
this category as evidenced by caves in the Bend area.
The question of establishing climbing
routes in caves entrances is of great conservation importance, and one quickly
coming to the front. Cavers are urged to write Rock & Ice to express
disgust in their lack of conservation sensitivity: Rock & Ice, P.O.
Box 3595, Boulder, CO 80307.
From the Oregon Speleograph,
December, 1994
By Larry King
The recent removal of bolts and
restoration work done at Derrick Cave, while by most standards would be
considered modest, sets an important managerial and conservation precedent. The
Bureau of Land Management is the first Central Oregon land management agency to
taken a stand against climbing in caves, prohibited the activity, and removed
climbing paraphernalia. Credit goes to Trish Lindaman and other staff members
of the Lakeview, Oregon,
Climbers last spring agreed to a
selfimposed moratorium against placement of any new bolts in Central Oregon
caves, while an interagency
Twentysix new (or previously overlooked)
bolts have been found in Pictograph Cave, bringing the current total to around
seventyfive bolts. Cavers are encouraged to write, requesting the removal of
bolts from Pictograph Cave, to: Sharon Netherton, Prineville District
A serious conservation challenge is
presented by climbing in caves of the Fort Rock Ranger District, including
Skeleton, Hidden Forest and Charcoal Number One. With Deschutes County
experiencing a population boom, the caves are suffering from increased human
impact of all types. Meanwhile, the ranger district is dealing with drastic
budget cuts and the
1995 National Cave
Management Symposium
FIRST NOTICE - PLEASE POST
1995 NATIONAL CAVE
MANAGEMENT SYMPOSIUM Xll
Spring Mill State Park, Mitchell, Indiana
HOSTS:
Hoosier National Forest
US Fish & Wildlife Service,
Bloomington Office
Indiana Department of Natural Resources
Indiana Karst Conservancy, Inc.
Dear Prospective Participant:
This letter is to announce details of the
1995 National Cave Management Symposium ant to solicit your participation. The
biennial symposium is intended to be the premier forum for people of diverse
backgrounds, professions, and interests to gather and advance efforts towards
appropriate and sensitive management of caves and cave resources. Discussions
and the sharing of new techniques, common problems, and the successes and
failures of attempted solutions are the goals of the symposium, both through
formal presentation sessions and through informal exchanges and networking with
other participants. Attendees will include representatives of federal land
managing agencies, state agencies, commercial cave operators, private cave
owners, private land holding and managing organizations, cave related
researchers, and cavers. The theme for the 1995 National Cave Management
Symposium will be "Quality Cave Management Involves Everyone" and
will emphasize the importance of cooperative efforts in dealing with cave
management issues.
The setting for the 1995 symposium is the
rustic Spring Mill Inn situated in Spring Mill State Park near Mitchell,
Indiana. Centrally located in southern Indiana's karst region, Spring Mill
State Park is known for its beautiful combination of oldgrowth and virgin
woods, outstanding karst geology, and numerous multimile cave systems. Central
to the park is the restored pioneer village complete with working grist mill
powered by water from one of the caves.
The symposium will run Wednesday morning
through Saturday noon. In addition to the traditional paper presentations,
several panel discussions and other special events are being planned.
Thursday's agenda will be completely dedicated to field trips emphasizing
examples of Hoosier National Forest cave management activities, the Indiana
WHO
SHOULD ATTEND
The National Cave Management Symposium
will benefit anyone involved in management and protection of caves or related
natural resources. This would include Federal and State public land managers,
Federal agency personnel involved with the implementation of the Federal Cave
Resource Protection Act, biologists responsible for endangered species and
other nongame wildlife, private land trust organization resource managers, cave
scientists, natural resource educators and students, transportation and urban
planners in karst regions, commercial cave owners and managers, private cave
owners, and cavers.
REGISTRATION
The registration fee will be $100 with a
discount of $20 if preregistered before
ACCOMMODATIONS
The symposium and related activities will
be held at the Spring Mill Inn located five miles east of Mitchell, Indiana in
Spring Mill State Park. The entire Inn (73 rooms) has been reserved for
participants (room rates are $4656). Overflow housing is available in nearby
Mitchell and Bedford. Spring Mill State Park also has a beautiful modern
campground just minutes from the Inn with full RV hookups as well as primitive
camping areas.
COSPONSORS
The Organizing Committee solicits
agencies/organizations who wish to help support the symposium by becoming
cosponsors. The allows the registration fee to be kept low so costs will not be
an overriding factor for some participants to attend. To obtain cosponsor
status, a minimum donation of $200 is required, but this includes one full
registration. All cosponsors will be recognized as such in the program and
proceedings.
ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION
Additional information will be included in
later mailings and with the preregistration packets. If you would like to be on
our mailing list, or for any questions, suggestions, or comments, please
contact one of the following:
Keith Dunlap
Indiana Karst Conservancy
PO Box 2401
Indianapolis, IN 46206
(317) 2422505 (days)
(317) 8825420 (evenings)
Larry Mullins
Hoosier National Forest
608 W Commerce Street
Brownstown, IN 47220
(812) 3582675 (days)
CALL FOR PAPERS PLEASE POST
MANAGEMENT SYMPOSIUM Xll
Spring Mill State Park, Mitchell, Indiana
HOSTS:
Hoosier National Forest
US Fish & Wildlife Service,
Bloomington Office
Indiana Department of Natural Resources
Indiana Karst Conservancy, Inc.
This is the call for papers to be
presented at the 1995 National Cave Management Symposium to be held at Spring
Mill State Park, Mitchell, Indiana. This event provides an excellent
opportunity to share techniques, solution to problems, and other information
related to cave management and protection. The theme for the 1995 NCMS is
"Quality Cave Management Involves Everyone", so special emphasis on
cooperative efforts by agencies, organizations, and individuals would be
appreciated.
The following topics are presented as
suggestions for interesting and informative symposium papers: proactive cave
management plans emphasizing successes and problems; Federal Cave Resource
Protection Act implementation activities and progress; land trust and private
cave management group projects and activities; archeology, paleontology,
geology, hydrology, and biology related to cave and resource management;
restoration techniques; organizing volunteers for cave management projects;
tips for successful cooperative agency/ organization projects and case studies;
new development in caves gates and other access management techniques;
visitation monitoring; impact monitoring; commercial cave trail and lighting
advances; cave education programs; endangered species monitoring and
protection; transportation and urban construction in karst areas, and water
quality issues in karst regions.
The above list is by no means complete.
Basically any presentation that provides useful cave conservation and
management information to the symposium attendees should be submitted. In
addition to the oral presentation, all papers will also be published in
symposium proceedings which will serve as an excellent resource and reference
for attendees and others involved in cave management.
SYMPOSIUM
PAPER TIMELINE
Each presentation will be allotted 20
minutes with an additional 5 minutes reserved for questions and answers. These
time limitations will be strictly enforced. The papers will be categorized and
presented with similar topics in sessions of three or four presentations. The
Session Committee invites and encourages volunteer session coordinators to
organize and solicit papers that can be presented together.
In addition to session presentations,
other special presentations and panel discussions are being planned. Your
suggestions of topics would be appreciated. There will also be an area
available for displays and posters for those wishing to set up an exhibit for
the duration of the symposium. Contact the organizing committee for additional
details.
For details and questions on this call
for papers and presentation topics, contact:
Bruce Bowman
Indiana Karst Conservancy
PO Box 2401
Indianapolis, IN 46206
(317) 2764098 (days)
(317) 5396935 (evenings)
For other details on the symposium,
contact:
Keith Dunlap
Indiana Karst Conservancy
PO Box 2401
Indianapolis, IN 46206
(317) 2422505 (days)
(317) 88~5420 (evenings)
Hank Huffman
Indiana Dept. of Natural Resources
402 W Washington St., Room 267
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 2324052 (days)
(812) 87~9645 (evenings)
Larry Mullins
Hoosier National Forest
608 W Commerce Street
Brownstown, IN 47220
(812) 3582675 (days)
Cave Permits-Guadalupe
Ranger District
USDA
Forest Service
Guadalupe Ranger District
Federal Building, Rm. 159
Carlsbad, NM 88220
Reply to: 2350
Date:
Subject:
Cave Permit Issuance Procedures
This letter is intended to notify
interested parties that the Guadalupe Ranger District is changing the method in
which we will issue permits for cave trips. We feel that the following
administrative changes are needed to handle the present workload and the amount
of time that it is now being spent coordinating permit issuance.
Beginning the week of
Permits will no longer be mailed.
Instead, permits will be sealed in envelopes with the applicant's name typed
across the front and placed for pickup in a lock box located on the south end
of the administrative office. At the time that you apply for the permit, you
will be given the combination to the lock. The administrative office is located
on Road 137, 3.5 miles past the Forest Service boundary.
We realize this change may be difficult,
but it is needed so that our folks can spend more time in the field managing
and protecting some of this country's most fragile and unique cave resources.
If you have questions, please feel free
to contact Cave Resource Manager, Michael Baskerville, at
Sincerely,
John L. Conner
District Manager
USDA Forest Service
Guadalupe Ranger District
Federal Building, Rm 159
Carlsbad, NM 88220
Reply to: 2820
Date:
Subject:
Oil and Gas Leasing Analysis
The Lincoln National Forest is asking for
comments relating to a request received from the Bureau of Land Management (
This analysis applies to the following
area located some 14 miles north of State Route 137: All National Forest system
land described below, aggregating approximately 46,000 acres, is located in
Otero County, NM as follows:
T. 22 S., R. 18 E., NMPM Sections: 1-3,
11-12, 13-14, 24.
T. 22 S., R. 19 E., NMPM Sections: 1-30,
32-36.
T. 22 S., R. 20 E., NMPM Sections: 4-11,
13-16.
This area contains about 160 acres of
private land located in NW 1/4 of Section 1, T. 22 S., R.19E., and is not a
part of this analysis.
According to the Lincoln National Forest
Management Plan, the Forest is directed to provide energy and minerals
exploration and development while demanding practices that are conducted in an
environmentally sound manner. Such practices will integrate with other
resources to manage the entire ecological resource. To accomplish this, the
Forest Service has been given consent authority for all
Although most of the Guadalupe Ranger
District has been leased for exploration, no producing wells have been
established. In the 60s and 70s, a half dozen unsuccessful holes were drilled
in the vicinity of the lease area under analysis. Since then, there has been no
exploration activities. In the past ten years, the Forest has received only one
application for a permit to drill
(
In highly sensitive areas such as
caves/karst occurrence zones, cultural resources sites and threatened,
endangered and sensitive species habitat areas, evaluations will be performed
and special stipulations developed to protect and/or mitigate any adverse
impacts on the resource.
The proposed oil and gas lease area is
located more than 17 miles north of the Forest's high cave concentration area
in the southern portion of the District. As an extra precaution, the District
is considering using strict cave protection stipulations similar to the
Please return all comments to this office
within 30 days of the date of this letter. Questions concerning this project
should be directed to either Richard Carlson of my staff or myself at
Thank you for your continued interest in
the Lincoln National Forest.
Sincerely,
John L. Conner
District Ranger
Youth Program at Carlsbad Caverns NP
News Release
National Park Service
by Bob Crisman
505-785-2251, ext. 322
January 31, 1995
SIERRA
CLUB INNER
The El Paso Regional Group of the Sierra
Club has an Inner City Outings Program that helps not only inner city youth,
but also will be helping Carlsbad Caverns National Park (CCNP) and other
similar park and wilderness areas.
The youth and their adult leaders
volunteer their time to do conservation service projects. Working in groups
consisting of eight youths, paired one on one with eight adults, the volunteers
will be working with the CCNP cave resources office to help restore natural
conditions in parts of Carlsbad Cavern altered over the years by lack of care
in development of the cavern for visitor use, as well as inappropriate use by
some visitors. The work will involve removal of discarded construction debris,
removal of trash and lint, washing tracked mud and boot marks off natural
flowstone formations, cleaning up loose emery chips along trails, and algae
removal around lights.
Leading the Sierra Club sponsored youths
during work at Carlsbad Cavern will be Sondra Denny. Before moving to El Paso,
Denny worked with the Carlsbad, NM volunteers known as the Carlsbat Cavers who
were recently recognized for donating over 2,500 hours doing similar work at
the park.
by Jay Jorden
Saturday,
22 October 1994
The Texas Cave Management Association
Inc.'s Board of Directors approved revised and restated bylaws for the
organization, accepted the resignation of one trustee and handled other
important matters at its fall meeting on Saturday,
The minutes of the Sept. 4 meeting at
Government Canyon were unanimously approved after a motion by R. Burnett, s/J.
Jorden.
Also, m/Jorden, s/Burnett to approve
minutes of the Aug. 13 meeting at Caverns of Sonora. The motion carried
unanimously.
There was no executive director's report.
Old business included the status of the lawn mower used at Whirlpool. Ron said
that the mower was currently at Gill Ediger's house in Austin. It needs a new
battery and, possibly, new spark plugs. Also, the mower is missing a blade (not
a good diagnosis.) Bill said the cave preserve's surface vegetation is
recovering from a fire earlier in the year. On the revised and restated bylaws
drafted by attorney Steve Gillis at Gardere & Wynne in Dallas, Jay reviewed
major points. Directors and officers had previously received draft copies,
which were also printed in the TCMA Activities Newsletter. He then moved
adoption of the bylaws. S/Burnett. Approved unanimously.
Secondly, Jay read the proposed
"Resolutions by the unanimous consent of the directors." Its major
points included repealing the previous draft bylaws, adopting the revised and
restated ones and setting forth the terms of the Board of Directors, to be
expanded to nine members. Jay moved the resolutions for adoption. S/Russell.
The resolutions passed unanimously.
On new business, Bill Russell mentioned
some grant proposals and said he would pursue them. One proposal related to
fire ant control. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has studied the problem
but other research is necessary. Dr. William Elliott has done work in the area.
Jay reviewed some recent correspondence with the TCMA insurance carrier in
which Mike Warton had also been involved.
On the treasurer's report, Jay related a
recent conversation with Jack Ralph. Business had kept the treasurer from
preparing a financial statement, but he was interested in helping update the
mailing list. Noble said he wants a current mailing list and believes the
organization should keep up with its dues. He said he would be willing to do
the work if necessary.
Ron directed the secretary to write the
treasurer for a financial statement and current dues information.
Board members had a consensus in favor of
keeping the TCMA membership in the Center for Nonprofit Management, which aided
in its recent legal review. Rune mentioned operation of caves for the city of
Austin. Walter said he had talked with Steve Hartman on the previous Wednesday
concerning 0-9 Water Well and the renewal of the TCMA management contract at
the cave, which is on University of Texas System land. Walter said the pact
would be drafted and sent to lawyers with the UT System in Midland.
Rune needed some property descriptions
and file information on the various TCMA assets. Bill discussed contributions
to TCMA. Jim Wolff said he was considering whether to keep his status as
Whirlpool project manager. Bill suggested the idea of drawing on the UT Grotto
members as a resource for work at the project. A committee including Bill was
created to look into this idea of ``appointing'' interested club members to be
managers or associate managers at the site. Ideally, they would be TCMA members
and one person at the grotto would be in a position of responsibility. Jim
discussed trash disposal at the site. A metal can has been added at Whirlpool.
Currently involved in helping Jim at the cave are Doug Allen, Bill Russell,
Carl and Lee Jay. Jim and Bill said they would attend a UT Grotto meeting for
information in this area.
Bruce said TCMA needs to actively pursue
grant funds. Jim was nominated to fill one of the two new directors' slots
under the expanded board through the revised bylaws. The next directors'
meeting was set for the winter Board of Governor's meeting of the Texas
Speleological Association unless called sooner.
Sunday,
23 October 1994
At a meeting of the 1994 National
Speleological Society Convention Committee early Sunday, members voted to award
the $500 honorarium from the
Following that meeting, TCMA directors at
a membership meeting were told that the
The TCMA membership list was again
discussed. Good photographs are needed for the TCMA brochure. Jim had a
bring-to-date discussion on Whirlpool and Lost Oasis caves. He also discussed
city of Austin caves and said children were at risk in some of them because of
gating and other problems. Bruce said that Whirlpool should be better utilized.
He recalled the spaghetti dinner under the bridge and the
Bill Sawyer, Jim and Jay are on a Cave
Acquisition Subcommittee. Job descriptions are needed for a grant writing and
other positions. Meetings at least quarterly should be set up. Bruce said a
game plan is needed to go after grant funds. Job descriptions are needed. The
organization also needs project dates.
For any correction to these minutes,
please write the secretary, Carolyn Biegert at TCMA, P.O. Box 202853, Austin,
TX 78720-2853.
Her telephone number is
TCMA Meeting
Notes-Winter 1995
by Jay Jorden
Sunday,
19 February 1995
Convening during the Texas Speleological
Association's winter Board of Governor's meeting in Campwood, directors forming
a quorum of Texas Cave Management Association were present. They were Carl
Ponebshek, president, of San Antonio; Bill Russell and Jim Wolff, both of
Austin; Noble Stidham of Lubbock; Bill Sawyer of Sonora; and Jay Jorden of
Dallas. Secretary Carolyn Biegert of Austin was also present, along with Gary
Napper of Austin as a visitor. The meeting convened at about 7:30 a.m.
In introductory remarks, Carl said that
TCMA membership is growing among the Bexar Grotto, with that club's current
chairman among new members. San Antonio members are also checking out several
caves, including at least one belonging to an education institution and more just
outside of town. With new ordinances and regulations regarding the Edwards
Aquifer on the horizon, opportunities are good for TCMA involvement. A number
of other cavers are either getting involved or continuing participation in
projects. Kurt Menking is working at Bracken Bat Cave.
Bill Russell said the Shady Hollow Cave
gate in Austin has been breached, showing color copies of photos depicting the
vandalism. He brought members up to date on ownership of the cave, which blows
air. He said he would check into the current management status. He also
mentioned a cave that he and other TCMA members visited the previous day on the
High Heaven Ranch.
In old business, m/J. Wolff, s/B. Russell
to approve the treasurer's reports from April through December 1994; the
treasurer's report for fiscal 1994; and the report for January 1995. The
motions passed. Carl then discussed funds for the Buttercup monitoring grant,
the work for which was subcontracted to Mike Warton and Associates. He said he
was in the process of checking with Mike on progress of monitoring and status
of the funds. In his report to the board, Treasurer Bruce Anderson says TCMA is
to receive quarterly reports and pay fees to Mike for this service. Remaining
monies for the quarter are then to be relieved into the general account. This
was relieved one time in 1994, with a balance remaining of $876 in the fund. An
additional $1,272 has also been received.
The cave preserve has been the site of
community service by some youths convicted of various offenses, Carl said. He
said he would report back to the board on the monitoring status.
Regarding a $500 honorarium being held by
TCMA toward a conservation and long-term land use fund for the Texas Cavers'
Reunion [please see meeting notes for October 1994], Jay said he has begun a
plan to set up what will effectively be an endowment fund. He is trying to
enlist the aid of the Center for Nonprofit Management in Dallas for this
effort, since it doubtless has earlier experience with such needs. Jay also
said he would write the Richmond Area Speleological Society concerning its
grant, originally for a brochure directed at bat cave owners. Because of
changes in personnel at Bat Conservation International Inc. in Austin and other
projects, not all of the $750 in the fund has been utilized for a bat
publication, work for which was envisioned in 1987 or so. The funds could
possibly be consolidated toward others for more immediate needs, with the idea
of eventually finishing the brochure. Also, there was an earlier $120 amount
for cave management, available about 1990. Some directors expressed interest in
eventually seeing a bat publication, perhaps after contact with Dr. Bill
Elliott, Jackie Belmont and others in the field.
On the updated TCMA brochure, Noble said
all text has been written and needs a final edit, along with inclusion of some
good photographs. He said about four photos are needed. Jay said he would
contact a professional cave photographer for possible help in the area. M/J.
Jorden, s/J. Wolff to approve $32 for the treasurer's expenses in mailing
financial statements as well as dues renewals. The motion passed.
As part of the treasurer's report, Bruce
also wrote that TCMA received an anonymous $500 donation in January. The
organization collected $475 in dues money in fiscal 1994, with operating
expenses of $1,104.17. An aggressive membership drive is needed in order to
boost dues for 1995. Determination of the Buttercup Monitoring Grant will be
beneficial for operating capital, Bruce wrote.
As part of the financial discussion, Jim
urged that adequate funding be provided for new management projects.
Bill Russell outlined a number of
possible cave projects -- either as outright acquisitions, conservation
easements or management sites -- for TCMA. M/J. Wolff, s/J. Jorden that Bill
press forward with his investigations.
As part of TCMA's activities, Bill said
the list of advisory board members should be updated and good contact kept with
these resources.
Jim, in his report on Whirlpool and Lost
Oasis caves and management progress, detailed problems with the Whirlpool gate.
He said it was necessary to cut another access hole to the lock, with Gill
Ediger using a torch. A new lock has been installed after the key to the old
one was lost and there were problems with the device. Jim said Nico M. Hauwert,
a hydrologist with the Barton Springs-Edwards Aquifer Conservation District, is
the new manager at Whirlpool, assuming day-to-day operations there. He is also
the contact for access to the cave. M/B. Russell that Nico be confirmed in this
position. The motion was seconded by Jay and approved. A new trash can is
needed at the cave. Jim mentioned that the Austin Parks and Recreation
Department had earlier said it would furnish a picnic table and trash pickup.
Bill Russell volunteered to talk with the park department about putting in the
table, but that TCMA would likely have to purchase a new trash container. He
said he would handle that purchase. A larger challenge is long-term repairs of
the Whirlpool gate, with a bid needed for that work. Mike Warton, who built the
original gate, is to be contacted. Jim said all trips into Whirlpool must be
supervised by a TCMA-affiliated person. He said the cave has become popular,
with birthday parties and other events held at the cave. An interpretive center
and better signage was discussed. Good signs that include the new TCMA address
and phone number are needed both at Whirlpool and Lost Oasis.
Discussion followed of a possible
scientific project at one of the caves, with one that could involve
Carl said he planned to tender his
resignation as board president, but added after some discussion that it would
become effective at the TCMA membership meeting. He appointed Jay as interim
president. Carl wants to continue his work as a director. M/J. Wolff to make
nominations for the positions of president and vice-president in advance of the
membership meeting. The formal election would be discussed at the next board
meeting. M/J. Wolff, s/J. Jorden to set elections for officers.
T-shirts and bumper stickers for TCMA
were discussed. The concessionaire at Longhorn Caverns has expressed interest
in using the logo that has also been utilized for some
One board resolution was that TCMA
approach the
The next TCMA board meeting was
tentatively scheduled for about 10 a.m. on Sunday, March 26, at Jay's property
in Williamson County.
The meeting was adjourned about 11 a.m.
For any additions or deletions to these
meeting notes, please write the secretary, Carolyn Biegert at TCMA, P.O. Box
202853, Austin, TX 78720-2853. Her telephone number is
As received by Dave Belski from the
[For more information
submitted by Val Hildreth on April 5--April 15 Response Deadline!!!!]
Fees
for permit to enter
State: New Mexico
District: Roswell
Resource Areas: Roswell and Carlsbad
List
of caves.
Crystal
Cave
Jarnigan
No. 2 Cave (sic) Crocket Cave (sic) Lost Cave Doc Brito Cave Little Manhole
Cave Endless Cave McKittrick Cave Fort Stanton Cave Sand Cave Wind Cave Torgac
Cave Algerita Blossom Cave (ABC)
1. Direct and Indirect cost to the
Government.
The direct cost to the government would
be for signing at each cave and a volunteer self-service pay station at caves
which are checked on a weekly basis. There would be an additional workload for
on-board personnel to collect fees at cave sites where there are self-service
pay tubes. There would be an additional workload by on-board personnel
associated with processing the permits, receiving and accounting for money
derived from the fee collection and tracking volunteer hours. Additional
equipment such as locks, lock boxes, money bags, will be needed for the
collection process.
The indirect costs to the government
would be administrative staff time to supervise accounting, reporting, and
auditing functions. It could take the recreation planner an additional 5-10
minutes to derive the additional information at the time the permit is issued.
2.
Benefits to the recipient.
There will be less "no shows"
for people who obtain a free permit and cancel the date assigned to them to
enter the cave. There could be a (sic) increase of volunteer time from the
caving community on
3.
Comparable Recreation Fees Charged by Other Federal and Non- Federal Public
Agencies within New Mexico and Bordering States.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park charges
$8.00 per minor and $12.00 per adult dor a ranger guided tour of Spider,
Slaughter and Ogle Caves. Because of the changes in the Land and Water
Conservation Fund (LWCF) The U. S. Forest Service is in the beginnings stages
of looking into charging for cave entry.
4.
Economic and Administrative Feasibility of Fee Collection.
The average number of cave permits issued
within the District is 500 permits per fiscal year. The effect of a fee permit
may reduce this number of permits per year within the District. Cavers may use
other caves to ply their activity. This may help reduce wear and tear on the caves,
thus letting the cave animals reclaim traveled portions of the caves.
Collection would be done by the administrative staff within the Resource Areas.
In cases where a fee pay tube is located at the cave, fees will be collected by
a resource person who regularly works the area. In the case of Fort Stanton
Cave the administrative and maintenance people from Valley of Fires Recreation
Area will collect the fees. The fees will be administered with 1230 and 1231
funds from Valley of Fires Recreation Area. Outdoor Recreation Planners at each
Resource Area will facilitate the paperwork for the application and permit
process. Existing administrative personnel will collect the fees from the
public and complete the accounting process. Overall revenue potential for fee
collection could be a minimum $4,950 if 250 permits are maintained for the
fiscal year. Of the above amount, 15 percent of the fees collected will be
immediately available to the Resource Area collecting the fees. The above
figure is derived as follows:
250 permits times $5.00 per application
fee = $1,200
250 Permits times $3.00 per participant
times an average of 5 people per permit = $3,750
TOTAL PROJECTED REVENUE $4,950
Caves which require a
5.
Public policy or interest served.
The cave use within the District is
mainly from New Mexico, the surrounding states of Texas, Colorado and Arizona.
A small portion of the visitors range from all over the United States and
foreign countries. The cost of the permit system will be borne by the special
interest caving groups and independent cavers. The existing services include
maintained roads to the caves and cave gates at each managed cave which prevent
unauthorized access to the caves.
6.
Other pertinent factors.
Fee collection will achieve better
protection fo the caves through improvement or replacement of old cave gates
for increased security. Locks and equipment can be purchased through the permit
fees. Small research projects and cost share agreements can be funded. The fee
system may spread the visitor use out to other areas and lessen the impact on
the caves which are intensively managed.
Field
recommendation on implementation of entrance fees:
Entrance Fee Recommended/Not Recommended: RECOMMENDED
Implementation Date:
Entrance Fee: $3.00
Application Fee: $5.00
Rationale: Based upon the legislative criteria
summary noted above, it is in the government's best interest to charge fees for
caving for caves listed as "special areas" and Special Recreation
Management Areas (SRMA).
Signed Tony L. Ferguson for Roswell
District Manager
William C. Calkins, New Mexico State Director
Danger, Will Robinson,
Danger: Intruder Alert
submitted by Albert A. Krause. [Editor's
Note: The following is a concatenation of electronic mail, primarily from Al on
the week of March 6, but with other input, on pay-for-caving proposals on
federal lands.]
?The U.S. Bureau of Land Management has
to date received just five letters as public input on the so-called "Pay
to Cave" proposal in the Carlsbad-Roswell, New Mexico area!
Without more public input, cavers would
have to pay for all cave entry permits in that area of southeastern New Mexico.
It was also pointed out that once something works for one area, others will not
be far behind. Thus far, many of the letters have come from
The communications go on to warn that if
cavers don't act fast by writing to their congressional representatives or to
the appropriate
Those with a copy of the proposal or
other information are encouraged to share, either through this publication or
on the appropriate Internet or other electronic mail forums. Local grottos are
encouraged to pass around petitions. In other words: Help!
Note: the DEADLINE for public comment is
April 15! Sign the
online Petition!
Danger to Your Freedom;
Hard on Your Wallet
Write your federal government and congressman/woman!
Letters should go to the below list. The District Manager is directly
responsible, with copies to the State Director and to the Lands Recreation
Manager in
Leslie Cone, District Manager
Roswell District Office
Bureau of Land Management
William C. Calkins, State Director
Bureau of Land Management
Gary Bowers, Lands Recreation and
Cultural Team Leader
Bureau of Land Management
Senator Pete Domenici
434
Senator Jeff Bingaman
524 Senate Hart Building
Congressman Joe Skeen
1007
Congressman Bill Richardson
332
Congressman Bruce Vento
2304
Editor Carlsbad Current_Argus
620
Lint Camp at Wind and
A Lint Camp will be held at Wind and
Kathy Petty Phone:
303-236-9404, ext. 24 (W)
OR
Sandy Kramer
239
This should be done by April 14
for this year's camp.
Publisher's Note: This is an excellent opportunity to help
the National Park Service manage their resources. It should be looked upon as
an opportunity to help manage a resource and not as a chance to see some of the
cave. You'll probably be working near the tourist trails (that's where the lint
comes from) and it will be hard work. But as the Federal government funding is
reduced in order to reduce the deficit, the Federal management agencies will
have to increasingly rely on volunteers to maintain the resources. It'll be
just like the old days, when what cave management was done was generally done
by caver volunteers. The difference now is that we have made the agencies aware
of their responsibilities, and have helped them learn how to do it. We also
have lots of trained cavers working in the agencies, so they know how to get
the job done-they just don't have the resources available in-house. In this
particular case, we are helping to maintain the show cave portion of the caves,
not the portion of the cave that is wild. But they are intimately connected and
assistance in the show cave section will ultimately benefit the wild sections.
If you are not already a member of the
Conservation and Management Section of the National Speleological Society, you
are invited to join. Dues are $5.00 a year, payable to the NSS Cons/Mgmt
Section. Members receive the newsletter regularly and are entitled to vote at
the annual meeting.
Yes, I would like to join the
Conservation/Management Section. Here
are
my dues in the amount of $________ (dues
of $5/year may be prepaid for up
to three years).
Name___________________________________
___
Address_________________________________________
______
City__________________________
State_____________
ZIP_________________
___
Please send this form with
check/money order to the
Secretary-Treasurer:
Evelyn Bradshaw,
22407-1261.
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