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Post by Taylor on Jan 23, 2006 8:15:39 GMT -5
The Smithsonian Institution's traveling cave photography exhibit, "Caves: A Fragile Wilderness," will be on display from February 4 to March 12, at Kansas City's Central Library. The exhibit includes the 39 color photos of caves from around the world, taken by members of the National Speleological Society. The library has also scheduled a series of talks to coincide with the exhibit. The first two, "Missouri Caves: An Insider's Overview" and "Missouri Cave Life," will start on February 12. For more information, visit www.kclibrary.org.
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Post by Taylor on Apr 17, 2007 1:35:53 GMT -5
-------- Original Message -------- Subject: Volunteers Still Needed for ACCA's April 21 Roadside/Cave Cleanup
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Post by Taylor on Mar 1, 2007 21:57:58 GMT -5
From Chris Clark, ACCA:
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Post by Taylor on Oct 25, 2006 1:12:22 GMT -5
Chris Clark, Program Coordinator for the American Cave Conservation Association, announces Fall Cave Cleanup:
The American Cave Conservation Association (ACCA) is hosting its Fall Cave Cleanup, November 11th, outside of Glasgow, Kentucky. This is a pit style cave, with approximately a 25-30 foot entrance pit. Volunteers began working on this cave in the spring of 2006. We are revisiting this site this fall in hopes of clearing out several tons of garbage at the base of the pit. This pit is a smaller version of the Saltpeter Pit, in Pulaski County, Kentucky. Those of you that have been involved with that cleanup understand the nature of the job at hand. We are asking for volunteers that are both vertically competent, for in cave work. Plus, we also need a good group of volunteers on the surface to shuttle trash to the dumpsters. ACCA will once again be providing lunch, refreshments, and as always, afternoon caving trips at Hidden River Cave. We will meet at the American Cave Museum in Horse Cave, Kentucky,around 8AM Central Time to drive to the site. In the interest of preparing for lunches and refreshments,please contact me at the museum, -- clark_c17@yahoo.com Here is a list of items that you will want to bring: helmet and light, gloves, clothes to get trashed, and of course any other caving gear you will need for later in the day. We look forward to working with you to help protect the underground.
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Post by Taylor on Jul 29, 2006 14:28:16 GMT -5
Does anyone know if the team of cavers from TAG is the same U.S. group mentioned in this article? Fall kills Nunavut park ranger July 28, 2006 CBC News A Parks Canada patrol officer has been killed in an accident at Nunavut's Auyuittuq National Park. Police say Philip Robinson, 26, was fatally injured when he fell late Tuesday in the Thor Peak area, about 66 kilometres from Pangnirtung. Robinson, who had worked for the service since 2001, was on patrol in the Baffin Island park when the accident occurred, said Parks Canada spokesperson Pauline Scott. "We are all shocked. It's always hard to lose a co-worker," Scott said. "Phil had many friends as well and we want to extend our sincere condolence to the family and all the friends and co-workers." The RCMP say it's still not clear how the accident happened and they are continuing their investigation. A group of tourists from the United States was rappelling in the area at the time, and police are talking to them to gather more information. Scott says Robinson's death is a big loss for the national parks system. Parks Canada officials will meet with his family, and the department is bringing in counsellors to meet with Parks staff. Robinson was originally from Igloolik. www.cbc.ca/canada/north/story/2006/07/28/park-fatal-ranger.html
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Post by Taylor on Oct 14, 2006 10:52:46 GMT -5
Another strange but true use for duct tape... Two empty 3 liter soda bottles can be duct taped together to provide floatation for that unexpected swimming passage in a cave, and they are light weight enough to haul thru the rest of the cave with little effort. Disclaimer: It goes without saying that this get up would not meet any type of safety standards as an approved Personal Flotation Device or any other known safety standards. You should always consult a water expert before entering any body of water above or below ground.
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Post by Taylor on May 29, 2006 1:01:54 GMT -5
Vanier students tour Ape Caves and the Mount St. Helen's 1980 Eruption Trail May 26 2006 Twenty-six years after Mount St. Helens erupted May 18, 1980, Geography 12 and Geology 12 students from G.P. Vanier Secondary School visited southern Washington to study the long-term effects in a weekend field study. All of the students were born after the eruption and so the knowledge they had of the eruption was secondhand — through textbooks, video footage or from stories that they may have heard from relatives, the school notes in a news release. “One very important element of a field trip like this is gaining firsthand awareness of the event and the place,” said Geography 12 teacher Andrew Young. “Besides, Mount St. Helens blew stuff up and that was cool,” added the enthusiastic educator and co-coordinator of the trip. The group first headed to the southern flanks of the volcano to explore the Ape Caves. These caves were created by the only flow of fluid pahoehoe lava from the volcano about 2,000 years ago and are the namesake of a local youth group called the St. Helens Apes. The lava tube runs for just under four kilometres. The group explored the lower caves and a small portion of the upper caves. As they descended 40 feet underground by stairs, the complete change of environment was striking — from sunshine above to cool silence below. The cave was so jet black that the beam of flashlights seemed entirely ineffectual in the all-encompassing dark. Happily plunging through the darkness, the students found the lower caves to be a fascinating experience. Some more audacious members of the group scrambled through portions of the upper caves, and the adventure left all of the students eager for a return trip for a more thorough expedition. After a quick turnaround, the group headed to the north side of the mountain to see where the main event occurred. The bus ride was a rowdy affair with lots of talk about the morning experience, but when the awe-inspiring mountain came into full view, one could hear a pin drop. “It was a lot bigger than I thought. I didn’t really appreciate the size of the mountain,” said geology student Curtis Blackburn. The students explored the interpretive centre at the Johnston Ridge Observatory, a mere three miles from the volcano, including an attempt to create their own earthquake and recording on a seismogram. A hike on the Eruption Trail provided the group with breathtaking views of the lava dome, crater, pumice plain, and the landslide deposit. The mountain did not disappoint, as it vented steam and gas from the actively growing new lava dome inside the crater of the volcano, and, combined with clear sunny skies, the students had the best firsthand views of the volcano and the effects of its eruption that any class could want. The success of this trip was in no small part due to the efforts of Geology 12 teacher Matt Bourget, Vanier notes in a news release. “I really appreciate the opportunity to share the St. Helens experience with the students I work with; it reminds me of the first time I travelled to the volcano,” said Bourget. Experiencing Mount St. Helens firsthand and having fun while doing it was the whole reason for the expedition. “I never thought spending the long weekend with my teachers on a field trip was a good idea, but I had fun,” remarked Cassie Bosma, a geography and geology student. www.comoxvalleyrecord.com/
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Post by Taylor on Feb 27, 2006 7:57:49 GMT -5
This article on the non-profit Nature Conservancy states that they will be opening an office in downtown Huntsville, not far from the NSS headquarters. Office Space has been offered (rent-free) by the owners of the Russel Erskine building. The NSS is mentioned in the article. ------------------------------------------ Lynne Berry to run preservation group's new office downtown February 25, 2006 One of the world's best-known land preservation groups is opening an office in downtown Huntsville. The Nature Conservancy hopes to move into the Russel Erskine building on Clinton Avenue by the end of March. Lynne Berry will run the office and serve as the nonprofit conservancy's chief local fundraiser. Berry just finished a one-year stint as Harrison Brothers Hardware's store director. Before that, she spent five years as head of the Historic Huntsville Foundation. During a meeting with The Times' editorial board Friday morning, Berry said her main job will be to raise the conservancy's profile in Huntsville. She plans to do that by teaming up with other local environmental outfits on preservation projects. Spending time with the conservancy's 800 dues-paying members from Madison County. Reaching out to government and business leaders. "I want to have a seat at the table at places like the Chamber of Commerce," Berry said. The conservancy is hardly a stranger to North Alabama. In 1967, it worked with the National Speleological Society to preserve Shelta Cave off Pulaski Pike. More recently, it bought 21,000 acres in Jackson County and Franklin County, Tenn., that included the rugged Walls of Jericho canyon (the conservancy later sold the Alabama property to the state's Forever Wild program). The Arlington, Va.-based conservancy owns large preserves in Paint Rock Valley and on three mountains - Keel, Sharp and Bingham - that straddle the Madison-Jackson county line. And it has spent the past few years working to save Jackson County's pristine Paint Rock River, which it calls one of the "last great places on Earth." The river supports about 100 fish species and 40 types of freshwater mussel, including the exceedingly rare pale lilliput and Alabama lampshell. Jeff Danter, the conservancy's Alabama director, said opening an office in the Rocket City was a logical move. "I couldn't form relationships with people in Huntsville from Birmingham," he said Friday. The group's state headquarters is in Birmingham, and it has smaller offices in Mobile and Paint Rock. Doug Fears, the lone employee in Paint Rock, spends most of his time working with farmers on better conservation practices such as keeping livestock out of the river. Berry said the Russel Erskine building's owners, Phil Dotts of Huntsville and David Greenberg of White Plains, N.Y., have agreed to give the Nature Conservancy free office space on the ground floor, in what used to be the Gold Room restaurant. The former hotel, which is now federally subsidized housing for seniors, recently had a $5.5 million makeover. Berry said the conservancy's Alabama board of directors will meet in Huntsville in June. A handful of local residents serve on the board, including city ecologist Soos Weber and Madison Mayor Sandy Kirkindall. www.al.com/news/huntsvilletimes/index.ssf?/base/news/1140862570285140.xml&coll=1
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Post by Taylor on Mar 20, 2006 2:55:20 GMT -5
Seems as if Missouri officials are preparing to dig their heels in and say no to the sell of some of their forest land. GOP leaders in state blast plan to sell forest tractsBy Ken Leiser ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH 03/18/2006 Top Missouri Republicans took aim Friday at a Bush administration proposal to sell tracts of the Mark Twain National Forest to help fund struggling rural school districts Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt wrote a letter to a U.S. Department of Agriculture official complaining that the U.S. Forest Service is suggesting the sale of land that appears to be "accessible, utilized and valuable." The federal government said it chose tracts in the Mark Twain forest that were isolated or hard to maintain. "Another concern is that the financial proceeds from the proposed sale would primarily benefit school districts in other states while Missouri schools would receive a much smaller amount of the potential revenue," Blunt wrote to Mark Rey, undersecretary for natural resources and environment at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Bush administration proposal seeks to raise about $800 million nationally for rural county schools that are struggling as the result of sagging timber receipts on federal lands. Three Republican members of Missouri's congressional delegation said Friday that the Forest Service has failed to show how it will benefit the state. Missouri would sell up to 21,566 acres of the Mark Twain Forest and collect $2.64 million for its rural schools, according to a letter signed by Republican Sens. Christopher "Kit" Bond and Jim Talent, and U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson, R-Cape Girardeau. Oregon, by contrast, would receive more than $260 million in proceeds with half the forest acreage slated for possible sale, the letter states. "This formula is grossly inequitable ...," the lawmakers wrote. The proposal requires congressional approval, and the Forest Service is accepting comments until March 30. Missouri Auditor Claire McCaskill, a Democrat seeking to unseat Talent, opposes the land sale. www.stltoday.com/
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Post by Taylor on Jul 15, 2006 2:38:08 GMT -5
Here is a overview of The Descent's plotline. In a remote mountain range, six female friends meet for their yearly adventure, a caving trip into the arteries of the earth. Leader of the trip is Juno, tough, compelling and dangerous. Along for the ride are Swedish sisters Rebecca and Sam, wild base jumper Holly, and English teacher Beth, who has reluctantly come to look after Sarah. Sarah is still recovering from a total mental breakdown after the deaths of her husband and child one year previously, and needs this trip to reclaim the life she once had. It soon becomes clear that Sarah is not fully recovered, and that the hallucinations and memories that have dogged her for the past year are still very much hovering over her. But Juno shrugs off Beth’s worries—Sarah is her best and oldest friend, and she is going to make this work. Together, the group makes their way through the remote cave system, enjoying the hazardous but beautiful surroundings. Then, deep inside the cave, disaster strikes when their route back to the surface is blocked by a rockfall. When they learn that Juno, always pushing herself that little bit further, has brought them to an unexplored cave, and that no one is coming to rescue them, the group starts to splinter. But left with no option, they push on through the cave, praying for another exit. The women battle through this harsh underground world, pitting their strength and determination against each new challenge. But there is something else lurking under the earth, a race of monstrous creatures hidden from the light, devolved to perfectly live in the dark… As the women realize they have become prey, they are forced to unleash their most primal instincts to face the creatures. But, as old wounds break open and loyalties disintegrate, the women realize the horrible truth—that they have most to fear from one another. www.moviesonline.ca/film1354.htm
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Post by Taylor on Sept 23, 2006 14:20:01 GMT -5
Trekking the cavespublished: Saturday | September 23, 2006 Shelly-Ann Thompson Caves conjure images of black bats flying overhead. However, a tour of a cave can provide exciting knowledge for children. But, as adults, you are probably more informed about Jamaica's hidden treasures. Bet you didn't know that there are more than 1,000 known caves, sink holes and other subterranean sites in Jamaica? Many of them are hidden behind nature's true form within rural areas, difficult to be accessed by humans. Stefan Stewart, chairman of Jamaican Caves Organisation (JCO), said that caves hold a part of our history that is often overlooked. "Along with the environmental importance of caves, some of them hold the drawings and carvings of the original residents of Jamaica, the Tainos. Hence, these caves serve as archives for those now vanished people." Family Time, with the assistance of JCO, has compiled a list of the most family friendly caves in Jamaica. Schedule a cave trek and visit them each whenever possible. Two Sisters Cave, Hellshire, St. Catherine This is a coastal cave, pleasant for families. It featurs an old collapsed chamber. It currently exists as a deep pit with flooded extensions at the bottom and also a staircase. Children might enjoy Two Sisters Cave as it does not possess extremely dark areas. The more than 200,000-year-old cave is a very popular hang-out spot in the parish. Green Grotto Caves, Discovery Bay, St. Ann It was formed on the coast by waves slowly carving away at a limestone cliff. Rather than a series of stream passages, there is a great expanse of intersecting low chambers, formed by the sea. Nonsuch Caves, Port Antonio, Portland These caves feature 14 separate chambers. The caves are however-renowned for their adjoining Athenry Gardens. The lush botanical gardens have many native plant species and will provide a perfect setting for a family picnic. Roaring River Cave, in Westmoreland This is a good example of a river cave, and one that can be easily visited. There is adequate lighting and stairs in the trickier parts. This site is not only quite beautiful, but it gives good insight into the importance of maintaining the quality of the island's water supply. Rock Spring Cave (known as Printed Circuit Cave), in south Trelawny This cave is for the adventurous. It possesses a wonderful example of a large inland river cave. Tours can be arranged through the South Trelawny Environmental Association. For more information on Rock Spring Cave visit: stea@cwjamaica.com. For more information on Jamaican caves visit www.jamaicancaves.org. Also, the organisation has a DVD available that covers the JCO March 2006 session about caves. www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20060923/ent/ent1.html
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Post by Taylor on May 29, 2006 1:05:15 GMT -5
Management of county-owned La Tetera cave questioned by Sandy Rathbun May 27, 2006 Two years ago, Pima County learned that it owns a cave that has formations said to rival the state's Kartchner Caverns. Now, there are questions about how Pima County is protecting it. La Tetera cave is located on the far southeast side inside Pima County's Colossal Cave Mountain Park. The county keeps its exact location secret to keep people out. But some researchers say, to protect the wonder, they need to get in. The few people who've seen it say La Tetera has bones of extinct animals, dripping formations and a red floor laced with white crystals. It's unlikely you'll ever be allowed in. Instead, Pima County plans to use this cave for scientific research. The issue is when. "Over the past year nothing's been allowed to happen there," according to scientist Yar Petryszyn. Petryszyn is a bat expert and associate curator of the University of Arizona's mammal collection. A year ago he was asked to join a scientific committee to advise the county on how to protect the cave. But Petryszyn says the committee's met just once. Others anonymously told News 4 that research already has been lost because the county's mismanaging the cave. Petryszyn says, "I don't know if I'd say mismanagement. It's not being managed. Let's put it that way." Petryszyn believes to protect the living cave, the county needs to study it as soon as possible. He says, "Since the cave has been breached by its discovery and people going inside, it's not a virgin cave anymore, and the more data you can accumulate, the better you'll know how to deal with it." Pima County Parks Director Rafael Payan says, "There's no reason to rush this. The cave will be here." Payan says, "With a cave, once you make a mistake, there's no way to repair or replace it." Plus, Payan says the cave's location is a complication. It's near a hiking trail and the Colossal Cave tourist attraction. Payan says, "We're not dragging our feet, no. Like I said earlier, we're trying to coordinate all the parties." Payan says he hopes to meet with his scientific advisors later this summer. kvoa.com/Global/story.asp?S=4955163&nav=HMO6
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Post by Taylor on Mar 17, 2007 15:01:08 GMT -5
A sidebar from the article:
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Post by Taylor on Dec 10, 2006 13:08:53 GMT -5
(Repost from JIm Kennedy)
Cavers! Please mark February 4 on your calendars for the next Guano Gathering at Bracken Bat Cave in Comal County. We'll have the usual bucket brigade to haul out all the guano anyone cares to take home, PLUS we'll also have cedar mulch available this year. We'll also be doing some minor volunteer work on the Bracken property, namely cutting some small juniper, so bring loppers (no chain saws necessary). And if everything goes right, I'll have Guano Gathering T-shirts available for participants. All cavers, caver families, and caver friends are welcome to attend. No pets, please. More details will follow closer to the event, with directions, clothing suggestions, safety precautions, what to bring or not bring in the way of buckets and containers, and so on. Check out the past couple of years' announcements on CaveTex if you can't wait until the next email. Feel free to announce this at your grotto meetings, in newsletters, and on websites. Note that this is not an official BCI function, but rather a private event that I organize annually for friends.
Jim "Crash" Kennedy
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Post by Taylor on Jul 15, 2006 2:42:58 GMT -5
Living Desert to host program CARLSBAD —- Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park is hosting a free program on bats at 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 18, in the Visitor Center Conference Room. Dr. Nickolay Hristov will present a program entitled "The Bats of Carlsbad Caverns." The program is open to the public. For more information call 887-5516. www.currentargus.com/ci_4054807
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Post by Taylor on Apr 1, 2006 2:41:49 GMT -5
Caves will be going to the batsRocky Mountain News March 30, 2006 BOULDER - Humans had six months to enjoy Mallory and Harmon caves in the shadow of the Flatirons. Now it's the bats' turn. From Saturday (April 1) through Oct. 1, the two popular caves will be closed to people to protect Townsend's big eared bats. Boulder's Open Space and Mountain Parks Department also will close the east face of the Der Zerkle rock formation to protect Fringed Myotis bats - from Saturday (April 1) until Sept. 1. Bat pups suffer high mortality rates even under ideal conditions. The closings will ensure that the roosting sites are undisturbed. www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/local/article/0,1299,DRMN_15_4581923,00.html
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Post by Taylor on Dec 20, 2007 23:40:54 GMT -5
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Post by Taylor on Aug 6, 2007 2:08:06 GMT -5
37th Annual Kentucky Speleofest May 23rd—26th 2008 Hosted By: The Louisville Grotto, at the ever improving and shady Lone Star Preserve Hart County, Kentucky Kim Gentry Chairperson Email: cavernkim@aol.com General information email: Speleofest@louisvillegrotto.org Check our web site for ongoing updates at: www.caves.org/grotto/louisvillegrotto/Louisville Grotto will be sponsoring a cave-clean up during Speleofest 2008! Details coming soon!
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Post by Taylor on Sept 17, 2007 9:30:22 GMT -5
2007 joint MAR VAR and Philly Grotto 60th Anniversary Party October 12, 13, and 14, 2007 Dailey, WV Pre-Registration has been extended to September 29th!Check out the website at: www.philly60th.org/ From what I'm seeing on the planning page, there will be LOTS of good caving trips going out. ALSO...news flash... there will be 2 DRY SAUNAS open. Not to mention the live band Sat night, DJ Friday night, great dinner, and, of course, all the amenities of the OTR site. (From)Ellen Hofler (now in NC, but now and always Philly Grotto) Please feel free to forward this to anyone who might be interested.
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Post by Taylor on Aug 6, 2007 1:43:36 GMT -5
The 2007 Fall MAR-VAR Field Meet and Philadelphia Grottos 60th Anniversary Event will be held October 12 -14, 2007 at The Robertson Association Grounds in Daily, West Virginia. Co- hosted by the Triangle Troglodytes and the Philadelphia Grotto.The event includes: - Led Trips to many of the local caves - Live Band and DJ - The TRA facilities with plenty of camping and hot showers - Philly Grotto’s 60th anniversary party - Weeklong pre-event caving - Guidebook - Speleo-Vendors Pre-Registration is now available. Pre-Registration FormSee the website for more information on events: www.philly60th.org/
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Post by Taylor on Aug 6, 2007 1:31:57 GMT -5
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Post by Taylor on Feb 8, 2007 21:13:35 GMT -5
1st Annual Carter Caves Restoration Camp March 24th & 25th 2007 Carter Caves State Resort Park Olive Hill, Kentucky Cavers across the country will join forces with the Carter Caves State Resort Park to bring back the caves to their natural splendor! We will be descending on the park for the final weekend of March to tackle some much needed and due projects underground. We will be tackling jobs such as: * Formation Repair and Cleaning * Visual Work to Camouflage Man-Made Features * Vandalism / Graffiti Work * Clean-Up of Trails and Commercial Areas * and Much Much More! The park is gracious enough to host cavers in their scenic campground thru the weekend. Two Bunkhouses will be open to participants on a first signup first get basis. Each bunkhouse can accommodate 12 participants. If you prefer the comfort of your own tent there will be plenty of space made available in the area also. Bunkhouse will be available Friday Night thru Sunday Day. The schedule for the weekend will include both volunteer opportunities and the chance to jump on trips for fun and adventure! The schedule for weekend activities include: Friday, March 23rd* Evening - Arrive at CCSRP & Relax * Evening Cave Trip - Location & Time TBA Saturday, March 24th* Group Meeting @ 8:30am * Restoration Work & Challenges 9am - 4pm * (Pack Lunch) ** Evening Cookout Hosted by Park ** * Evening Cave Trip - Location & Time TBA Sunday, March 25th* Restoration Work & Challenges 9am - Noon * Wrap up! See the website for registration details: www.caves.org/grotto/esso/CCSRP_RESTORE.htm
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