Post by L Roebuck on Oct 19, 2005 7:11:39 GMT -5
Secretary touts caves for tourism
Wilcher cites Lost River Cave as example of good management
By HAYLI MORRISON, The Daily News, hmorrison@bgdailynews.com/783-3240
Tuesday, October 18, 2005 11:11 AM CDT
Nearly 150 cave owners and operators gathered this morning at Sloan Convention Center to hear from LaJuana Wilcher, secretary of the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet, as part of the four-day National Caves Association convention.
Wilcher donned a headband fashioned into bat ears for her speech to NCA members from across the country and touted the need for preservation and promotion of caves - a tough feat in today's society, she said.
Promotion of caves as tourist attractions is hindered by fierce competition for tourism dollars, longer school years and tighter family schedules, Wilcher said.
“That all tends to siphon away money and time to see these gems,” she said. “But it's the trend toward inactivity in our children that worries me most. It has sparked a lot of concern. You're competing with that epidemic, places such as theme parks and casinos and changes as far as how Americans spend their time and tourism dollars.”
Wilcher, a Bowling Green native, Western Kentucky University graduate and former Mammoth Cave tour guide, spoke of the challenges facing her former employer, not unlike the challenges facing caves nationwide.
The number of people choosing to tour Mammoth Cave in 2004 was 44 percent less than when visitation peaked in 1973, Wilcher said. She held Lost River Cave as an example of progressive cave management.
The Bowling Green tourist attraction's attendance increased from 13,000 in 1999 to an expected 70,000 in 2005.
“It happened through innovation, enthusiasm and the recognition that a successful show cave needs support from all community leaders,” Wilcher said. “It is a model, perhaps, to be followed.”
Wilcher also spoke of Gov. Ernie Fletcher's vision for Kentucky caves.
“This administration recognizes that people are not going to want to come see trash and tires and toxics,” she said. “They're going to want to see the beautiful, lush, green hillsides and great efforts are being made to keep those clean.”
Such efforts include promotional groups and statewide boards, Wilcher said.
“You can't be here very long without appreciating being part of the wonderful karst system that we have,” she said.
In opening remarks, Bruce Powell, acting superintendent of Mammoth Cave National Park, also expressed appreciation for the hundreds of caves in the southcentral Kentucky area.
“Caves really define this area,” he said. “I'm glad to see the cave convention in Bowling Green this year - in cave country.”
At the conclusion of her speech, Wilcher encouraged the convention attendees to fight for cave preservation.
“Protecting these caves and, in some cases, restoring them to their former glory, is a calling that all of you share,” she said. “Protecting our caves from intentional or unintentional damage is a challenge. ... If your treasure is where your heart is, then my treasure - as is yours - is in these wonderful spots that we care for and love.”
www.bgdailynews.com/articles/2005/10/18/local_news/news/news3.txt
Wilcher cites Lost River Cave as example of good management
By HAYLI MORRISON, The Daily News, hmorrison@bgdailynews.com/783-3240
Tuesday, October 18, 2005 11:11 AM CDT
Nearly 150 cave owners and operators gathered this morning at Sloan Convention Center to hear from LaJuana Wilcher, secretary of the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet, as part of the four-day National Caves Association convention.
Wilcher donned a headband fashioned into bat ears for her speech to NCA members from across the country and touted the need for preservation and promotion of caves - a tough feat in today's society, she said.
Promotion of caves as tourist attractions is hindered by fierce competition for tourism dollars, longer school years and tighter family schedules, Wilcher said.
“That all tends to siphon away money and time to see these gems,” she said. “But it's the trend toward inactivity in our children that worries me most. It has sparked a lot of concern. You're competing with that epidemic, places such as theme parks and casinos and changes as far as how Americans spend their time and tourism dollars.”
Wilcher, a Bowling Green native, Western Kentucky University graduate and former Mammoth Cave tour guide, spoke of the challenges facing her former employer, not unlike the challenges facing caves nationwide.
The number of people choosing to tour Mammoth Cave in 2004 was 44 percent less than when visitation peaked in 1973, Wilcher said. She held Lost River Cave as an example of progressive cave management.
The Bowling Green tourist attraction's attendance increased from 13,000 in 1999 to an expected 70,000 in 2005.
“It happened through innovation, enthusiasm and the recognition that a successful show cave needs support from all community leaders,” Wilcher said. “It is a model, perhaps, to be followed.”
Wilcher also spoke of Gov. Ernie Fletcher's vision for Kentucky caves.
“This administration recognizes that people are not going to want to come see trash and tires and toxics,” she said. “They're going to want to see the beautiful, lush, green hillsides and great efforts are being made to keep those clean.”
Such efforts include promotional groups and statewide boards, Wilcher said.
“You can't be here very long without appreciating being part of the wonderful karst system that we have,” she said.
In opening remarks, Bruce Powell, acting superintendent of Mammoth Cave National Park, also expressed appreciation for the hundreds of caves in the southcentral Kentucky area.
“Caves really define this area,” he said. “I'm glad to see the cave convention in Bowling Green this year - in cave country.”
At the conclusion of her speech, Wilcher encouraged the convention attendees to fight for cave preservation.
“Protecting these caves and, in some cases, restoring them to their former glory, is a calling that all of you share,” she said. “Protecting our caves from intentional or unintentional damage is a challenge. ... If your treasure is where your heart is, then my treasure - as is yours - is in these wonderful spots that we care for and love.”
www.bgdailynews.com/articles/2005/10/18/local_news/news/news3.txt