Cooperative Projects between Cavers, State Surveys, Agencies
Call for Presentations: Cooperative Projects between Cavers, State Surveys, Agencies and NGOsat the NSS Convention in Waynesville, Missouri, July 13-17, 2015
The purpose of this session is to look at ways organized cavers can work with a variety of government agencies, local governments, and non-government organizations that manage caves.
Emphasis is on survey, monitoring, data management and restoration projects.
A major part of this session will be a round-table on state cave surveys and how the proper accumulation of data gives cave organizations the ability to interdigitate with agencies and others that need that data to properly manage cave resources as well as to effectively explore new opportunities for discovery both on and off public lands.
Presentations are 20-30 minutes in length. Let us know how much time you need. Presentation format is open to any medium. Let us know if you have specific needs for your presentation.
Send an abstract, no longer than 250 words y May 18, 2015.
Making valued contributions are essential to maintaining access to publicly owned caves. In addition, proper management of and access to data is key to successful cooperation among cavers in order to support a wide range of projects. Cavers around the nation have been doing this for decades. Come share what's worked and what has not.
Presentations
Spot Monitoring and Assessing Impacts on Endangered Species & Cultural Resources at Cave Sites
By: Joe Proffitt (e-mail: )Natural Resource Specialist at Fort Leonard Wood, Natural Resources Branch under contract to the Colorado State University Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands
Abstract:
The Maneuver Support Center of Excellence (MSCoE) & Fort Leonard Wood (FLW) military installation is 24,851.8 hectares located in south western Pulaski County in Missouri on the Salem Plateau in the Ozark Mountains. The Mark Twain National Forest borders the installation on three sides. Geologic features such rock outcrops, karst topography (caves and sinkholes), and sheer bluffs that commonly rise 60.96 meters in elevation border narrow, flat, alluvial floodplains. Sixty-three known caves occur within Fort Leonard Wood boundaries. In 1996 Department of Defense and US Army FLW was tasked in a Biological Opinion (BO) by US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) to monitor and determine the number and types of entries in several caves with Federal and State Endangered Species. In addition, a negative Environmental Compliance Assessment System (ECAS) finding based on continued Archaeological Resource Protection Act (ARPA) and Native American Grave Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) violations encouraged the Cultural Resource Program to implement a monitoring program for sites eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. The FLW Directorate of Public Works (DPW) Natural Resource Branch (NRB) was tasked to integrate a Biological and Cultural Resource Monitoring Plan. In order to establish a monitoring protocol that could answer the Who? Why? When? Questions, the NRB looked into established military and civilian regulations pertaining to cave entry. The presentation will look into the establishment of the monitoring protocols, history of the cave monitoring protocols and the results of almost 20 years of monitoring caves.
Perry County, Karst Capital of the Missouri?
By:Brent Buerck, City Administrator, City of Perryville, 215 North West Street, Perryville, MO 63775
Abstract:
Perryville, Missouri, is home to the Grotto Sculpin, a small cave-dwelling fish found only in Perry County, Missouri, and in the very heart of the City’s Industrial Park. In 2012, the community was notified the Grotto Sculpin could be listed as an endangered species. The local community went to work with State, Federal and local partners and developed a viable community plan which will help save the community, its water quality and the little fish. This new awareness has changed behaviors and redefined attitudes and we will share the results of this plan.
In addition, Perry County is home to the 4 of the 5 longest caves in the State of Missouri and the City of Perryville itself is home to 20 known caves and hundreds of sinkholes. Decades of practice has led to a sinkhole improvement standard that protects both the people above and the caves below. The City works actively with property owners to acquire sinkhole easements (currently at 300 and counting) in hopes of assuming perpetual maintenance of these many sinkholes, some of which are 30 feet deep or more. The presenter will detail these policies and practices through interactive pictures and participant questions.
A Working Relationship between the Missouri Department of Conservation and Caving Organizations
By: Shelly Colatskie and Anthony Elliott, Missouri Department of Conservation
Abstract:
Missouri has over 7000 known caves, many springs, and an unknown number of abandoned mines. The Missouri Department of Conservation cannot manage all of these unique subterranean resources alone. Partnerships with multiple caving organizations (individual grottos, Cave Research Foundation and Missouri Speleological Survey) as well as individuals to help conduct dye tracing, map, conduct biological inventory and manage the states karst ecosystem. Since most karst features occur on private land, we would not know much about this unique ecosystem without the help of these cooperators. Additionally, we rely on partners to increase our capacity to conduct work on public lands.
Cave Research Foundation in the Ozarks
By: CRF Personnel
Abstract:
Since the mid-1980’s, Cave Research Foundation (CRF) has had an Ozarks Operation, led by local cavers. Over the years, projects have been initiated and continued with a variety of agencies and NGO’s including the Ozark National Scenic Riverways (NPS), Mark Twain National Forest (USFS), the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Buffalo National River (NPS), the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and the privately-owned Pioneer Forest. Projects are facilitated through a variety of mechanisms such as cooperative agreements, volunteer agreements, contracts, and grants.
CRF Ozarks Operation has been particularly successful in three ways; amassing significant data on Missouri and Ozark caves which is openly shared with respective agencies, effectively maintaining task oriented access to publicly owned caves, even in the era of WNS and channeling the energies of productive cavers from across the region to promote cave research, management and exploration. CRF fully cooperates with local organizations such as the Missouri Speleological Survey, chapters of the NSS, and independent caving clubs. This presentation will be in the form of a round-robin presentation emphasizing the successes of our program via different types of projects operating in cooperation with different agencies.
The Missouri Cave Database: A Cooperative Tool for the Management of Cave Data in Missouri
By: Scott House
Abstract:
The Missouri Cave Database (MCD) is an outgrowth of a 50-year effort by the Missouri Speleological Survey to document cave and karst information in the state. The present database was initiated as a small effort in the late 1980’s and eventually incorporated thousands of records from the old Cave Catalog, a joint effort between the MSS and Missouri DNR. Today the database has expanded into a relational database with 7,000 main records representing cave entrances. A faunal table contains nearly 19,000 records; additional descriptions, trip reports, and other materials comprise yet another 11,000 records; and records of maps on file contain another 3,500 records.
Today the database is maintained by MSS in cooperation with Cave Research Foundation (CRF). Major funding has come from a variety of public agencies, plus the MSS and CRF. The presentation will be in the form of a demonstration of the working database.
Illinois Speleological Survey; Past, Present and Future
By: Bob Weck, ISS President, 2016 Stemler Road, Columbia IL 62236,
Abstract:
The Illinois Speleological Survey (ISS) was founded in 1995 to protect, conserve, locate, record, explore, and study the caves and karst resources in the State of Illinois. Towards these goals, the ISS manages data (cave locations, maps, and other data) to support cavers and professional researchers, as well as providing field opportunities to groups and individuals with an interest in karst research or conservation. The ISS operates as a private, 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation registered with the State of Illinois and with support from the National Speleological Society as an NSS Project (www.caves.org/project/iss). Due to growing disinterest in the ISS amongst Illinois cavers, stemming from personal conflicts and issues over data access (real and perceived) and data structure, ISS President Bob Weck proposed dissolution of the organization in 2012. This prompted ongoing philosophical and structural changes within the ISS to suit the interests and needs of the organization's most active cooperators in the hopes of better achieving our purpose and goals. A summary of the evolving and sometimes contentious relationships between ISS and Illinois cavers, as well as state and federal agencies including the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Illinois Natural History Survey and the U.S. Forest Service- Shawnee National Forest will be provided, along with a discussion of directional changes for the future of the ISS, changes which we hope will enhance speleology and project caving in Illinois.
The Kentucky Speleological Survey: Managing cave data in the past, present, and future
By: L.J. Florea, J.C. Currens, H.A. Kalnitz
Department of Geological Sciences, Ball State University, 2000 W University Ave, Muncie, IN 47306, USA.
Kentucky Geological Survey,504 Rose Street, 228 Mining and Mineral Resources Building, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506-0107
Greater Cincinnati Grotto, National Speleological Society
Abstract:
The Kentucky Speleological Survey (KSS), founded in 2001, is the most recent, and longest lasting, iteration of a state-wide data repository for cave information in Kentucky. The impetus for the KSS at that time was largely driven by proposals for major roadway construction by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC). Initial conception of this NGO required two years of careful negotiations among significant data contributors, cave conservation enthusiasts, and the Kentucky Geological Survey (KGS). Following a few years of initial activity, limited time and resources slowed productivity. The most significant change began in 2009, when the KSS transitioned into a county-coordinator model of data management and developed a fee schedule for select data access by third-parties. More recently, the KSS has outlined a model to transition to a dynamic online database with a user registry and mobile interface for data retrieval and submission. However, the volunteer-only nature of the KSS has made this process a protracted effort. The purpose of this presentation is to solicit feedback about proposals on the table that include increased collaboration with the KGS, the KYTC, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service. The short-term goal of these proposals will be to digitize and organize the KSS archive. The long-term goal will be to develop and launch the database and user interface with an established MOU for external large-scale data consumers and potential contributors.
The Role of the National Cave and Karst Research Institute in Cave Databases and Management
By: George Veni, Executive Director, National Cave and Karst Research Institute, 400-1 Cascades Avenue, Carlsbad, New Mexico 88220-6215 USA, , www.nckri.org
Abstract:
The National Cave and Karst Research Institute (NCKRI) was created to:
1)further the science of speleology;
2)centralize and standardize speleological information;
3)foster interdisciplinary cooperation in cave and karst research programs;
4)promote public education;
5)promote national and international cooperation in protecting the environment for the benefit of cave and karst landforms; and
6)promote and develop environmentally sound and sustainable resource management practices.
While these mandates are designed to facility cave databases and management, NCKRI will not supplant any of the cave surveys and has no intent to own caves in the near future. Instead, NCKRI works to facilitate and support cave databases and owners by serving as a clearinghouse of information in three primary ways. First, through its international e-mail list with news and announcements. Second, by directly connecting people and organizations with common interests to build collaborations and synergy. Third, via the Karst Information Portal (www.karstportal.org).
The Portal is a free, open access research tool designed to assist cave and karst explorers, scientists, educators, and managers around the world. Its primary function is currently as a virtual library containing about 7,000 articles, books, government reports, theses, dissertations, maps, and journals and newsletters from 21 countries. Database storage and sharing, GIS, and other functions are being designed. The Portal is designed to host other digital cave and karst tools and is open to anyone who wants to collaborate in creating and posting them on the Portal.
We Came Together at the Map: Venezuela’s National Speleological Cadaster as Boundary Space
By: María A Pérez, Department of Geology & Geography, West Virginia University, 98 Beechurst Avenue, 330 Brooks Hall, Office G27, Morgantown, WV 26506-6300 USA
Abstract:
In science, how do diverse actors overcome differences to achieve a common goal? In this paper I examine this question among cavers involved in the creation and early years of the Sociedad Venezolana de Espeleología (Venezuelan Society of Speleology). Using ethnographic, interview, and archival data, I argue that the group’s publication, the Boletín de la SociedadVenezolana de Espeleología, which contains Venezuela’s National Speleological Cadaster, does not just report scientific knowledge. This publication, and the efforts involved in producing it, creates a space within which actors with diverse attitudes towards science and exploration were able to come together and define a unifying identity of the group. Building on Leigh Star and Greisemer’s concept of “boundary object” (1989), I argue that the cadaster creates a “boundary space” within which this diversity is unified in common purpose without completely compromising different perspectives. This concept helps explain how actors with diverse views collaborate to produce scientific knowledge, in this case, speleological knowledge, not just in Venezuela, but likely, in many other national and regional contexts as well. The analysis and argument presented here is part of a greater effort to examine the cultures of caving, as an example of the ways exploration and sociality come together in particular historical, cultural, and geographic contexts.
Key Words:
boundary object, space, collaboration, speleology, exploration, text, maps, Venezuela
State Cave Survey Round Table