NSS PROJECTS 2003
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Caves of Tobasco Project
Several new caves were explored and mapped in Tabasco since last year
including caves in the Sierra Poana, a cave near Ignoacio Allende, and a
high elevation cave near Palo Quemado. Scientific studies continue in
Cueva
de Villa Luz including studies of micro- and macrofauna in the cave and
water chemistry of the many springs in the cave. The long awaited NOVA
program the "Mysterious Life of Caves" was finally aired this year which
featured Dr. Diana Northup discussing Villa Luz's microbiology. Project
director Dr. Jim Pisarowicz was interviewed by Mexican television along
with
Mexican cavers Roberto Porter and Peter Lord about the exploration and
study
of caves in Tabasco. Project Director: Dr. Jim Pisarowicz, Wind Cave
National Park, RR 1 Box 190, Hot Springs, SD 57747, (605) 745-4600,
pisarowi@gwtc.net. Science Director: Dr. Louise D. Hose, National Cave
and
Karst Research Institute, 1400 University Drive, Carlsbad, NM 88220,
505-234-5561, lhose@cemrc.org.
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China/USA Caves Project
Promoting exchange and joint exploration, mapping, and study of the caves
and karst of both China and the U.S. Continuing work in China's Guizhou
province on the 1995-96 expedition resulted in further survey of the
Guadou
cave system. Three in-cave camps allowed team members to link two
previously
explored caves and assist the faculty of Guizhou Teacher's College in
their
research projects. Further expeditions are planned, as are visits to the
U.S. by Chinese cavers and scientists. Project Director: Ian Baren PO Box
541, Katonah, New York 10536. chinacave@aol.com Ian@katonahhardware.com
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Cueva San Josecito Project This paleontological project has continued for the past two years with the objective to document the rapidly changing faunal communities of the Late Pleistocene on the southern margins of the Southern Plains, at the western flank of the Sierra Madre Oriental. A master´s thesis on the fossil shrews from the site wascompleted, along with presentation of results at an international colloquium and submission for publication of the proceedings. A paper at a symposium on the use of photographs in the history of paleontology was presented, and a peer reviewed paper on the analytical results of the “blue” bones was published in the JCKS. Forthcoming activities will focus on the geoarchaeology of the site as part of graduate studies by a student from the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, campus Linares. Project Directors: Joaquín Arroyo-Cabrales, INAH, Moneda 16, Col. Centro, 06060 México, D. F., MEXICO (arromatu@hotmail.com); and Eileen Johnson, Museum of Texas Tech University, Box 43191, Lubbock, Texas 79409-3191 (eileen.johnson@ttu.edu ).
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ESVD Cave Project No report received - presumed Inactive.
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Gunung Buda Project No report received - presumed Inactive
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Gypsum Karst Project This project focuses on the exploration and mapping of gypsum caves in the Southwestern Region. In 2002, several small caves in New Mexico were mapped, including Parker Cave (260 feet; with a bat colony and archaeological artifacts), and Eat My Pants Cave (202 feet). Contact: Blake Jordan <blandevoid@com
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Hawaii Speleological Survey
The defined mission of the Hawai`i Speleological Survey is the systematic,
scientific exploration, study, and conservation of Hawai`i Caves and their
environments. It seeks to bring together all persons in government and
private sectors having a legitimate concern with Hawai`i caves, their
features, and their contents. As a service organization, the Hawai`i
Speleological Survey also provides free services to owners and managers of
Hawai`i caves and to researchers on their features, contents, resources,
values and environments. These include (as resources are available but are
not limited to) bibliographic search, exploration, cartography, inventory
of features and contents, and management recommendations. The Hawai`i
Speleological Survey maintains a data base at the USGS Volcano
Observatory, Volcano, HI on more than 1000 Hawai`i caves. A 2/3
affirmation of the Executive Committee is required for release of any file
data to the public.
Contact: Hazel Medville <hazelm@patriot.net>
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Huautla Project No report received - presumed Inactive
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Index to Cave Passage Descriptions Project No report received - presumed Inactive |
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Mount Ranier Steam Caves Project Mount Rainier Steam Caves Project. The project's primary objective is to survey and monitor the caves vicinity the summit of Mount Rainier, Washington, which are formed in the summit crater ice by steam generated by volcanic heat. Project Director: Bill Klimack, 15B Wilson Road, West Point, NY 10996, (845)-446-5336, bklimack@aol.com.
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Northeast Sump Exploration Project
The Northeast Sump Exploration Team, NEST, makes us of advanced cave
diving
techniques to explore caves that require the negotiation of water filled
passages to gain access to them. Membership is broken down into two
categories, Diver Explorer and Support Team.
The Team conducts original exploration and scientific research in caves
located primarily in Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. NEST
surveys
and further documents these sites through the use of still and video
techniques as well as engaging in biological surveys and water sampling.
The
Team is available to provided support to scientific researchers in the
region who can benefit from NESTS ability to access these unique
environments.
NEST is also available to support the NCRC in situations involving flooded
passage and beyond sump rescues. Team Director, Joseph Kaffl
SUMPDIVER@MSN.COM (410)-515-2202; Equipment Development, Eric Tesnau;
Vertical techniques, Jeff Mott; Grant Coordinator, Dave Nicholas; Medical
Coordinator, Doctor Jay Kennedy; Rescue Coordinator, Brad Bason; Pa Area
Project Coordinator, Dave Holick; VA Area Project Coordinator Paul
Montgomery.
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Organ Cave project No report received - presumed Inactive
PRIOVAC Paleontological resources are one of the least, if not the least, recognized of the natural resources found in caves. Paleontological Resource Inventory Of VirginiA Caves (PRIOVAC) was formed to seek and study these overlooked cave or karst resources in Virginia. As with archaeological resources, the very act of collection of paleontological materials destroys the context of a find. The context is the relational setting of an object or fossil. The context of a find may be of greater importance than the actual object. The context of many of Virginia’s known significant paleontological caves sites were poorly known. PRIOVAC investigators have revisited most of these sites to establish sedimentalogical and other settings of these sites where possible. Other investigations target previously unrecognized cave and karst sites. Although NSS recognition of this project dates to 2001, the project was established in 1996. The PRIOVAC Project Directors are Fred Grady,1201 S. Scott St. Apt. 123, Arlington VA 22204 [grady.fred@nmnh.si.edu] and David A. Hubbard, Jr., 40 Woodlake Dr., Charlottesville VA 22901 [dhubbard@geology.state.va.us]. PRIOVAC is active within the UIS’s Commission on Archaeological and Paleontological Studies in Caves.
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Proyecto Cheve Project Exploration and survey of one of the deepest cave systems in the Western Hemisphere, located in the Sierra Juarez of Oaxaca, Mexico. As of 2001, Cueva Cheve is 24.3 kilometers long and -1,386 meters deep with a depth potential of over 2500 meters. The project also includes a systematic investigation of the geology and hydrology of the various caves in the area, including Cueva Charco. Charco is currently 5.3 kilometers long and -1,166 meters deep. For information, contact the project coordinator: Matt Oliphant, 4105 Lowell Ave, La Crescenta CA 91214-2356. Email: bf821@lafn.org
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Quintana Roo Speleological Survey Project No report received- presumed inactive
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Roppel cave Project The Roppel Cave Project efforts in the survey of the Roppel portion of the Mammoth Cave System continued unabated through 2002. As of year-end 2002, the surveyed length of Roppel Cave is approaching eighty miles.The continuing partnership of the Central Kentucky Karst Coalition (CKKC), who runs the survey of Roppel Cave, and the Cave Research Foundation (CRF) provided a catalyst for much of our success in the cave. This partnership has served both organizations well and we will continue this relationship for the foreseeable future.Work in Roppel Cave was concentrated in the Historic Section and in Logsdon River. In the Historic Section, reached via the recently discovered routes from Walter Way, Bill Koerschner led efforts to try to extend the cave to the northeast into the heart of Eudora Ridge. These efforts continue. Dixie is still the focal point of our efforts to gain south Toohey Ridge – lots of cave is being discovered, but the long sought-after breakthrough into South Toohey Ridge still eludes us. However, many dozens of leads still remain, so enthusiasm still runs high. Map drawing has ramped up this year with new working maps being produced that will further assist exploration and survey. Most of our focus in 2003 will be toward broadening our personnel base. This will be done by offering more open trips to interested folks, and generating additional interest through our relationship with CRF and other local groups. Contact: Jim Borden jamesdborden@yahoo.com
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Scott Hollow Project Exploration, mapping and scientific study of Scott Hollow Cave and it's associated drainage basin in Monroe and Greenbrier Counties, West Virginia. Current activities include geological and paleontological studies and exploration assisted with several new microblasting techniques. Monthly deep cave camp trips are made to the upstream section, an area with potential for many more miles of cave. Re-survey of older sections began in 2002 and new surveys through-out the cave continue. The cave is now over 28 miles in length. Contact: Michael Dore, P.O. Box 7, Sinks Grove, WV 24976 mike@wildcaving.com 304-772-4249
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Tongass Cave Project No report received - presumed Inactive
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Ukranian American Youth Caver Exchange
The Ukrainian American Youth Caver Exchange Foundation (UAYCEF), in
cooperation with Western Ukraine's Ternopol-Podilskyi Spelological
Association, seeks to both foster relationships between the caving
communities of America and Ukraine, and to promote the exchange of
speleological related information between both countries with an emphasis
on exploratory, cartographic and vertical techniques and skills. In
pursuance of its goals UAYCEF operates a student exchange program, and
leads annual trips to both Western Ukraine, home of the world's giant
horizontal gypsum caves, and Crimea, an area well known for its deep
limestone pits. Local cavers from the Kiev and Ternopol areas join trip
participants on their explorations, and provide any needed instruction in
Eastern European Rebelay Techniques on all Crimea trips. To date there
have been ten expeditions to the Ukraine, with occasional side trips to
Russia, which included a total of 32 participants from the US and United
Kingdom. In addition, a total of six youngsters have benefited from
UAYCEF's student exchange program. The international caving community
also has benefited from UAYCEF, not just from its annual trips and
student exchange program, but from a wide range of other activities.
These activities have included the introduction of SCT (Single Cable
Technique) to the U.S., publication of various articles, slideshow
presentations for various caving organizations and community groups,
conduction of vertical rebelay workshops, and the development and testing
of new and unique ascending, descending, and safety systems. Gratitude is
given to the Cave Conservancy Foundation, PMI, IMO, Speleobooks, Gonzo
Guano Gear and numerous NSS grottos and members for their assistance
over the years. Project Director: Chris Nicola, 2446 43rd. Street,
Astoria, N.Y. 11103. Phone/Fax: 718 204-8373, Email: chris@uaycef.org ,
Website:
http://www.uaycef.org
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Williams Canyon Project
North of the historic resort community of Manitou Springs, Colorado is a
rugged limestone canyon containing several of the state’s longest and most
significant caves, including the internationally known commercial
attraction,
the Cave of the Winds. The Williams Canyon Project was founded in 1989 to
coordinate with the canyon’s private owners Society activities in the
caves of
the canyon. During 2002, members continued digging projects in several
caves,
including Huccacove, originally opened as a commercial cave in 1875. In
March,
cavers dug through a sand plug into the spacious Sand Castle Room, the
first
new discovery in Huccacove since 1990. In nearby Breezeway Cave, the
conclusion of extensive restoration and cleaning efforts along the cave’s
main
trade route was completed with the installation of a new access ladder in
Hallowed Ground. This allowed resumption of dig projects in the cave that
had
been suspended for over a year, including a major dig in the Little
Mountain
Room. This dig has significant airflow and excellent potential of a major
new
extension. Cavers also worked in Narrows Cave, installing environmental
gates
to significantly reduce airflow. Also in 2002, conservation activities by
cavers continued in Huccacove and Cave of the Winds. During the summer,
many
project cavers assisted in the production of a new commercial video about
the
cave and its history. Project coordinator: Richard Rhinehart, 6565 S.
Syracuse
Way # 2308, Greenwood Village CO 80111, phone: 720-482-7933, e-mail:
caveczar@coloradocaves.org. Project website:
www.ColoradoCaves.org.
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Woodville Karst Plain Project No report received - presumed Inactive
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Texas Speleological Survey TSS is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to the management of Texas cave
data in support of research, exploration, education, and conservation. Its
office is housed at The University of Texas at Austin, which supports TSS
through the Texas Memorial Museum. During the past year, TSS produced two
new publications on Texas caving regions and donations of several
computers
for digitally archiving data, drafting maps, and producing reports.
Currently 4,902 Texas caves and 1,304 karst features are recorded. TSS has
two publication series. TSS Bulletins are reports on caves and karst
regions in Texas, include updated reprints of past publications, and TSS
Monographs are for major works on Texas karst, including reformatted and
quality-printed dissertations and theses. A regular column in the Texas
Speleological Association's newsletter, an active Internet web site,
office
data-cataloguing work sessions, and an annual technical workshop are all
ways that TSS is supporting and encouraging Texas caving, while generating
more information for its database. The TSS website has been selected by
the
SciLinks program of the National Science Teachers Association as a quality
educational website. For more information, contact TSS at: PRC 176/R4000,
The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712-1100, 512-475-8802,
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West Virginia Speleological Survey No report received - presumed Inactive
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Association for Mexican Cave Studies The AMCS, which has existed, mostly informally, since 1963, is dedicated to the exploration, study, and conservation of the caves of Mexico, especially through its program of publications. Five volumes of the Association for Mexican Cave Studies Newsletter were published from 1965 to 1977. Twenty‑five numbers of the AMCS Actvities Newsletter, really a roughly annual magazine, have been published since 1975. Ten AMCS Bulletins have been published, and the series continues. The AMCS also sells some related publications of other groups, either originals or reprints. Editor, Bill Mixon; advisory board James Reddell, William Russell, Peter Sprouse. AMCS, Box 7672, Austin, Texas 78713, www.amcs‑pubs.org, editor@amcs‑pubs.org, sales@amcspubs.org.
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Isla de Mona Project
I
This project focuses on the exploration and mapping of the caves of Mona Island, Puerto Rico. In June of 2002 a two-week expedition went to the
island and focused their attention on surveying Cueva Erickson and the now
connected cave Cueva Parajoes. Over 5 kilometers was surveyed in this cave
system,
finishing the Cueva Erickson portion of the cave. Several smaller caves
that were discovered in 2001 were also surveyed. An expedition is planned
for
spring of 2003.
Contact is Marc Ohms, marcohms@yahoo.com or 605-673-3997.
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French Creek Project
L
French Creek Cave entrance is actually a mine entrance and is currently
collapsed not allowing access to cave. There is a
lawsuit pending in Montana on Miner's inability to use Cyandie Leaching
techniques to extract Ore. Case has been appealed to Supreme Court.
Montana and Idaho Cavers will be meeting in 2003 to develop strategy to
deal with Mining Claim.
Contact: Mark Oliphant, oliphant@bigsky.net
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Caves of Cuba Project Dedicated to the exploration, survey, scientific study, photography and conservation of caves and karst features in Cuba, the project seeks to develop a relationship among Cuban and American cavers. Future expeditions are being planned to continue work in the provinces of Pinar del Rio, Matanzas and Sancti Spiritus. Project Directors: Julie Schenck, 146 Shooting Star Trail, Gurley, AL, 35748, E-Mail: jeschenck@hotmail.com ; Kevin Downey, 21 Massasoit St, Northampton, MA 01060, downeyk@javanet.com |