Southeastern Cave Conservancy, Inc.

News and Events

Annual Meeting and Cookout June 14th for members and guests at
John T. Dolberry Tumbling Rock Presreve

SCCi Advisory on White Nose Syndrome

In light of the emerging situation known as White Nose Syndrome affecting bats in a number of northeastern caves, the SCCi requests that all visitors to SCCi caves and preserves please thoroughly clean and inspect their clothing and caving equipment before and after visiting SCCi caves or preserves. While the causes, effects, and transmission mechanisms of the White Nose Syndrome are presently unknown, the estimated 95% mortality rate among affected bats mandates serious consideration and deep concern. Cavers should take all reasonable and necessary precautions to avoid carrying mud, water, or other substances from one cave to another.

Hurricane Cave Access Closure

The Historic Entrance to Hurricane Cave has been closed and gated by the Georgia Department of Transportation. The SCCi does not own that entrance, and has no control over it. We expect that the Historic Entrance will remain closed for the foreseeable future. The Sunbeam Entrance to Hurricane Cave is located on SCCi property, however, and remains open. Cavers should be advised, however, that the connection from the Sunbeam Entrance to the historic parts of the cave is extremely tight and involves full-body immersion. Further, exploration of the portions of the cave accessed through the Sunbeam Entrance may require substantial climbing skills and ability, as well as ropes and other technical equipment.

Fricks Cave Open House in the News

The Atlanta Journal Constitution reported on the recent Open House at the SCCi Fricks Cave Preserve. Reporter Steve Visser and photographer Chris Hunt accompanied SCCi members Ron Miller, Cathy Borer, and Bill Putnam on a tour of the cave on Saturday, February 2, and visited with many SCCi members at the cookout that evening.. Article and photos are available on the AJC web site.

New Management at
Tumbling Rock Cave

As of January 1, 2008, Tumbling Rock Cave is under new management. The SCCi is acquiring the cave under a lease/purchase agreement. Management of the cave is being handled by Tumbling Rock, Inc., an Alabama non-profit corporation. For more information, see the Tumbling Rock Cave Preserve page .

Overton Receives
2007 Stewardship Award

Bill Overton, of Pegram, Tennessee, was presented the 2007 John Van Swearingen IV Stewardship Award during the TAG Fall Cave-In in October. For more information about the award, see the J.V. Award Page.

SCCi Commercial Use Statement
The Board of the Southeastern Cave Conservancy, Inc. (SCCi) reaffirms its-standing policy that bans the commercial use of our properties, and specifically, prohibits any activity where a charge of any type is made. Should you have any questions, contact SCCi Chairman Brian Krebs at chair@scci.org. Management plans for our preserves are available at www.scci.org/preserves/

2006 Annual Report Published
The 15th Annual Report of the Southeastern Cave Conservancy was published and mailed to current SCCi members in September 2006 If you were a member for 2006 and have not received a copy by October 6, please come by and see us at the TAG Fall Cave-In or contact SCCi Treasurer Buddy Lane to check your mailing address and contact information. You can also download a copy of the report and view it with the free Adobe Acrobat Reader.

The National Speleological Society (NSS) is offering a reward to anyone providing information leading to the legal conviction of vandalism directly related to caves anywhere in the United States. The NSS pays a reward of $250 to $1,000 for information leading to the conviction of any person (or persons) convicted of vandalizing, damaging, or destroying caves, cave wildlife, cave gates, cave artifacts, etc. Many southeastern caves, including several owned by the SCCi, have suffered attacks by vandals. The NSS and SCCi encourage all cavers to report vandals and acts of vandalism so that they can be prosecuted under state cave protection laws.

SCCi 2008 Corporate Sponsors
The SCCi deeply appreciates the support of these companies.

Help the SCCi buy and lease more caves every year!
Become an SCCi Regular or Sustaining Member	Annual dues for Regular members are only $15. Sustaining Members contribute monthly using Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover cards.
SCCi Merchandise and Donation Programs	List of SCCi items and their prices. Includes information on the "Buy a Piece of the Cave" programs.

	What is the SCCi?	Simply put: *Cave Acquisition is our Business*.
	So you own a cave - here are some things you should know.	Our new brochure, also available in MS Word and PDF format, addresses many of the questions and concerns of cave owners and explains what SCCi as to offer.
	Planned Giving and the SCCi.	Learn how you can invest in the future of the SCCi while realizing personal financial goals through tax-deductible bequests, donations, and estate planning..
	Join the SCCi	Your tax deductible dues and contributions help buy and lease caves.
	SCCi Cave & Karst Preserves	A current listing of preserves under our stewardship
	Schedule of SCCi Meetings	SCCi Meeting schedule and minutes of past meetings
	SCCi Board of Directors	Feel free to contact the Board with your questions, comments, and suggestions.
	Closed and Limited Access Caves	Information on cave closures and access restrictions around the southeast.
	Cave Protection and Liability Laws	Cave protection laws, recreational landowner liability laws, and related references.
	SCCi Articles of Incorporation	The SCCi is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt non-profit corporation.
	SCCi Bylaws	These Bylaws define the basic operating procedures for the SCCi.
	SCCi Acts of the Board	Indexed Record of the SCCi Board Actions
	J. V. Swearingen IV Stewardship Award	Bill Overton, of Pegram, Tennessee, was presented the 2007 John Van Swearingen IV Stewardship Award during the TAG Fall Cave-In. Read more about JV and the award recipients here.
	National Speleological Society	The best resource for information on caves, caving, cavers, and more.
	Conservation for Cave and Karst Systems	Web site of the NSS Cave Conservation Division - information on cave conservation projects, techniques, philosophy, and more.