SCCi Creates Long Island Cove Preserve

The Southeastern Cave Conservancy, Inc. (SCCi) has just opened to visitation Long Island Cove in Jackson County, Alabama. The Long Island Cove Preserve contains two notable pits, one significant horizontal cave, and seven other known caves; all of these caves have been closed for several years. Deep Well, at 292 feet, is the deepest open-air pit in the three-state caving region commonly referred to as TAG (Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia). Not-So-Deep Well, at 253 feet, is also an impressive pit. Long Island Saltpeter Cave, which contains over three miles of known passage, has been gated and essentially closed to visitation for over 15 years. Additional information about the Preserve, including the complete management plan, is on the Long Island Cove Preserve page of the SCCi web site.

At this time, the preserve will be open under a permit system, to SCCi members only. Permit applications may be obtained by contacting the Long Island Cove Preserve Management Committee.

Access to the Long Island Cove Preserve is through a yearly lease. Please help us continue to provide access to unique properties and classic caves like these by becoming an SCCi Sustaining Member.

While the SCCi has just opened several caves, it is important to note that the SCCi takes very seriously the bat affliction of White Nose Syndrome. The SCCi will continue in its efforts to protect and preserve not only bats but all flora and fauna in all of our caves. Through our new Cave Visitation Policy, the SCCi is promoting the concept of “clean caving” as a way of conserving our fragile cave ecosystems. Please refer to our Cave Visitation Policy for more information.