Southeastern Cave Conservancy Adopts Cave Visitation Policy for WNS Concerns

Hibernating bats are a critical component of the cave ecosystems that SCCi members have committed so much to help protect. While the causes, effects, and transmission mechanisms of the White Nose Syndrome (WNS) are presently unknown, the estimated 95% mortality rate among affected bats mandates serious consideration and deep concern.

The SCCi Board of Directors has adopted a new policy in order to help reduce the potential that cavers could inadvertently introduce the fungus associated with WNS into our caves.  If you have any questions, please contact the appropriate SCCi Property Manager or Management Team. 

You may read the new policy in a PDF document, or browse the following information.

All SCCi Cave Preserves
Before and after visiting any Preserve, thoroughly clean and inspect all clothing and caving equipment, to avoid carrying soil, water, or other substances from one cave to another.

SCCi Cave Preserves With Significant Bat Populations
All SCCi Cave Preserves containing significant populations of hibernating bats are closed until such time as the SCCi Board of Directors determines that it is safe to reopen them.  This includes:

• Tennessee – Hardins, Holly Creek, Rattling, and Wolf River Caves.
• Alabama - Anderson and Fern Caves (Surprise Pit and Fern Sink Entrance; others closed by the USFWS.).
• Georgia - Fricks Cave.
• Kentucky - Frenchman Knob Cave.
• West Virginia - Lobelia Saltpeter Cave.

SCCi Cave Preserves in WNS-Affected States (1) (currently West Virginia)

• Obtain an Access Permit.  In addition to any permit requirements contained in the Cave Preserve Management Plan, complete and return the WNS Permit Questionnaire and Compliance Statement to the SCCi Property Manager.
• Before and after visiting the Preserve, thoroughly clean and decontaminate all clothing, footwear or gear previously used in a WNS-Affected State or Adjacent(2) State, following the procedures outlined in the latest U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) guidelines (see Attachment 2).
• Do not use any clothing, footwear or gear that you cannot adequately decontaminate.

SCCi Cave Preserves in Adjacent States (2) (currently Tennessee and Kentucky)

• Obtain an Access Permit.  In addition to any permit requirements contained in the Cave Preserve Management Plan, complete and return the WNS Permit Questionnaire and Compliance Statement to the SCCi Property Manager.
• Before and after visiting the Preserve, thoroughly clean and decontaminate all clothing, footwear or gear that has been previously used in a cave in an Adjacent State (or in a WNS-Affected State prior to 2006), following the procedures outlined in the latest USFWS guidelines (see Attachment 2).
• Do not use any clothing, footwear or gear that you cannot adequately decontaminate.
• Do not use any clothing, footwear or gear that has been used since January 1, 2006 in any cave in a WNS-Affected State, regardless of decontamination protocols followed.

SCCi Cave Preserves Outside the WNS Region (currently Alabama, Georgia, and Florida)

• Before and after visiting the Preserve, thoroughly clean and decontaminate all clothing, footwear or gear that has been previously used in a cave in a Adjacent State (or in a WNS-Affected State prior to 2006), following the procedures outlined in the latest USFWS guidelines (see Attachment 2).
• Do not use any clothing, footwear or gear that you cannot adequately decontaminate.
• Do not use any clothing, footwear or gear that has been used since January 1, 2006 in any cave in a WNS-Affected State, regardless of decontamination protocols followed.