attach1

As I announced earlier, Gina Turner has resigned from the Board due to a job relocation. It is my intention to nominate J. V. Swearingen IV to fill the vacan cy. JV has agreed to serve. This nomination will be presented to the Board for a pproval at the May 18 meeting. If approved (!) JV will serve until the election, at which time he is eligible for election to serve out the remainder of Gina's term, which expires in 1998. He can then run for a full three year term.

The Fricks Acquisition is in progress. We won the bid at the May 10 auction at a price of $3100 per acre. Competition was fierce. Total cost of acquisition wil l be approximately $106,000 including closing costs and title insurance. Financi ng is being arranged through The Nature Conservancy of Georgia. We need to defin e and approve an interim management plan and address access issues. We must insu re the safety of the bats following the departure of the current owners.

The South Pittsburg and Gourdneck acquisitions are complete. Management plans need to be defined and approved at the May meeting. I will appoint property managers at that time. We have volunteers for both positions.

E. T. Davis wishes to switch from Neversink property manager to Fricks Cave property manager, since he has bought the property there next to the cave. We will therefore need a new Neversink manager.

[Putnam comments: Buddy submitted a Treasurers Report but I have apparently lost it in my computer. His comments appear in the Annual Report, and he will have a current bank balance at the meeting. A detailed financial statement is included in the Annual Report.]

Putnam and Lane have each loaned the SCCI just over $13,000 for the Frick's dow n payment. Terms are 30 days, no interest.

We have an outstanding debt of $16,000 to RASS (the Kennamer loan)and are making monthly interest payments of $80 out of the Sustaining Contribution income, which is currently $335 per mont h.

The Secretary would like to remind everyone that many question s about how we do things have been resolved and recorded in the Policy & Act s manual. This manual keeps tabs on every Board decision that affects the way we do business. If a decision sets a precedence, or defines the way we do business, it's in the manual.

The USPS Bulk Rate permit and Non-profit rate application has been approved. This means we get two discounts - bulk rate and non-profit. The non-profit application cost $85 (one-time fee) and the permit is $85 yearly, starting when the application was approved. All bulk mail must be sent from the Stone Mountain, Georgia post office.

The last mailing (the annual meeting notice) was sent to 286 addresses. We are scheduled for 6 mailings a year (three newsletters, annual report, annual meeting notice, one dues notice). That's 1700 pieces a year. A the current rate of $0.132 we'll save $150 this yea r (counting the two fees). Next year we will save $235 as the application fee was a one-time expense.

The post office allows us to set up an account for paying postage. $200 was put in this account. We do not earn interest on these funds.

The permit requires we have an imprint on each piece with the SCC's address and non-profit bulk rate permit number. For meeting notices and dues renewal notices that are one or two sheets an envelope is needed. 1000 were printed for $68.46.

Printing Newsletter #7 cost $147.84 (400 copies). I hav e found a printer that gives us a 10% discount, although it is across town from me.

A special issue of the newsletter is underway. It will have a heavy sustaining contributions message. It is hoped to be out at the annual meeting. If not, it will become the August issue.

I will be submitting these receip ts at the regular BOD meeting: Action Printing Center - newsletter printing: $14 7.84 Kinko's - Annual report announcement printing: $23.89 Franklin's printing ( envelopes): $68.46

If prices remain steady we can expect each newsletter issue to cost $0.502 per issue (printing & postage).

As always, art icles for the SCC newsletter are appreciated. Property managers where are you? Let's have something!

Nomination and Election s Committee: Vacant (Formerly Richard Blackburn [who is running for re-election - KWH]). Report by Bill Putnam

Greg Eck (appointed 1996) must stand for election to fill the remainder of Kris Green's term, which expires in 1998. He can then run for a full three year term.

Geary Schindel (appointed 1996) must stand for election to fill the remainder of Linda Tucker's term, which also expires in 1998. He can then run for a full three year term.

Terms for directors Blackburn, Fee, and Huffines expire this summer, and they are eligible for re-election to 3 year terms ending in 2000.

E .T. Davis, Neversink Management Committee Chair.
Special reports by Buddy L ane and Alan Cressler

In addition to the incident described below, there has been some vandalism at the property. The revegetation area signs are being uprooted and moved, and in one case thrown into the pit. The flagging tape has b een wadded up and removed. The wheelbarrow used for the erosion control work was thrown into the pit and destroyed. It was removed to the parking area earlier this month by visiting cavers. Fortunately, Scott fee chained the sign up by the pit to a tree, or it would probably be at the bottom of the pit by now.

- post SCC boundary signs along the property lines (some signs have been placed by B. Putnam near the corners and where trails enter the property) - mark property corners with witness posts - update signs and displays at the parking area and by the pit - add gravel or other fill to stabilize the muddy areas of the parking lot

- relocate the water line in the vicinity of the sink and trail - paint water line to camouflage it ( black & brown to match leaves)

These last two items were discussed with Hubert Andrews last year but were delayed until warm weather. He has agreed to both, but will need to be consulted and involved.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------

Last evening I left my office at 17:45 HRS EDT, for Never sink Pit. I arrived at the rim of the sink at 19:00 HRS EDT to find Neeld Messler and one National Geographic member at the top of pit. In the pit I saw the Geographic photographer and one assistant located on the ledge about 10 meters down below the main rig point and another assistant on the same ledge but two thirds of the way towards the waterfall. A rope hung just out from this person with a model on it. Another rope was rigged about 10 meters to the right side from the main caver rig to access the main "work" ledge. And the caver rig point had a rope hanging from it.

The assistant near the waterfall had cleared out a plot of ferns approximately 1 meter square. The main work area where the photographer was located had destroyed a plot of ferns approximately 1 meter wide by 3 meters in length, making a small trail.

After a discussion with Messler I felt that he didn't want to hurt the ferns and knew better but got pulled into the situation by George Steinmetz, the NGS photographer. Neeld rappelled down to the ledge crew from a rope at the caver rig point, while I was there and told the group about the problem. He then climbed back up to talk more with me.

At no time did George offer or try to stop the shoot and climb up and talk, most amazing was the fact that while talking with Neeld about the problem George called on the radio, for Neeld to come back down to finish the job. It was during this conversation that he told Neeld that they were loosing the light and to "screw the politics, they could be dealt with later". Neeld refused any further involvement.

Today George stopped by wanting back in Mystery, which I rejected earlier this morning during a phone conversation with Neeld. George's only excuse for killing the ferns was that it was "justified" to show 30 million people what needed to be protected. I told him the only thing that they needed protected from was HIM and that they were not welcome to return to Neversink or any other SCCI cave. He also added that they would grow back in a year!

I had let George in Mystery earlier during the week to shoot a photo looking down. He changed this plan without asking and shot a photo looking up the pit of which there are already several taken by NGS photographers. Had I known of this I would never allowed him in Mystery. The topping on the cake was he really never came to my office today to talk about Neversink or the ferns, but to try to get back in Mystery. I have now learned that as he was driving to my office with Neeld that he tried to get him to send a group on up to Mystery to rig while they were in route to ask again for permission. Neeld refused this and then I guess to his surprise he met me only to get rejected again.

We can only hope the damage in Neversink will grow back. If any rehab is needed Neeld has offered to go do the work. I guess the lesson to us is that any work of this type in the future will be supervised by SCCI personnel, which the company can pay for there time on site.

We (Bill and I) trusted Neeld to take care of the cave and this plan failed us due to the fact he was working for George. Neeld is very sorry; even if George isn't, and he is willing to do anything to make it right with the SCCI.

Any additional comment will be made by Putnam at the Board Meeting this month. And I will have photos of the ledge at the meeting for review.

--------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------

This morning when I arrived at my office George Steinmetz was waiting on the door step. His attitude was very different than yesterday. He said that after a night of thinking about the things I said, that he did truly feel bad about the Neversink incident and he honestly made an apology to me and the SCCI.

He felt that their was a misunderstanding between him, Neeld and the SCCI about what they could do at the pit. I guess this means we need to have an orientation meeting with these photographers in the future.

I have certainly learned a lot from this experience. In addition I also told him to go and finish his shot of Mystery today.

I trust all of you have seen Allen Cressler's post by now also. Just in case I am pasting it below.

------------------------------------------------ --------------------------------

Message from Alan Cressler in response to request for comment on the damage at Neversink:

Sorry I didn't get back with you until this morning. I was out of town. It is a shame that when you think you have a place protected something like this happens. Don't worry too much, I'm sure not too much permanent damage was done. In the old days, people use to get off on the ledges all the time. I have cleaned beer cans off of them before in some of the alcoves. The most visible fern is quite common and should regenerate within a month or so. The rare fern is somewhat more difficult to come back but it to should recover unless they actually removed soil to level a spot. It is a resilient plant living there for many years. Its populations have always declined and increased depending on how bad the winters were. I will try to get up there next weekend to take a look. At this point, I would not put anyone back on the ledge for any restoration work. If it needs anything done, I will do it. I know what the plant looks like. It might be wise to post on the signs not to get off on the ledges for any reason.

As noted previously, John VanSwearingen and I spoke to Charley Bozarth about maintenance to the road to the upper entrance. This maintenance would take place on the section of road between the SCC property line and the crest of the hill before you get to the sink. The maintenance would consist of a terrace to direct the water flow such that it does not run directly down the road, but off to one side, and even tually through a culvert into the ravine. Charley will contact JV and I several days before this work will be done so that we can be there when the work is done .

This work will help the SCC maintain access to the upper entrances in case of emergencies or work at the upper entrance.

There has been some notice of a large number of vehicles at the parking area for the cave. In response to this, I posted a message to TAG Net requesting that people consolidate vehicles as much as possible. After speaking to Charley, I also learned that locals were concerned about being able to get farming equipment through, so I followed up with a request that people consider this when they park to go to the cave.

After the SCC meeting in Scottsboro on May 17, I plan to go to the Kennamer property, walk the boundaries, and place the SCC signs. At the same time, one or two people will be at the upper entrance cleaning up the old graffiti.

There was also the issue about a rope being left in the cave at the 35' drop/climbdown. It is my opinion that we should not have any ropes permanently rigged in the cave. I intend to remove the rope when I am at the cave after the meeting.

The shirts will be a bit more snazzy. The SCC Logo will be on the front left chest done in two colors. The Kennamer Map will be on the back with the words "Kennamer Cave Owner" at t he top. This will be two colors as well. For cash management, our initial printi ng will be 144 shirts. They will PROBABLY be at the board meeting. The shirt col or will be "ash."

I will also make 37 (price break) collared golf shirts with the logo embroidered on the shirt. These are for the $250 and up donations. They will not reference Kennamer, and, thus, can be used for any fund raiser.

I would like to see the completed ma p prior to SERA so we can assign the early sales. Actually, this would be really cool to have at the Annual Meeting.

Mark Wolinsky, Acquisitions Chair
(with special Frick's Cave report by Bill Putnam)

FRICK'S CAVE, WALKER COUNTY GEORGIA
Property was visited by Lane and Putnam on May 4, 1997 during the inspection day for the land auction. Entrance 3 is a 20 or 30 foot pit located about 150 feet over the boundary onto the parcel west of the one containing the Main and Little Frick's entrances The SCC will need to buy both plots to own all entrances. Also, examination of the map showed that the bulk of the cave passage lies under this second plot, including the bat roost room.

Fricks Cave was successfully purchased 34 acres at Auction. Closing in approximately 30 days! Contains over 10,000 Federally Endangered Gray Bats. This cave will remain closed. Limited access will probably be by permit only.

SOUTH PITTSBURG PIT, HAMILTON COUNTY TENNESSEE
A 5 year lease covering one acre was secured a few weeks ago. After an initial inspection of the property, Bill Putnam reports that the Logging operation has badly damaged the road and now 3 or 4 additional trees are across the pit. On Thurs. 5-15-97, myself, Wm. Shrewsbury and Dennis Holton searched for a better way to the pit from a previously spotted road coming in from the North. This route proved not feasible. An acre was marked and flagged around the pit and photographs of the logging damage were made. The pit will remain closed until we can get the debris away from the pit. SCC Signs need to be posted.

TIFTONIA PIT, HAMILTON COUNT Y TENNESSEE
The owner has reviewed the SCC proposal for a purchase, lease or donation but as of 5-16-97 has not consulted the rest of the family. He is still wanting to do something and seems encouraged. He just has been too busy.

AIRPLANE CAVE, HAMILTON COUNTY, TENNESSEE
Lease term, 5 years. The owner continues to his review of the lease.. We can live with his requests but need discussion before I proceed:

HORSE SKULL CAVE and JACK S HOLE, JACKSON COUNTY ALABAMA
Our Alabama attorney has completed the title search with no problems. Waiting on final lease-purchase documentation for review. Need Board approval of lease-purchase terms.

ANVIL CAVE, MORGAN COUNTY ALABAMA
We have made an offer to purchase a 1 acre plot surrounding Entrance 5. Awaiting response to the offer. Bill Putnam visited the property in April and determined that a 1 acre plot, 207 feet square, will include the entrance and border on TVA land to the west, solving the easement is sue.

ANDERSON CAVE, SHELBY COUNTY ALABAMA
Joel Rhaly of the Birming ham Waterworks Board was contacted in April. Our proposal to lease 50 acres and 6 caves is acceptable. He is presenting it to one of their Board members who will sponsor it to the Board. Putnam and Wolinsky inspected the property in March and visited all entrances. There is evidence of ongoing visitation and vandalism in spite of BWWB efforts to keep the caves closed. Need Tax Assessor's maps and/ or survey of the property to determine exact boundaries and acreage for the lease. Rhaly hopes to get the BWWB to donate the acreage and caves to the SCC in 3 to 5 years.

FOX MOUNTAIN PROPERTY, DADE COUNTY GEORGIA
Contact has been made with the owners and we are attempting to schedule a meeting for May 19th to discuss options.

LOGSDON CAVE, HART COUNTY KENTUCKY
The Nashville Grotto is discussing whether they want to lease the cave to the SCC. We are awaiting their decision.

JUNKYARD CAVE, DAVIDSON COUNTY TENNESSEE
Geary Schindel and Chuck Manglesdorf are attempting to arrange a meeting with the owners to discuss options.

WOODARD SINK / DUNBAR CAVE, MONTGOMERY COU NTY TENNESSEE
Don McDowell and Keith Dunlap with the Indiana Karst Conservancy have furnished the SCC with history and land owner information. The owner has entertained offers from the state of Tennessee for 3 acres. The state owns the other end of the cave - Dunbar cave state park. The state seems not interested now and the SCC will look at the situation. Woodard Sink is in a neighborhood of Clarksville Tennessee and was a trash dump at one time.

FISHER AND DRAGONS LAIR CAVES, MARION COUNTY FLORIDA
Information about these local "party" caves was sent to the SCC by John Martello of the Central Florida Cavers. Land owners are willing to sell, according to John, and the caves need protection from Vandals. One soda straw room has been destroyed. I am currently looking into this situation.

---------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------

Everyone knows the story of the auction by now. For the record, we won the bid at $3100 per acre for a 47 acre tract including 33.8 acres for the SCC and 13 acres for ET Davis. ET was good enough to partner with us to lock in a larger tract than the SCC could afford so that other bidders could not take away the cave from the SCC. His acreage was covered by a separate sales contract. ET did not provide any money to the SCC and the SCC did not provide any benefits to ET. He did not buy his tract from the SCC , but rather bought it at the same time and at the same price as we bought our cave tracts.

This is courtesy of Kenneth Huffines, who took good notes on the bidding. Here's how the bidding went:

Lot 12 (4 big chicken houses)	$175,000
Lot 10 (2 small chicken houses)	$20,000
Lot 27 (1 human house on 1 acre)	$30,000

ROUND	PRICE / ACRE	LOTS SOLD
1	3150	4
2	3300	5, 11
3	3100	18, 19, 20	<- the SCC (lots 18 and 19)
4	2250	14, 15, 21, 22, 23
5	2200	6
6	2100	7
7	2100	1, 2
8	2050	24
9	2000	25
10	2000	8
11	2250	9
12	2000	3
13	1400	16
14	1100	26
15	900	13
16	790	17	Steep mountainside , wooded

Actively schedule people to work the SCC booth during SERA. Comp leted schedules will be announced in a few weeks. At some point in time, I would like to have a professional person completely redesign our booth. We also need to start planning to have the booth fully staffed during the 1998 convention.

The landowner database is being updated as information is gleaned from different sources. A trip is scheduled to put the landowner of Halls Pit down his cave in June. Working on contact with owner of Walnut Cave through the Huntsville Grotto.

Draft Bid completed by JV Swearingen based on committee recommendations and submi tted to Board by email for review. Need approval at May meeting. J. Thorne will then distribute to NCMS Steering Committee for evaluation. Award will be made at the 1997 NSS Convention.

No unusual activity reported. A clean-up day was held on May 11 to remove surface trash.

We have obtained new tax maps showing boundaries and have confirmed that the SCC deed is registered. An attempt to locate the property corners failed. Another attempt will be made using better instruments and the new maps. SCC boundary signs have been temporarily posted at locations near the corners and inside the SCC lines. When the corners are located, witness posts will be installed. We hope to avoid having to pay for a new survey.

Management will be done by a plan similar to the Kennamer Cave plan, with the exception that access will be by permit issued by the property manager. Along with the permit will go a key or combination for a lock on the gate to the field road. Cavers will park on the SCC property by the entrance.

Southeastern Cave Conservancy

29th Board Meeting, 18 May 1997

Attachments to the Minutes