SCCi Fern Cave Preserve

Surprise Pit, Alabama's deepest pit at 437 feet, was closed in 1994 due to liability concerns caused by two back-to-back rescues. After lease arrangements were completed on March 6, 1997, access for qualified individuals was reestablished under a permit system administered by the SCCi.

Entry into the Fern Cave system from any entrance on either property requires a permit. For trips to any portion of Fern Cave, contact Fern Cave Access Coordinator Steve Pitts at fern@scci.org.  Steve is a volunteer employee of the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge and also serves as SCCi property manager for the Surprise Pit (Fern Sink) entrance and leased property.

Fern Cave Access Procedure

• Any group entering Fern cave must have a current permit signed by the Fern Cave Access Coordinator (FCAC).
• The permit must be requested at least two weeks before the planned trip date.
• All persons entering the Fern Cave System must be NSS members. SCCi membership is recommended, but not required.
• The signed permit will be issued to a designated trip leader. This permit must be displayed prominently on the trip leader's vehicle while the group is in the cave.
• Any person entering the cave system must be known to the FCAC. If a person is not known to the FCAC, then an attempt will be made to find someone who can vouch for the capabilities of the parties requesting a permit. If this cannot be done, the FCAC will attempt to provide an escort for the trip. The FCAC cannot guarantee that an escort will be available. Please inquire early enough to allow time for arrangements to be made for your trip.
• Trips to Surprise Pit during periods or conditions of inclement weather such as severe rain are prohibited. The FCAC will be the final judge of what constitutes inclement weather.
• Upon completion of the cave trip, the report section of the permit must be completed and returned to the FCAC within one week of the trip.

---

Back to the SCCI Home Page

---


[Membership][Sponsors] [Comments and Suggestions]

The Southeastern Cave Conservancy, Inc. is a publicly supported, non-profit,tax exempt 501-c-3 corporation, chartered in the state of Georgia Copyright © 1997-2008 Southeastern Cave Conservancy, Inc. Maintained by the SCCI Web Committee (scc-web@scci.org). Site and domain hosting provided by MarketSpace, Inc..