Southeastern Cave Conservancy, Inc.

Gourdneck Cave Management Plan

Adopted August 16, 1997
Revised 10 October 1998
The following management plan was approved by the Board of Directors of the Southeastern Cave Conservancy on August 16, 1997.  The intent of this plan is to protect the property and to preserve the good relationship that the SCCI has established with the surrounding landowners.  The Board recognizes that many cavers and organizations through the country have supported the acquisition of the property, and wishes to make access as open as possible. Please observe the rules and encourage others to do the same so that this unique and beautiful natural site may be enjoyed by all.  

  1. While membership is not required for access to Gourdneck Cave, the SCC strongly recommends that visitors be members of the SCCI.  Membership in the National Speleological Society is also encouraged.

  2. Permission is not required to visit the property.

  3. To minimize impact, the SCCI prefers that groups visiting the cave be small.  Please try to keep the number of people at the cave at one time to eight (8) or fewer.  The SCCI realizes that this may not always be possible.  The intent is to avoid having a crowd at the cave for reasons of both conservation and safety.

  4. Use of the property for any type of commercial activity, including caving or other recreational activities, is not allowed.

  5. Please use caution around the pools to avoid disturbing the aquatic fauna.  Avoid the pools where possible.

  6. To avoid parking and over-use problems during caving conventions and special events, we ask that access to the property be limited during those events to trips organized through the SCCI.

  7. Please keep noise to a minimum, and be discreet while changing.

  8. The placing of bolts or other artificial anchors is prohibited without the express written consent of the SCCI Board.