It is the intention of the SCCi that the Hollow Ridge Cave Preserve be kept in its natural and undeveloped state, and that it be managed for the purposes of conservation, resource protection, recreation, and scientific study. The Hollow Ridge Cave Preserve Management Committee has been created by act of the Board, and is charged with the implementation of the management plan and the policies and procedures set forth below.
Due to the unique and sensitive nature of the cave and property, at least one member of any group entering the cave must be a member of the SCCi or the National Speleological Society. Visitors must notify the property manager before visiting the preserve, and will be provided with the combination to the gate so that they may enter the property and park in the designated area. While membership is not required for each person visiting the preserve, the SCCi strongly recommends that visitors be members of the SCCi. Membership in the National Speleological Society is also encouraged.
Please keep noise to a minimum and be discreet while changing clothes. Fireworks, explosives, loud music, and other noisemaking activities are prohibited. All visitors to the preserve are expected to be considerate of our neighbors, and refrain from disturbing them, especially at night. The preserve is a natural area, and should be treated with peaceful and quiet appreciation.
To minimize the impact to the cave, the SCCi requests that groups entering the cave be limited to twelve (12) people or fewer, with a minimum group size of 3 people. Arrangements for group camping or caving groups larger than 12 people must be made in advance by contacting the SCCi Hollow Ridge property managers at least two weeks before the desired date. The SCCi and the Preserve Managers reserve the right to refuse access to the Hollow Ridge Cave Preserve to anyone.
All plants and animals on the Hollow Ridge Cave Preserve are to be respected and observed from a distance, and are never to be removed. Avoid disturbing wild life and plant life. Cave flora, fauna, and cultural resources are to be left undisturbed. In addition, do not touch, break, or remove formations from the cave. Do not cut trees or brush for firewood or any other purpose. Anyone found defacing the cave or formations, or causing harm to the plants and wildlife of the preserve will be subject to prosecution under both state and federal laws. For any questions or concerns or to report vandalism or other abusive activities at the preserve, please contact the SCCi Hollow Ridge Cave Preserve Management Committee.
Park only in the designated area, and drive only on existing roads. Do not block access to roads or gates. Parking along the road leading to the preserve is not allowed - you must obtain permission and park in the designated area inside the preserve.
All gates are to remain locked at all times, except while entering or leaving the preserve. Keys, combinations, and locks are not to be duplicated, distributed, or modified except by persons authorized by The SCCi Board.
Camping on the property is permitted for SCCi or NSS members and their guests. Campers must request permission when contacting the property managers for access. Campers must carry identification and in case of inquiry by property managers or law enforcement personnel. Camping is not permitted inside the cave or in the entrance area. Campfires are allowed in existing fire rings at the designated camping area only, and are never permitted inside the cave, in or near the entrance sink, or within 100 yards of any sinkhole or cave entrance on the property. Bring your own firewood - do not collect or cut firewood on the property. Human waste should be buried in a shallow hole at least 100 yards from the camp area, the entrance sink, cave entrances, or water sources. Do not bury toilet paper or leave it lying on the ground - it will be dug up and scattered by animals. Pack it out for proper disposal off-site.
Please remove any trash that you bring to the preserve. Also, please help keep the cave and preserve clean by removing any trash left by others.
Spray-painting, carbide marking, and all other types of graffiti are never permitted. Vandalism and abuse of the cave or the surface areas of the preserve will be prosecuted.
Modifications of the cave or preserve, including placing bolts or artificial anchors, marking or constructing trails, cutting trees or brush, and other similar activities, are prohibited without written permission from The SCCi Board. Alterations to the natural morphology of the cave and surrounding landscape, such as digging new entrances or passages, can have dramatic effects on the cave microclimate by changing temperature, humidity, and water flow. This, in turn, can have negative effects on the cave life. Therefore all digging or blasting on the property or in the cave is prohibited without written permission from The SCCi. Persons violating this policy will be subject to prosecution under state and federal laws.
To avoid parking and over-use problems during caving conventions and special events, access to the property will be limited during those events to trips organized through the property management committee.
ATVs are not permitted on the property without written permission from The SCCi Board. Any permissible ATV use is restricted to established roads and trails.
Hunting or discharging firearms on the property is not permitted.
Use of the cave or property for any type of commercial activity, including guided or commercial caving or other recreational activity, is not permitted.
No collection of specimens, artifacts, or any type of natural or cultural resources from the preserve or the cave is permitted without written permission from the SCCi Board.