Southeastern Cave Conservancy, Inc.
Holly Creek Cave Preserve Management Plan

 

The purpose of the SCCi Holly Creek Cave Preserve is to protect and preserve the caves and the habitat of the endangered and threatened wildlife inhabiting them. The preserve and caves are therefore available by limited and managed access as defined in this policy. Primary consideration will be given to the protection and preservation of the caves and their inhabitants. 

 

1.        Due to the presence of endangered Gray Bats, the caves on the preserve are closed to all access from April 1 until September 15 with the exception of access required for wildlife management, scientific study, and/or stewardship and conservation work. Such access will be by specific permission of the Board and will be made under the supervision of the property manager.

2.        Outside the closed period defined above, access to the preserve and caves is permitted for exploration, recreation, and other non-commercial activities. Entry into the caves shall be limited to those activities that will not cause any adverse impact on the cave or the bats.

3.        While membership in the SCCi is not required for access to the Preserve, the Conservancy strongly recommends that visitors be members. Membership in the National Speleological Society is also encouraged.

4.        To minimize impact, the Conservancy prefers that groups visiting the cave be small. Please try to keep the number of people in your group to six (6) or fewer. Large groups have greater impact on the cave environment.

5.        Use of the caves for any type of commercial activity or purpose, including guided or commercial caving or other similar activity, is not allowed.

6.        Vehicles, bicycles, and horses are limited to existing roads and designated parking areas.  Parking is limited to three vehicles on the preserve.  Permission must be secured from area landowners for parking on private property off the preserve. 

7.        Hunting is not allowed without written permission of the SCCi Board.

8.        Trunks of all rigging trees shall be padded for the protection of the trees. 

9.        Camping  is not allowed on the Holly Creek Cave Preserve.

10.     Campfires are prohibited on this preserve. 

11.     Collection or removal of wildlife, artifacts, speleothems, or any other natural or cultural resources of the preserve are not permitted without written permission of the SCCi Board.

12.     There will be no construction or other alteration of the natural state of the property except as necessary to maintain the property and any access roads. The property will be maintained in its natural state and will not be developed, improved, or exploited in any way, except as necessary to maintain the boundaries and access trails and to manage its usage as a natural area.

13.     Modification of the caves or property, including the placing of bolts or other artificial anchors or the digging or excavation of passages or entrances, is prohibited without written permission of the SCCi Board.

14.     Vandalism or damage to the preserve, including its caves and wildlife, will be prosecuted in accordance with applicable state and federal laws.