Long Island Cove Preserve Management Plan

Preserve Description | Make a Donation

The following plan has been adopted by the Board of Directors of the Southeastern Cave Conservancy, Inc. (SCCi) to define the management of caves in Long Island Cove. The intent of this plan is to protect the property and to preserve the good relationship that the SCCi has established with the landowners, lease holders, and other users of the preserve.  Please observe the rules and encourage others to do the same so that all may enjoy this unique and beautiful natural site. Contact the SCCi Long Island Cove Preserve managers at longisland@scci.org to request a visitor's permit, if you have questions, or to request special arrangements.

Area Management

1. Gate access will be made available through the Long Island Cove Property Management Committee. SCCi is responsible for installation, maintenance, and operation of the SCCi lock on the road access gate.
2. SCCi will manage access, visitation, and usage of the caves and campground by cavers according to the Access Policy defined below.
3. The Long Island Cove Property Management Committee will be the contact for all questions or issues related to access to and management of caves on the property.
4. This plan may be revised or amended by mutual consent of the landowners and the Southeastern Cave Conservancy.

Access Policy

1. Access to the preserve is limited to the dates and periods determined and announced by SCCi and the landowners. During those periods, access for caving and camping is allowed as defined by the following paragraphs.
2. Access to the property will be limited to current SCCi members, except for special events as approved by the SCCi Board of Directors or other access approved by the Board or Preserve Managers. SCCi members are encouraged to place an SCCi logo sticker on their vehicle to help identify authorized vehicles. The stickers can be obtained from the SCCi Treasurer and are free for SCCi members.
3. An SCCi permit is required for access to the caves and property. Permits may be obtained by emailing the SCCi Long Island Cove property managers at longisland@scci.org. When requesting a permit, you must provide the name of the group leader, along with the date and duration of the visit, parking or camping area to be used, and caves to be visited. The permit will be issued in the group leader’s name, and he or she will be responsible for ensuring that all members of the group sign the required release, and abide by the terms of the permit and this management plan. Visitors may be asked to show their permit while on the preserve.
4. Please use only the established and designated roads, parking areas, and trails to reach the caves. Vehicle access is limited to areas as shown on the preserve map (attachment 1).
5. No ATVs or motorized trail bikes are allowed on the preserve.
6. Ridgewalking is permitted only during designated and announced ridgewalk weekends. Certain areas of the preserve are wildlife sanctuaries and are off limits to all human travel or disturbance at all times. Please remember that we are guests and that the principal use of the preserve is for wildlife management.
7. To minimize impact on the caves, the property, and the wildlife, the Conservancy prefers that groups visiting the property generally be no larger than 16 people. Arrangements for group camping or caving involving more than 16 people must be made in advance by contacting the SCCi Long Island Cove property managers at least two weeks before the desired date.
8. Camping on the property is limited to areas defined on the preserve map (attachment 1). Campfires are allowed in existing fire rings. Please do not create new fire rings or sites.
9. All users are expected to help keep the campground and property clean. No trash or garbage may be left at the campground or on the property. Please pack out any garbage that you find.
10. Human waste must be packed out per instructions given in the permit.
11. To avoid parking and over-use problems during caving conventions and special events, access to the property during those events may be limited to trips organized through the event staff and SCCi.
12. Please keep noise to a minimum to avoid disturbing wildlife or other visitors. Fireworks and other explosives or noisemaking devices are prohibited.
13. No hunting or discharge of firearms on the property is allowed.
14. Use of the caves for any type of commercial activity or purpose, including guided or commercial caving or other similar activity, is not allowed.
15. Unauthorized visitors or vandals encountered on the preserve should be reported to the SCCi property managers.
16. Collection or removal of cultural or other artifacts is not allowed. Please report any artifacts or artifact sites to SCCi for proper archaeological study and preservation.
17. Collection or removal of wildlife, plants, minerals, or other items found on the property or in the caves, including scientific specimens, is not allowed without permission from SCCi and the property owners.
18. Modification of the caves or property, including the placement of bolts or other artificial anchors, is prohibited without permission from SCCi and the property owners.
19. All individuals and organizations wishing to engage in scientific research, exploration, mapping or other projects on the property must comply with the SCCi Research and Special Use Permit policy in effect at the time.

Long Island Cove Preserve Property Management Committee

Access Requests

longisland@scci.org is a list server address which forwards messages to all persons concerned with the management of the Long Island Cove Preserve.  

Commercial Use Statement
The Board of the Southeastern Cave Conservancy, Inc. (SCCi) reaffirms its standing policy that bans the commercial use of our properties, and specifically, prohibits any activity where a charge of any type is made. Should you have any questions, contact the SCCi Chair at chair@scci.org .