The Southeastern Cave Conservancy, Inc.

Welcome to the SCCi web page! The Southeastern Cave Conservancy, Inc. (SCCi) is a tax-exempt not-for-profit 501(c)3 corporation dedicated to cave conservation, caver education, and cave management. The SCCi currently owns twenty-three preserves with 53 caves on 1,168 acres. Enjoy exploring our web site!

What's New?
On October 10, 2008, SCCi Chairman Brian Krebs announced that the Conservancy has signed a contract to purchase 80 acres in Jackson County, Alabama overlying a large portion of Fern Cave and including the Fern Sink Entrance and Surprise Pit. The preserve is a privately owned tract adjoining the federally-owned Fern Cave National Wildlife Refuge . All other entrances of the cave are located on the federal land. Since 1997, the SCCi has managed the Fern Sink entrance and Surprise Pit under a lease agreement with the owner. When the opportunity arose this summer, the Conservancy was able to convert our long-term relationship with the property into permanent ownership and protection. You can help support permanent protection of Fern Cave by becoming an SCCi member and donating to help with the acquisition costs.  SCCi Sustaining Membership is the best way to support the acquisition and protection of Fern Cave and other southeastern caves.

SCCi Advisory on White Nose Syndrome

In light of the emerging situation known as White Nose Syndrome affecting bats in a number of northeastern caves, the SCCi requests that all visitors to SCCi caves and preserves please thoroughly clean and inspect their clothing and caving equipment before and after visiting SCCi caves and preserves. While the causes, effects, and transmission mechanisms of the White Nose Syndrome are presently unknown, the estimated 95% mortality rate among affected bats mandates serious consideration and deep concern. Cavers should take all reasonable and necessary precautions to avoid carrying mud, water, or other substances from one cave to another.

Here are some links about WNS and how to disinfect your caving gear:

• NSS WNS Page
• Containment and Decontamination Procedures

Reward Offered for Information on Cave Vandals

The National Speleological Society (NSS) is offering a reward to anyone providing information leading to the legal conviction of vandalism directly related to caves anywhere in the United States. The NSS pays a reward of $250 to $1,000 for information leading to the conviction of any person (or persons) convicted of vandalizing, damaging, or destroying caves, cave wildlife, cave gates, cave artifacts, etc. Many southeastern caves, including several owned by the SCCi, have suffered attacks by vandals. The NSS and SCCi encourage all cavers to report vandals and acts of vandalism so that they can be prosecuted under state cave protection laws.