What is the SCC?

The Southeastern Cave Conservancy, Inc. (SCCi) is a tax-exempt not-for-profit corporation (501-c-3) dedicated to cave conservation, caver education, and cave management. It was formed by a group of southeastern cavers in 1991, and currently has more than 800 members. Membership is open to all persons interested in caves and cave conservation.

According to the Articles of Incorporation of the SCCi, its purpose is "to acquire and manage caves for scientific study, education of those persons interested in speleology, and conservation of these resources".

One of the SCCi's primary activities is the acquisition of caves through purchase, lease, easement, donation, or management agreements. Potential acquisitions are carefully evaluated. Presence of endangered plants or animals, significant geological and hydrological features, wilderness quality, threats from development or exploitation, and access issues all play a role in the evaluation process. We also work with other organizations to develop educational programs to teach people about the importance and value of cave and karst ecosystems, geology, and hydrology.

The Conservancy is governed by an elected Board of Directors comprised of nine active cavers from around the Southeast, and holds quarterly board meetings. An Annual Membership Meeting is held every year.

The current SCCi board members are Bill Putnam, Mark Joop, Bill Overton, Brian Krebs, Roger Haley, John Hickman, Kris Green, Buddy Lane , and Bill Stringfellow . The Chair and chief executive officer of the SCCi is Brian Krebs. Buddy Lane is the Treasurer and Ron Miller is the Secretary.

The SCCi is an institutional member of the National Speleological Society (NSS), and all of the Directors and most of the members belong to the NSS. The SCCi is fortunate to have the generous support of NSS Grottos in the Southeast as well as the NSS Southeastern Regional Association (SERA).

We are interested in caves anywhere in the Southeastern US which need protection or management for conservation or access reasons. The SCCi is particularly interested in caves which are threatened with closure or destruction or those which provide a habitat for endangered species such as the Grey Bat, Tennessee Cave Salamander, or Harts Tongue Fern. Our mission is to preserve caves and cave environments and to manage them responsibly.

We urge all Southeastern cavers, as well as cavers from other areas who visit the region, to consider joining the SCCi and helping to support projects such as the acquisition of Valhalla. Membership costs only $15 per year, and is tax-deductible. Sustaining Memberships are also available, and help make the monthly mortgage payments on the cave preserves. Members receive an SCCi logo sticker, membership card, and a newsletter with information on SCCi news, issues, and projects.

The SCCi recently purchased a large piece of land containing the well-known and long-closed classic pit Valhalla, and is in the process of purchasing several more important caves, so contributions above the regular membership dues are desperately needed. Contributions of $50 or more may be directed to specific projects, such as the Valhalla Fund.

For more information on SCCi projects and activities or to volunteer assistance, you can contact any of the Directors. Our mailing address is:

The Southeastern Cave Conservancy is working to protect and manage caves in the Southeast.
We need your help.

The Southeastern Cave Conservancy, Inc. is a publicly supported, non-profit,
tax exempt 501-c-3 corporation, chartered in the state of Georgia
Copyright © 1997-2008 Southeastern Cave Conservancy, Inc.
Maintained by the SCCI Web Committee (scc-web@scci.org).