We've seen some real growth lately! Welcome to new members, Earl Neller, John Roark, Linda Lee, Brett Bennett, Ed Kirby. The "Armin Krueger Speleological Nature Preserve" has been established, which includes "Big Sink" and two entrances into the "Krueger System". It is private property owned by Cletus and Sharon Kelley. They live nearby and are friendly to cavers. Please respect their rights (be friendly, no camping, no fires, offer photos of caves, etc). Groups of 25 or more should apply for a INPC Special Use Permit (allow 30 days).
IN THIS ISSUE:
New member BRETT BENNETT describes his first wild cave trip, a detour to Buckner's when Wayne's Lost was too wet. Ah, the memories! Buckner's was my first wild cave, and Brett's realization that getting lost in this cave is half of the fun will bring back warm feelings of deja vu to all!
DAVE MAHON AND JOHN MARQUART hope that some of us can lend a hand to the Mark Twain Grotto for their Burton Cave gating project.
JULIE ANGEL acts as an NNG "good will ambassador" to groups wanting to learn about caves.
MARTY JACOBS remembers her volunteer weekend at Mammoth Cave.
JO SCHAPER reports on cave closures at MARAMEC PARK.
SUE HAGAN and MICK SUTTON discuss the dangers of lead mining in southeast Missouri.
Norm Rogers, Lara Storm, Tonya Frazer, Greg Phillips, Rich Bell, Brett Bennett
This trip was supposed to be to Wayne's Lost Cave in Bloomington, IN, but as mother nature would have it, the cave was impassable due to rising water. Little did I know at the time that this was a blessing to me. Since this was my first trip, Rich decided that I needed a good first experience with a wild cave. Also due to the fact that no one told Rich that the meeting time was to be eastern time, we were an hour late to McDonalds in Bloomington. After a short search for Bent Arrow Caving Supplies, we learned that the rest of the group had decided to abandon the Wayne's trip and make a run at Buckner's. Rich and I, being an hour behind,at least, donned our caving gear and proceeded into my first cave. The trip down the hill is not very fun at all. The rains that came Friday night made this hill very muddy. Once in the cave I was supprised to find it very dry. This is where I learned the delicate art of crawling and rolling with a bag strapped to my side. This is COOL! After about 15 minutes we reached the Signature room where we rested briefly. Rich figured that Norm would lead the rest through the stream passage, so we went the opposite direction in hopes of meeting up with them at the Monument room. The rooms and passages that we crawled and walked through amazed me. Once you looked past the spray paint and garbage, it was quite marvelous. After about an hour we reached the Air Force room where we rested again, due to me being severely out of shape and smoke too much. We dropped through a hole in the floor and proceeded to get lost for over an hour. As it turns out, we ended up in Keens Grotto passage. I would not recommend this to a first time caver. Why you ask? Well let me tell you. Some of these passages are no bigger than the birth canal of an Indiana bat, but with a whole lot of wiggling, a few choice words, and an "I made it" out of Rich, I was reborn into a bigger passage. We wiggled through a few more passages and came upon a spot we had already been at, since we recognized the two Mountain Dew bottles lying on the floor. Needless to say after an hour of wandering around, I was getting worried. Rich noticed some voices coming from above us. He yelled a few times, then saw a light. A ten year old boy, stuck his head trough a small hole and told us that he was in the Air Force room. After Rich handed our bags to him that it was deemed that we could not fit in that small hole. Than the other boy stuck his head through a bigger hole directly behind Rich and said we could get out that way. WE WERE SAVED!!!!!! After About 15 minutes rest, I noticed light moving in the passage that we should have taken. Into the room bounded the rest of the group that we were to meet. We said our hellos and Rich proceeded to threaten gread bodily harm to the rest for not being clear about the meeting time. We followed the rest out the way we came, for the most part not to get lost again, and because I was happy to go that far on the first trip. After arriving outside, we met Lara's dad, than changed clothes and went to dinner at Steak & Shake. If you wear glasses take something along to clean them with, a dirty sweat shirt doesn't work. I had a very good time, even being lost! You have another one hooked, folks.
Brett Bennett
bent2023@mtco.com
Burton Cave is located in Adams County, IL about 11 miles southeast of Quincy). The cave has been known since at least 1848. J. Harlen Bretz and S.E. Harris, Jr. reported on this cave in their renowned 1961 publication, "Caves of Illinois." It is a solutional cave with a prominent arched entrance in the cliffs overlooking Burton Creek. Its extent is not long, about 600 feet, as is typical of western Illinois caves, but it has ecological significance that has brought home the importance of protecting it from future vandalism and intrusion. The close proximity to Quincy and its conspicuous entrance has made it into a popular visiting spot for both the nature enthusiast and the party goer. The latter have, unfortunately, left their dastardly signatures in the form of spray paint, mud balls, and broken formations. However, the cave is not beyond reclamation and revitalization if corrective measures are taken soon. Many unique formations remain and the cave serves as the habitat to a significant population of cave fauna, notably the federally endangered species: Indiana bat, Myotis sodalis, (winter hibernaculum). The fauna also include blind cave amphipods and other troglobite species. Current protection is limited and inadequate to protect the cave and its residents. The cave and surrounding area are designated as a conservation area managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Signs announce that Burton Cave is closed to visitation from September 30 through March 31 to protect the hibernating Indiana bats. Entrance at other times is presumably by Special Use Permit. However, vandals promptly destroyed the signs and ignore the warnings and the danger that they incur upon the cave and its resident population. Through the efforfts of the Mark Twain Grotto, MTG, (Dave Mahon, President), all that is about to change for the better. Working in collaboration with the Illinois State Department of Natural Resources, Bat Conservation International, the MVOR Gating Fund, and other governmental and private organizations, Dave Mahon and the MTG have obtained the funding to construct a bat-friendly gate about 38 feet beyond the dripline to Burton Cave. The gate will be constructed in a design similar to those that we used on the entrances to the Blackball Mine last summer (American Cave Conservation Association - Design A). The single gate will span across the passage for about 20 feet and rise from floor to ceiling for about 4 feet. That will make it comparable in size to the gate that we constructed on the southwestern entrance to the lower level of the Blackball Mine. Dave and the MTG have ask us for help in construction of the gate on Burton Cave. The weekend of JUNE 7-8, 1997 has been set up with a rain date weekend of JUNE 14-15. Work is to start at 8:00 a.m. All types of help are needed (experienced and inexperienced). Besides the gate construction work, there is lots to do in the cleanup of the cave and surroundings. Dave has sent extensive material concerning the project and accommodations for us. There are plenty of camp grounds (Siloam Springs State Park is nearby) , motels, and spaces to sleep on the floor of MTG members' homes. The MTG is planning a Saturday night cook-out/gathering.
LET'S GO JOIN OUR FELLOW CAVERS FOR A GREAT AND CONSTRUCTIVE WEEKEND!!
How to reply:
1. Pick up materials and maps concerning the project at the May Near Normal Grotto meeting (Friday, May 23).
2. Fill out a form at the May Near Normal Grotto meeting (copy below if you can not attend the meeting).
3. Reply to the following:
i) Dave Mahon - (project coordinator) Rt 1, Box 325A, Payson, IL 62360. Dave's phone is: (217) 656-3849
ii) For camping - reply to Mike Goodwin (217) 228-0386
iii) Via email - reply to pattydaw@aol.com
iv) Via FAX - reply to (319) 524-4775
P.S. Dave called me that he wanted to attend our May Near Normal Grotto meeting to tell us more about the project, but couldn't get off work that evening. He sends his regrets, but does send lots of information to make up for his absence.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Registration Form
Name____________________________________________________________
Address__________________________________________________________
Phone__________________________ EMail____________________________
Expect to arrive: Friday evening___ Saturday am___ Saturday
pm____
Special Skills: welding___ previous gating experience___ heavy
lifting___ grinding___ cutting torch___ graffiti removal___
Plan to stay @: primitive camping___ State Park___ motel___ MTG
members homes___ (floor space, etc.)
During the past month, I've had the opportunity to give cave talks to two different groups here in Champaign. I'm finding that there are many people who wouldn't think about crawling into caves as we do, but love to learn and hear about the adventures and projects that we cavers participate in. I'm always amazed at the intelligent, thoughtful questions that both children and adults ask. I'm definitely becoming 'hooked' on giving these talks - if you ever have the chance to give one be sure to try it. It can be a very rewarding, fun experience!! The first talk in May was to 16 members of the Cosmopolitan interest group of the University of Illinois Women's Club. Their group typically studies different countries, so I was a bit concerned about the level of interest there would be for caves. My worries were definitely unfounded!! They asked lots of questions and were still quizzing me over the dessert table. I particularly enjoyed one of their older members (age 82) who was quite interested in caves and cave creatures. I later found out that this was the first program she had stayed awake for in the last year and a half!! Maybe she would like to become a caver - it's never too late for something new!! A week later, I gave two 45 minute, back to back talks at Robeson Elementary Schools first Explorers Day. I showed slides, talked about the caving equipment we use, and set up the ever popular "cave box". Giving two talks in a row was quite an experience; I sent the first group on their way and immediately had another eager group staring me in the face! Here are two of the cute "thank you's" I received - they can sum up how the day went better than I:
Dear Mrs. Cave Explorer,
I had a great time when you came in. It was fun seeing all the slides that you brought in. The thing I liked the most were the maps and the 'cave box' they were looking at and going through the box. I had fun and hope you come again. Your Pupil, Adam Karch
Dear Cave Expert,
I really liked the things you showed us on Explorers Day. I really liked the film. Mammoth Cave is cool! I hope I can go sometime. I also like the cave tunnel you could go through. It must be fun exploring caves. Well my teachers calling me so I have to go. Sincerely, Kevin Oare (sparky dog)
For those of you not MSS members-- Dan Drees, naturalist at Meramec State Park, has implemented new cave closure rules at three caves. All will now be closed/permit only caves. According to Dan, all three caves have been found to have bachelor Gray colonies during the summer, but the caves will remain open on a controlled basis. Bear Cave (Mud Sink) will now be open daily from June 17 to August 31. Previously, this cave was open only on two weekends--one in May, one in late August. This is a relaxation of the access. Hamilton Cave: (Big Hamilton) will now be permit only during its former open season of May 1-August 31. This is due to abuse of the cave (horse tracks and feces, fireworks debris, and beer cans found in the cave during the summer.) Since it is gated, this now involves getting permits, a key, etc. Wildcat Cave, which was previously under summer closure, but open Sept-April, will now be closed Sept. to April, and open by permit only during the summer. Change was due to larger numbers of hibernating bats during the winter as opposed to the small numbers of non-maternity summer grays. Don't kill the messenger. Address comments to Dan at Meramec State Park, 2800 Highway 185, Sullivan, MO 63080, or by calling the visitor's center.
[I believe that this discussion was generated by an article in the April 1997 NSS NEWS, "Lead Mining Threatens Ozark Caves", by Dave Jagnow.]
...Jerry...Your comments in the Mo Caving Discussion re the role of cavers in the Eleven Point lead mining controversy deserves careful consideration. We don't think we'd characterize the caving community's response as hysteria (we would reserve that word for items like the Great UN Biosphere Conspiracy fracas, of which more later). To summarize your main points, (a) prospecting has been done in the area previously without major catastrophy, (b) even if they did hit an ore deposit developing a mine would be costly, perhaps prohibitively so, (c) there are more immediate concerns, especially horseshit in the rivers. First, the effects of prospecting cannot reasonably be separated from the effects of eventual mining. If a company invests a lot of money and time in prospecting and then hits paydirt, the impetus to develop the deposit will be well nigh unstoppable politically and bureaucratically. The Forest Service's assurance that mining will not automatically follow discovery is not very reassuring, as no proposal to develop a discovered deposit has ever been turned down by either the USFS or the Bureau of Land Management. So what if a mine does go in? The Viburnum trend mines have been environentally benign, right? Well, not quite. There has been serious pollution in the West Fork Black River, polluted mine waters have found their way to Blue Spring on the Current, the town of Glover has been abandoned owing to contamination with lead from a smelter, and so on. If the environmental problems are bad in the Viburnum trend,it is likely to be a whole lot worse in Big Spring Country. Leaving aside the very large economic and social questions, we see two major hydrological/geological problems.
1) Hydrological disruption of a world-class phreatic cave system. As you know, one of the world's great (unexplored) cave systems underlies the Current and Eleven Point watersheds relatively deep (300-500 ft?) below base level. Mining on the Viburnum Trend model would excavate an enormous void (cubic miles) underlying the network of water-filled cave passages supplying Big Spring, Greer Spring, and many smaller springs. Mines leak. Water has to be pumped out at quite a high rate to keep them air-filled. There is no evidence of an aquaclude between the phreatic passage horizon and the ore body horizon (what little evidence there is points to hydrological connection between the two zones). The result will be likely disruption of hydrological and biological regimes. When the mine is abandoned (in a geological eyeblink), hydrological connections between it and the karst will continue to exist indefinitely.
2) Tailings ponds. Tailings lakes would be a better term. These are placed in convenient valleys near the mining operation. Unlike the Viburnum area, there are no upland valleys in the Current/Eleven-Point district which hold water. Even with the use of liners, etc, tailings are pretty well guaranteed to find their way into the subsurface. The result--destruction of troglobitic habitat by siltation, and the introduction of lead and other heavy metals into the food chain. Yes, we know lead is insoluble at high pH. But finely-milled lead sulfide (or whatever) finds its way into the low pH guts of sediment grazers. Lead contamination of the food chain from tailings is well documented in the Big River, where the fish are inedible. Then there is the secondary contamination resulting from a boom/bust industry causing a small concentration of population density in a previously pristine area. Consider the sudden rise of septic systems, high tension wires, road expansion, and increased traffic density (including trucks carrying heavy-metal ores) that will result from the construction of a mining industry. And that is to say nothing of the possibility of smelters being moved to the area. Yes, we agree that horses shitting in the river are a horrible problem. Cavers (and noncavers, especially canoeists) should be upset about that problem as well. But it's a separate issue. If a reasonable policy on horse-riding is ever established, the ecosystem will probably be capable of self-healing. If mining is allowed in the Big Springs District, the damage will take far more than our lifetimes to give an illusion of healing; cleanup of the surface will be expensive, but if, say an isolated population of Typhlicthis is wiped out, that genetic loss is forever. You are absolutely right that "Because southeast Missouri is such an attractive place to look for heavy-metal mineral deposits, I think we can expect continual interest in exploration drilling." Probably the best means for long-term protection is to advocate for designation of the Ozarks Biosphere Reserve centered on the Current and Eleven Point Rivers. This would go a long way toward developing a reasonable plan for making human habitation in the Ozarks compatible with protection of the resources. Right now, that proposal is on hold because politicians (especially those subsidized by PAC contributions from mining interests) and government officials (intimidated by extremists from the Wi$e U$e movement) have put consideration on the backburner. We note that the recent hysteria (really!) over the UN plotting to herd half the population of the Ozarks into concentration camps reached boiling point at the same time the mining industry was pushing for prospecting rights on State land in the Current watershed; makes one wonder who is feeding the conspiracy hysteria. But that's a whole story in itself, and another cause. Lead has to be mined somewhere (we all drive cars), but US society has already decided that some sites should be off limits to mineral exploitation regardless of the mineral wealth they may contain, e.g., Yellowstone, Lechuguilla. We vote that the Current and Eleven Point National Scenic Rivers and their unique style of karst, certainly unparalleled anywhere else in the US, should be one of those off-limits places. Right now, we think cavers need to take an extremely active stand in opposition to leadmining in the Current and Eleven Point watersheds, and we are pleased to see that seems to be happening. Mick is currently working up a large batch of maps (25-30) resulting from Phase 2 of our project to define cave and cave-wildlife resources in the Eleven Point watershed.
Sue Hagan & Mick Sutton
NNG participants: Norm Rogers, Tonja Fraser, Gregg Phillips, Chris Dinesen, Marty Jacobs, Granger Ridout, Randy and Dan Wahlfeldt.
On friday, January 24, a group of NNG cavers traveled to Mammoth Cave, KY to participate in a weekend of fun,
hard work, and companionship along with cavers from other areas such as Missouri, Michigan, Indiana and Kentucky.
Shortly after we arrived, we pooled our funds, and bought groceries for the weekend. That evening, Norm and Gregg
fixed one of the best spaghetti dinners that I've ever had. The next morning, we met with Bob Ward and learned
that we would be dismantling man-made walls in the historic area of Mammoth Cave and hauling out the mortar. Over
the years, many walls had been built, primarlity of stones held together by mortar. Some were built to hide lighting
fixtures and generators, others to deter visitors from wandering into unstable or dangerous areas of the cave.
The walls were to be removed in an attempt to restore the natural air flow patterns to the cave, inasmuch as is
possible. Over the years the dripline has advanced and changed, and is perhaps causing damage to some historical
features and artifacts in the cave. It is thought that restricted air flow are, at least in part, the cause. This
was the first time that I had been able to visit Mammoth in a few years and wondered how much of what I had seen
would be familiar. Surprisingly, as I walked through the cave, areas that I had visited as a tourist were still
very familiar. We divided in groups, but most of the NNG'rs worked together. Past the Rotunda, a wall had been
built to hide electrical fixtures, which was nearly five feet tall and ten to fifteen feet long. It didn't require
that large a structure to hide the lighting, so we dismantled most of it, rearranging the remainder to look like
a natural feature of the cave. Gregg attempted to haul the mortar and debris out using a wheelbarrow, and was able
to complete one trip, but at a horrible energy cost due to the steep inclines. We concluded that the old tried-and-true
"one sack of stuff per caver per trip", was still the most efficient method. Our next task took us behind
the Giant's Coffin, to the bottom of the steps. This wall completely blocked off a side passage. On this one, we
used a sledge hammer, since none of the wall was to remain. We remained cautious, due to the possibility of loosening
a large boulder, which appeared as though it might be partially supported by the wall. Luckily, it didn't move.
Once this wall fell, I noticed immediate air movement where there had been almost none! After a pleasant outdoor
lunch, we finished the day by bringing down two smaller walls beyond this one. That evening, Chris and I had the
cooking duties, and fixed my favorite camping/caving meal, ham, beans and potatos. Sunday morning, after coaxing
Norm's van to start, we were excited to be able to work in Floyd Collins' Crystal Cave, replacing some formations
which had been recovered after the recent vandalism. The formations, mostly gypsum, had already been hauled down
to the area where Floyd's coffin had rested. Our job was to move them back the areas that they had been stolen
from, as best as that could be determined. The Park historians had decided that the price tags placed on the formations
by the rock shops that had purchased them should be left in place as part of the never-ending saga of Floyd's Cave.
What is historical? Good question! The price tags on the stolen formations are to remain, but the Austin house
is being torn down. Many feel that much of the recent history of the exploration of the Flint Ridge/Mammoth cave
system flowed from that old shack. On the way out of the cave, Bob Ward had the misfortune to slip on the ice and
hurt his leg. Kermit Wilkison reports that "after all the cavers started talking about preparing to rescue
him from the cave, he decided he would rather do it himself. It turned out that he was only bruised, sore and embarrassed."
That's our Bob!
Called to order: 7:12 by President John Marquart.
Present: Brian Braye, Jim Jacobs, Brett Bennett, Tonja Fraser, Rich Bell, Lara Storm, Len Storm, Larry Bird, Bark Belding, Norm Rogers, Chris Dinesen, Linda Lee, Debi Cox, Tanja Lutman, David Carson, Angela Carson, Beth Reinke, Earl Neller, Greg Kwasny.
OFFICER REPORTS: The minutes of the March meeting were delivered by Jim Jacobs and approved as read. Julie Angel reported that the treasury stands at $335.63. Report approved.
OLD BUSINESS: Bylaws modifications are being considered by the Executive Committee. Member suggestions are encouraged. The ISS has applied for NSS affiliation. Brian Braye has submitted logo designs. NNG members selected their favorite version of the design for submission.
NEW BUSINESS: The membership voted to order the vertical training course from the NSS. We decided to wait until the kit arrives to plan a trip.
TRIP REPORTS: Rich Bell and Brett Bennett described their trip to Buckner's. [see Brett's report this issue!] They went to Buckner's instead of Wayne's because there was high water in Wayne's main passage. Julie Angel., Rich B., and Tanja Fraser reported on the State Geological Survey geology which ended with a trip to Illinois Caverns. To the astonishment of all, nearly 400 (!) people participated. There were two minor injuries, both to trip leaders. Rich B. and Sam Panno both sustained badly bruised knees in falls. Julie read a thank you note to the grotto for helping with the trip. Julie has given three presentations recently, to the University Women's Club, and the Explorer's day at an elementary school. She read some very touching thank you notes from the kids. Larry Bird reported on the evacuation of an injured hiker from the Blackball Mine preserve. Evidently a young man fell from a cliff while being chased by John's dogs. It took around three and half hours to get him out. John M. announced that Mark Twain grotto chair Dave Mahon was coordinating a gating project for Burton Cave, Adams County, Illinois to take place the 6th through the 8th of June. Information about the spring MVOR and the May 17th IDNR field trip to Buffalo Rock and Mathieson State park was reported.
Respectfully submitted, Jim Jacobs, secretary.
Called to order 7:05 by President John Marquart.
Present: Linda Lee, Tonja Traser, David Fraser, Marty Jacobs, Jim Jacobs, Lara Storm, Leonard Storm, Julie Angel, John Roark, Brian R. Braye, Greg Phillips, Earl Neller, Angela Neller, Norm Rogers, Rich Bell, Chris Dinesen.
OFFICER REPORTS: Minutes; Jim Jacobs (approved). Treasury, Julie Angel, (approved.
OLD BUSINESS: Adjustments made to standing rules (concerning dues and membership) have been acted upon by the Executive Board and published in the NNN. Bylaws are being looked at by the Board.
NEW BUSINESS: Randy Wahlfeld asked John M. to see if the NNG might be interested in purchasing a vertical training course made available by the NSS. Discussion, but no decision.
TRIP REPORTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS: Information on trips can now be posted on the web page by emailing the info to Leonard Storm. Tonja reported on an overnight trip to Broome Moore Cave. Brian B. took a youth group to Illinois Caverns. John M. talked about the ISS meeting. The ISS would like to have submissions for the official logo in May. Philip Moss has been re-elected ISS President, Joel Laws, V.P. They will seek affiliation with the NSS and other agencies, such as ISGS and US Dept of Forestry).