National Speleological Synergy

Scott Fee, President, National Speleological Society

When Bill Stevenson and the founders of the National Speleological Society drew up the constitution and purpose of their new organization, “protection of caves and their natural contents” was a far less daunting task than it is today. The population was less mobile and had less time for recreation; “adventure sports” had not acquired mass appeal and appropriate equipment and instruction were not readily available; urban areas were small, rural landowners welcoming, liability suits uncommon, and many caves had yet to be explored.

In the early years, protecting caves generally meant simply maintaining good relationships with landowners and constructing gates when necessary. However, as lifestyles changed and the countryside developed, gates and relationships no longer were adequate protection. More drastic measures would be necessary. Cavers would need to take possession.

The Society first became a cave owner in 1963 upon the donation of McFails Cave, the longest in the Northeast. Then, in 1973, the NSS purchased property surrounding the entrances to Shelta Cave, in Huntsville, Alabama, to protect its rare species.

1983 saw a significant strategic shift for the Society, when it purchased four caves in West Virginia to create the John Guilday Preserve. The arguments over the management goals for the property nearly split the Society. When the management motion came before the Board of Governors, the NSS President had to break the tied vote, and hard feelings remained on both sides.

Since then, the Society has gained nine more cave properties, with little of the 1983 anxiety and strife, recognizing that acquisition has become a necessary strategy for cave and karst protection. The most daring commitment to this paradigm by the NSS was made last year, when the Board voted to purchase property in Wyoming containing an entrance to Great Expectations Cave. The purchase required a mortgage for nearly $200,000, plus a great faith in the generosity of cavers to repay the loan.

Regrettably, the number of caves that require active protection is growing rapidly. The NSS is deeply aware that it cannot acquire and effectively manage every cave in the U.S. that will need protection. More than ever, the best future for caves lies with effective and strong Cave Conservancies, and in synergy.

The NSS ardently supports the purchase and/or management of caves by cave conservancies, and has distributed tens of thousands of dollars in grants over the years for this purpose. We plan to continue to provide this financial support.

In addition, we want to explore ways in which the Society and cave conservancies can work closely together, and how to make this synergy more effective. The NSS can provide conservancies much more than money to help them achieve their goals. For example, we have members and committees with a wide variety of expertise, skills, and contacts in business and government, as well as the organizational structure to coordinate their response to needs and issues.

The Society believes that promoting nature preserves is one of the best tools we have for protecting caves, and that working with conservancies towards this mutual goal is the best way to ensure success.