Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What types of membership are available at WVCC?

A. The WVCC has 6 different membership types. All except the "Charter Membership", which is closed now, are still open to new membership. The available types of memberships are:

Regular Membership:
Family Membership:
Lifetime Membership:
Benefactor Membership:
Institutional Membership:

Heritage Society Membership:
For additional information see the membership page.

Q. What is a Charter Membership?

A. The Charter Membership was established to recognize the first members of the WVCC. Special recognition was provided for these people and organizations who helped us get on our feet.

Q. What Caves does WVCC own?

A. WVCC currently owns and manages:

• Lightners Cave - entrance to McClungs Cave
• Island Ford Cave
• Persinger's Entrance to Benedicts Cave
• Donaldsons Cave
• Maxwelton Sink Cave - (Scott Entrance)

In addition, we also manage the following caves:

• Rapps Cave (Leased)
• Haynes Cave
• Lobelia Saltpeter Cave

Q. Can I make a tax deductible contribution to WVCC?

A. The West Virginia Cave Conservancy (WVCC) is a 501-c-3 non-profit organization.  We gladly accept tax-deductible donations to help support our cause.  Our organization runs soley on the generous donations of our members and supporters . For more information on making a donation to WVCC please visit the donation page.

Q. What is the WVCC Heritage Society?"

A. The Heritage Society is an important partner in the WVCC’s cave ownership and Management efforts.  It’s permanent endowment fund generates annual revenue for WVCC’s properties and programs.  Your tax deductible estate or cash gift to the endowment is never spent.  Rather, it is permanently invested to grow and generate revenue in support of WVCC’s important programs forever.

Q. What is the Mission of the WVCC?

A. The West Virginia Cave Conservancies Mission is to preserve and maintain access to the cave and karst resources of West Virginia and Virginia for future generations principally through education and resources management. The WVCC will conduct activities to educate the general public about nature and the importance of caves and karst. The Conservancy will promote the study of caves and karst by facilitating scientific studies, especially studies aimed at identifying and defining the significance of cave and karst resources. The Conservancy will offer a full range of management practices to protect significant cave and karst resources, and to protect access to these resources.  [More Information]

Q. How Do I Volunteer to Help?

A. The WVCC is in need of your help. Cave Conservation takes more than the support of one or two people. We are always looking for additional support. If you would like to help the West Virginia Cave Conservancy raise money at various caving events, please contact the WVCC president (Bob Handley for more information.  We appreciate your help.

We generally have a booth set up at the Old Timers Reunion (www.otr.org). Check our calendar of events for specific dates. If you are planning on attending these events, please be sure to contact us. We would like to meet you, and if you would be interested in helping be sure to let us know.

Q. Where can I find Information about the West Virginia Cave Laws?

A. Many states have enacted laws regarding caves and karst protection.  For information on West Virginia, Maryland, Virginia and Federal laws, visit our Cave Protection page.