Donaldson (Georgetown) Cave

ACCESS POLICY

Donaldson will be maintained in as “open” a condition as a gated cave can be considered open. Access will be freely available to all responsible cavers, regardless of any organizational affiliation. Tri-State Grotto will give out the combination to the lock or open the gate as time permits. The main purpose of the gate is to prevent entry by children living in the development. If, in the future, additional information indicates that the cave needs some additional level of protection, the lock may be changed and a more stringent policy established about releasing the combination to the lock. No release form is required for visitation. No cave-for-pay, or any other activity “for pay” is allowed. Cavers visiting the cave are requested to not give the combination of the lock to anyone else – refer all requests for entry to the Tri-State Grotto and/or the WVCC management committee. Any one visiting the cave is responsible for relocking the gate when they leave.

Members of the Tri-State Grotto will check on the condition of the property, the lock, and the cave as often as time permits. Any problems will be reported to the WVCC for advice or help in resolving the issues.

For access to this cave, you should contact one of the people listed below for information:

Access Rules:

1. No camping or fires on this property.
2. All trash and human waste must be packed out.
3. ATV’s, dirt bikes, and snowmobiles are not permitted on the preserve.
4. Collection of rocks, flora, fauna, etc. on the surface is prohibited. Any collection underground must be done in accordance with West Virginia laws, which require a permit from the state, based in part on permission from the Board. The Board will approve such requests on an individual basis, based on scientific need.
5. No placement of permanent bolts or anchors is allowed. No other defacement of the cave is allowed.
6. Parking is not allowed on this property.
7. No hunting will be allowed on the property. No fireworks or firearms will be allowed on the property.
8. No commercial activity, including cave-for-pay, will be allowed on the property.
9. Visitors’ conduct should conform to National Speleological Society conservation guidelines, and to NSS Safety and Techniques Committee recommendations.
10. Visitors are expected to comply with all applicable state and federal laws.
11. Visitors are responsible for securing the gate upon leaving the cave.
12. The combination to the lock is not to be “passed” on to anyone. Have people contact the cave management committee for access information.