[Texascavers] Fwd: Ozark Plateau National Wildlife Refuge Job Opening

[Minton, Mark]

 Here's a cave-related job opening that was posted on a NM list, minus the 
attachments.

Mark Minton


It looks like I will be getting some help at Ozark Plateau National Wildlife Refuge.  Attached is a generic job announcement from the Division of Personnel Management for a GS 7/9 Refuge Operation Specialist for the refuge.  In addition to everything in the job announcement, what we are looking for someone who knows something about caves and federally listed cave species and who gets along well with private landowners and other partners.  The closing date is August 11.  This will be a good "hands on" position with opportunities to: 

Coordinate cave, forest, watershed, and ground water recharge area management with private landowners, conservation organizations, universities, tribes, and federal and state agencies. 

Conduct field surveys to monitor Ozark big-eared bat, gray bat, cavefish, and cave crayfish summer and winter populations. 

Survey and monitor other cave and forest resources. 

Serve on cave mapping teams with local grottos (chapters of the National Speleological Society) to document refuge cave resources. 

Plan and construct appropriately designed cave gates with help from cavers, conservation organizations, and agencies to control access to important caves. 

Continue to search for new caves with important resources that might provide opportunities for acquisition or conservation easements or agreements. 

Work on watershed planning committees. 

Assist universities with research on cave and forest resources. 

Provide technical assistance to adjoining and nearby private landowners through the Service's Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program and other opportunities. 

I would appreciate it if you could pass this along to anyone you know who might be interested in such a position and would make a good hand.  Information on the Ozark Plateau NWR is attached.  If anyone has any questions or needs more information please contact me at: 

Steve Hensley 
Ozark Plateau National Wildlife Refuge 
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 
Route 1, Box 18A 
Vian, OK 74962 
918-382-4507 
918-775-9073 (cell) 
918-581-7467 (Fax) 
steve_hens...@fws.gov

[Texascavers] RE: breaking rock with Dexpan

[Minton, Mark]

John,

>We're evaluating a non-explosive, rock splitting compound for use on trail 
>construction and other areas where removal of rock or concrete is needed. It's 
>poured wet into the drill hole and expands as it dries. Any of you diggers 
>have experience with a product trade-named Dexpan? Are there other products 
>which are better.

  I've never used these expanding clay compounds, but there are at least a 
couple of different brands available.  I looked into it a few years ago as an 
alternative to bang for caving.  Trouble is, you need quite a large hole, like 
1.5 - 2 inches in diameter.  That's beyond the power available for in-cave 
drilling.  The other problem is that it takes several hours or overnight for 
the stuff to work.  Again, not practical for a caving trip.  However these 
constraints may not be an issue for you on the surface.  Advantages are no 
fumes and very little shrapnel.  Here's a web site with other alternatives to 
bang:  http://www.rockremoval.com/.  I've used the first item, Micro-Blaster, 
and it's pretty effective although pricey.  I've also used the last item, 
feathers and wedges.  Ancient technology but remarkably effective.

Mark Minton

Re: [Texascavers] interesting DNA caveman story

[CaverArch]

There was a similar link found to somewhat older remains in Britain a few years 
ago.  A teacher was identified genetically a direct descendant of a 'caveman' 
who lived within 10 miles of the teachers home several thousand years before.

Roger Moore

In a message dated 07/30/08 16:11:25 Central Daylight Time, 
dlocklea...@gmail.com writes:
This article appeared in the news today: 


   "Two Men Found as Relatives of 3,000-Year-Old Cave Men Remains" 

Fw: [Texascavers] TSA Colorado Bend SP Project

[mark gee]

I to would like to thank everyone who helped with the in-cave surveys. I know 
that progress is slow but remember, the turtle won the race. I hope that the 
project is finished before I go to that great cave in the sky. Again thanks to 
all!!
Mark Gee--Happy Caving



- Forwarded Message 
From: rafal kedzierski 
To: texascavers@texascavers.com
Sent: Wednesday, July 30, 2008 7:30:47 AM
Subject: [Texascavers] TSA Colorado Bend SP Project

Thanks for the comments Mark, but ultimately the thanks belong to all the 
participants who came out and got dirty in the name of caving.  This despite 
gas prices being what they are, and all the other caving activities in the 
state as well as outside of it.  
 
I think the only misconception is that the project is done.  There are still 
caves to be found - especially in the eastern part of the park and across the 
river.  There are caves still to be explored and surveyed - Gorman Creek 
Crevice is about 1.5 km and going, Lost Petzl system survey still continues.
 
Rafal Kedzierski


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[ot_caving] salmonella question

[David]

Wouldn't the locals living near the jalapeno farm in Mexico have gotten sick
long before the gringos?

I have a theory based on watching my wife and her mother eat.
( They are both from Mexico ).

Their digestive system must work completely different than mine.   I can't
eat anything spicy.   They eat lots of spicy foods, almost at every meal.
They also can leave food out for hours or even days and still eat it
and it doesn't
seem to bother them.

They seldom seem to have any stomach ailments.

I wonder if this is a DNA thing, or just that they ate spicy food since they
were a toddler?

I also wonder if their immune systems are different.If I go to
bed with wet
hair, I will wake up the next morning sick.   They claim they get
sick if they
dry their hair.

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[Texascavers] interesting DNA caveman story

[David]

This article appeared in the news today:


"Two Men Found as Relatives of 3,000-Year-Old Cave Men Remains"


When the bones were discovered, the people in the local town were
asked to give saliva samples to see if anyone was a descendant of the
3,000 year old bones.

3,000 year-old bones were discovered in a cave in Germany's central
Harz mountains region.

When local residents were DNA-tested for a possible family connection,
the results showed that two men, who knew each other as acquaintances
and had no idea they were related, were direct descendants of a cave
man from the Bronze Age.

Both men were awestruck by the findings.

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[Texascavers] breaking rock with Dexpan

[htjo...@juno.com]

We're evaluating a non-explosive, rock splitting compound for use on trail 
construction and other areas where removal of rock or concrete is needed. It's 
poured wet into the drill hole and expands as it dries. Any of you diggers have 
experience with a product trade-named Dexpan? Are there other products which 
are better.
John Moses
Texas Parks & Wildlife, El Paso

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Re: [Texascavers] field trip to Inner Space

[David]

About 10 years ago, someone familiar with "Inner Space Caverns" told me that
there were still passages that were not mapped.

I have been off trail in the cave twice but only got as far as the "Squid Room."

It would be nice to have a big wall mounted map showing the complete
cave available to show at the ICS in Kerrville.  Preferably in the style
that speleo-cartographer, Bob Richards uses.

Also, I have never seen maps of the other caves on the property "Chinaberry
Cave" and "Steam Cave."   It would be interesting to see a 3-D
digital map of all
of the caves on the property.

My first experience with the TSA was at these caves in 1985.

David Locklear

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[Texascavers] RE: Crazy

[Minton, Mark]

  Fritz said:

>Where in the heck is this sky walk located? Is there a history of who built it 
>and how? Its age would explain its deteriorated condition but why hasn't 
>someone or some authority maintained it? Is there any information as to 
>whether some have fallen to their death during construction or while 
>traversing this perilous path?

  It is located in El Chorro Gorge, near Málaga, Spain.  According to 
Wikipedia , many people have 
died there.  It is officially closed, but is supposed to be renovated soon.

Mark Minton

[Texascavers] field trip to Inner Space

[Mixon Bill]

Boy, that's one hell of an expensive trip to Inner Space Cavern! --  
Mixon

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[Texascavers] [texascavers] GSA convention caving field trip

[Simon Newton]

I was just looking through the field trips for the joint meeting of
The Geological Society of America (GSA), Soil Science Society of
America (SSSA), American Society of Agronomy (ASA), Crop Science
Society of America (CSSA), and the Gulf Coast Association of
Geological Societies with the Gulf Coast Section of SEPM (GCAGS),
hosted by the Houston Geological Society (HGS) and saw that there is a
cave trip being offered that might be of interest to some of the
geologists on this list (or their friends who are coming into Houston
for this big conference).

https://www.acsmeetings.org/programs/field-trips-and-tours/field/

 411. Geomorphic and Hydrochemical History of the Edwards Aquifer at
Inner Space Cavern
Sat., 4 Oct.
Cosponsored by GSA Quaternary Geology and Geomorphology Division.

Jay Banner, University of Texas, Austin, Tex., +1-512-471-5016; George
Veni, National Cave and Karst Research Institute, Carlsbad, N.Mex.

Price: US$150 (L, R).

This trip begins and ends in Austin, Texas.

This trip will explore the speleogenesis, meteorology, hydrogeology,
and speleothem proxy record of Inner Space Cavern on the Edwards
Plateau in central Texas. The cave developed in strata that comprise
the regional Edwards aquifer. We will examine evidence for past
environments based on cavern morphology, faunal remains, and
speleothem proxy records. In addition, the trip will explore the
modern formation of speleothems and water chemistry, as well as the
impact of development of this commercial cave. The trip will be
conducted on lighted, paved pathways through the cave, but will also
involve some crawling through muddy, narrow passages. Helmets and
lamps will be provided, but you will need to bring your own clothes
and footwear.

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RE: [Texascavers] Fw: Crazy

[Fritz Holt]

Robert and others,
After reading the narrative and the comments of others I still have questions. 
Where in the heck is this sky walk located? Is there a history of who built it 
and how? Its age would explain its deteriorated condition but why hasn't 
someone or some authority maintained it? Is there any information as to whether 
some have fallen to their death during construction or while traversing this 
perilous path? Non world travelers want to know.
Fritz


From: Robert E Burnett [mailto:bburne...@austin.rr.com]
Sent: Tuesday, July 29, 2008 10:29 AM
To: texascavers@texascavers.com
Subject: [Texascavers] Fw: Crazy


- Original Message -
From: Robert E Burnett
To: Robert Burnett
Sent: Tuesday, July 29, 2008 10:27 AM
Subject: Crazy

Check this out


 THERE ARE CERTANLY SOME GUTSY PEOPLE OR HAVE A DEATH WISH---I AM NOT ONE OF 
THEM--BUT VERY INTERESTING!







http://www.brightcove.tv/title.jsp?title=1438490562

[Texascavers] TSA Colorado Bend SP Project

[rafal kedzierski]

Thanks for the comments Mark, but ultimately the thanks belong to all the 
participants who came out and got dirty in the name of caving.  This despite 
gas prices being what they are, and all the other caving activities in the 
state as well as outside of it.  
 
I think the only misconception is that the project is done.  There are still 
caves to be found - especially in the eastern part of the park and across the 
river.  There are caves still to be explored and surveyed - Gorman Creek 
Crevice is about 1.5 km and going, Lost Petzl system survey still continues.
 
Rafal Kedzierski
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[NMCAVER] Dynamic Rope Recall

[Minton, Mark]

  There has been a recall of recently sold climbing ropes made by New England Ropes.  See below.
 
Mark Minton
 
 




FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJuly 29, 2008Release #08-346
Firm's Recall Hotline: (866) 617-9038CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
New England Ropes Recalls Climbing Lines Due to Fall HazardWASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. Name of Product: Maxim Apogee and Maxim Pinnacle Dynamic Climbing Lines/RopesUnits: About 530Manufacturer: New England Ropes, of Fall River, Mass.Hazard: The climbing lines can break, posing a serious fall hazard for climbers.Incidents/Injuries: None.Description: Two types of climbing ropes have been included in this recall, the Maxim Apogee 9.1mm and Maxim Pinnacle 9.5mm. The Maxim Apogee 9.1mm is a 48 carrier climbing rope. The colors are yellow and black, and red and yellow. The model numbers are 3411-91 and 3415-91, with date codes 060801 thru 080601. The UPC codes are: 75396312299, 75396312298, 75396312301, and 75396312300. The Maxim Pinnacle 9.5mm is a blue 48 carrier climbing rope. The Model number is 3403-95, with date codes 070201 thru 080601. The UPC codes are 75396312292 and 75396312293. The date codes and the UPC codes are on the original packaging.Sold at: Retailers nationwide from August 2006 through June 2008 for between $180 and $262. Manufactured in: United StatesRemedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled dynamic climbing lines and contact the manufacturer for a free replacement.Consumer Contact: For more information, consumers can contact New England Ropes toll-free at (866) 617-9038 anytime or visit the firm’s Web site at www.neropes.com/Climbing.aspx

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[Texascavers] RE: Real County cave advice

[Minton, Mark]

  Jerry Atkinson said:

>It doesn't hurt to mention that you are willing to sign a release and waiver 
>holding the landowner harmless from any lawsuit that might arise as a result 
>of your caving activities.

  In addition to offering to sign a waiver, you should mention that state 
law also holds them harmless as long as they do not charge you a fee to visit 
the cave.  There is both a waiver form and a copy of the Texas law on the TSA 
web site under Projects/Project Support:  
.

Mark Minton

Re: [Texascavers] Real County cave advice

[JerryAtkin]

 
Hi Colin;
 
You'll probably get various emails from other cavers concerning your  
question and how best to approach the situation.  Here's my advice:
 
If you are a qualified caver and have the proper experience and equipment,  
I'd tell the landowner who you are and state your caving credentials.   What 
caving group you were/are affiliated with and the number of caves that you  and 
your caving friends have visited.  If you participated in any  cave surveys or 
other somewhat scientific efforts, I'd mention those also.   Then state your 
intentions and what you would like to do.  End by assuring  the landowner that 
you will not disturb or harm anything in the cave nor will  you make public 
the landowner's name or the fact that they have a cave with  possible 
archeological material.  Also let them know that you will be  caving with 
others that 
have similar experience and ethics.  It doesn't  hurt to mention that you are 
willing to sign a release and waiver holding  the landowner harmless from any 
lawsuit that might arise as a result of your  caving activities.
 
Paramount is to never lie or overstate your credentials.  If you  haven't 
bottomed the deepest cave in the state or discovered great wonders,  don't tell 
them you have or intimate the same.  You are establishing a bond  of trust 
between you and the landowner that should be considered as important as  any 
contract you sign.  How and whether you honor that trust will determine  that 
landowner's attitude toward future cavers.
 
If you reach an agreement with the landowner and have finished your  visit to 
the cave, report back to the landowner what you saw and any  significant 
findings that might allow the landowner to better appreciate the  resource they 
own.  If you took any photos, send copies to the  landowner with a letter of 
thanks for granting your group the privilege of  access to their land.  If you 
map or sketch the cave, send copies of the  final product to the owners.  It's 
a 
big hassle and worry for many  landowners to let strangers onto their 
property much less explore any caves  that might be dangerous in their view.  
Try to 
make the experience  a positive one for both you and the landowner.
 
If they say no to your request, thank the landowner for their time and  leave 
them your name and number in case he ever changes his mind.
 
Jerry Atkinson
Texas Speleological Survey
 
 In a message dated 7/30/2008 1:22:18 A.M. Central Standard Time,  
colin...@gmail.com writes:

 
Hello fellow cavers, I have something I'd like to toss out to this  mailing 
group. I'm no longer an active caver but I would like some good solid  advice 
on what I'm about to present. 
 
Please note I haven't gone caving in several years but I know better than  to 
trespass or break any land owners rules. 
I went down to a ranch and resort in Real County right along the Frio  River 
a few weeks back. While the owners of the private campground layed out  the 
rules they did mention that on the small mountain they owned that one  could 
hike up there was a small cave with bones in it. The owners also told me  not 
to 
go near the cave or in the cave because they didn't want my bones in  there 
to. I didn't say anything about once being a caver for my own reasons, I  just 
nodded my head and said okay as the last thing I wanted to do was stir up  
trouble and have to loose my vacation. 
 
What I need help on is, IF one was to talk to the owners of this  campground 
about their cave via e-mail or phone what would be the best way to  approach 
them about it? I have no idea what I would say. Any thoughts? Please  note this 
is a serious question, I really don't know what to do here. 
 
-Colin Eby
Brownwood, Texas




 



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