texascavers Digest 10 Aug 2010 15:02:44 -0000 Issue 1131
Topics (messages 15750 through 15762):
sort of bat fungus related
15750 by: David
15751 by: Gary McDaniel
The incredible feat that is TCR
15752 by: Thomas Sitch
15753 by: caverarch.aol.com
15761 by: Fritz Holt
Re: Location for TCR
15754 by: feliciavreeland.gmail.com
15755 by: mark gee
15756 by: Herman Miller
Re: cave closures
15757 by: ellie :)
15758 by: Mark Minton
stalactite science
15759 by: David
Re: NSS Convention ?
15760 by: ellie :)
Re: TPWD - Wildlife Permitting (Scientific Collector Advisory)
15762 by: Andy Gluesenkamp
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--- Begin Message ---
Have any of you ever contracted a really bad fungus on the skin such
as on the feet
or in crevice areas of the body, such as the crotch?
I have. The itch will simply drive you insane for days, if not weeks.
You can't sleep and you toss and turn. You wake up feeling exhausted.
You try your best not to scratch it because
you are smart enough to know that scratching just makes it worse.
You put ointments
on it, and creams, and lotions, trying to find something that will
stop the painful itching.
But you keep scratching anyways.
Nothing seems to work, but it eventually goes away once you realize
you have to stop
touching it.
If bats are experiencing this painful itching, then my heart goes out
to them, as there
is probably nothing they can do to get that itch off their nose, and
they probably feel
like their whole body is itching.
Cold weather seems to help the itch go away, so maybe they go stick
their nose in a cold
spot to kill the itch.
I have found no over the counter medicine that kills the itch.
Topical pain-killers like benzocaine,
will numb the pain. Any product with alcohol burns like crazy,
especially if you have already
lost your 1st layer of skin.
David Locklear
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
http://www.amazon.com/Vagisil-Anti-Itch-Creme-Original-Formula/dp/B000052XIA
On Mon, Aug 9, 2010 at 2:41 PM, David <dlocklea...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Have any of you ever contracted a really bad fungus on the skin such
> as on the feet
> or in crevice areas of the body, such as the crotch?
>
> I have. The itch will simply drive you insane for days, if not weeks.
>
> You can't sleep and you toss and turn. You wake up feeling exhausted.
>
> You try your best not to scratch it because
> you are smart enough to know that scratching just makes it worse.
> You put ointments
> on it, and creams, and lotions, trying to find something that will
> stop the painful itching.
> But you keep scratching anyways.
>
> Nothing seems to work, but it eventually goes away once you realize
> you have to stop
> touching it.
>
> If bats are experiencing this painful itching, then my heart goes out
> to them, as there
> is probably nothing they can do to get that itch off their nose, and
> they probably feel
> like their whole body is itching.
>
> Cold weather seems to help the itch go away, so maybe they go stick
> their nose in a cold
> spot to kill the itch.
>
> I have found no over the counter medicine that kills the itch.
> Topical pain-killers like benzocaine,
> will numb the pain. Any product with alcohol burns like crazy,
> especially if you have already
> lost your 1st layer of skin.
>
> David Locklear
>
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------
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>
>
--
~Gary McDaniel
Grand Junction, CO
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
I'm amazed (and I know I'm not alone) by the incredible amount of work that is
TCR; from the organizing, location, cooking, hot-tub, wrestling... all of these
things (and more) are the product of a great amount of industry and passion
from the people that make them happen.
TCR is not an all-year theme park with full time paid employees. We want to
encourage more people to contribute and we don't want to frustrate and shut
down the people who already go far and beyond the call of duty. Bottom line:
don't take it for-granted.
I personally will always judge a venue when I get there, and not before, and if
I don't like it I'll politely mention it to the organizers... in private. I
know Allan enough to trust his judgement.
Best Regards,
~~Thomas
--- On Mon, 8/9/10, Allan Cobb <a...@oztotl.com> wrote:
From: Allan Cobb <a...@oztotl.com>
Subject: Re: [Texascavers] Location for TCR
To: "'TexasCavers'" <texascavers@texascavers.com>
List-Post: texascavers@texascavers.com
Date: Monday, August 9, 2010, 2:37 PM
Well a week has passed since I offered to let someone come up with a better
location. As expected, no one did.
Did anyone even try? I doubt it.
Over the past week, I thought about why I even bother organizing TCR if a very
vocal minority will do nothing but complain. Is it really worth it? I think
it is, that is why I do it.
I've noticed that those who complain the most are the ones who actually do
little or nothing to make TCR happen. Yet their vocal complaining is an
irritation that I frankly don't need. It is also an irritation to others.
Coming to TCR is your personal choice. If you choose not to come, fine, you
miss the fun.
TCR is put together by a very dedicated group of volunteers who spend more
hours than they care to count getting everything ready, running, and breaking
down TCR. Trust me, we don't do all this work to make ourselves heroes, we do
it so that other can come out and have fun. Other than a few key volunteers,
no one ever really sees all the people who work to make TCR happen. I want to
thank all these people who put their time and effort into TCR. Thank you
volunteers, thank you very much
If people still want to complain about the location, go ahead, it really isn't
too late to cancel TCR.
Allan
----- Original Message ----- From: Allan Cobb
To: 'TexasCavers'
Sent: Monday, August 02, 2010 9:58 AM
Subject: [Texascavers] Location for TCR
Since so many people have complained about my choice for the location of TCR, I
am will to make a deal. Anyone who wants to can find a better site. For one
week only, I am willing to change the location if a better site can be found.
Here is your chance to make a difference. Channel all your energy that has
been used for complaining into finding a site. Send me informaion on location,
description, cost, and availability. Now get out there and get to looking!
Allan
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--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
I think folks would agree that it is the people, not the venue, that makes TCR
special. And the people who put it all together are the most special of all.
Roger
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
Roger is right. I have been to the last five TCR gatherings and while I always
enjoy any outdoor location, it is the interaction with members of the group
that makes it special. 2010 will be no exception, probably better. Thanks Allan
and other volunteers.
Fritz
________________________________
From: cavera...@aol.com [mailto:cavera...@aol.com]
Sent: Monday, August 09, 2010 6:41 PM
To: texascavers@texascavers.com; a...@oztotl.com
Subject: Re: [Texascavers] The incredible feat that is TCR
I think folks would agree that it is the people, not the venue, that makes TCR
special. And the people who put it all together are the most special of all.
Roger
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
I hav'nt been to TCR in 6 yrs, 3 because I could not trust myself not to jump
into Cook camp and 3 because of my health I coudn't if I wanted to. My point is
that everyone pays to attend;every cook, wood hauler,hot tub lifter and tent
setter and yet year after year the same folks who pay to work their asses off
get disrespected by the folks paying to party. I rue the year Alan,Gil,Pete and
the annual volunteers actually find something more rewarding to do 3rd weekend
in Oct like dancing in a cactus patch. For God sake when will you people
lose your egos !
-----Original Message-----
List-Post: texascavers@texascavers.com
Date: Monday, August 09, 2010 2:50:52 pm
To: "Don Arburn" <donarb...@mac.com>
Cc: TexasCavers <texascavers@texascavers.com>
From: "Nico Escamilla" <pitboun...@gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [Texascavers] Location for TCR
I've only been to one TCR a few years ago, and all I have to say is thank
you Allan for putting it together
To all those whiners just dont go and keep the whining to yourself, I might
be driving all the way from Mexico to attend this year so dont be crying
about the distance.
Allan, will there be mud or ramen noodles this year?
Nico
On Mon, Aug 9, 2010 at 2:41 PM, Don Arburn <donarb...@mac.com> wrote:
> Helen Waite is head of TCR Complaints Department.
>
> She will forward complaints to Allan as necessary.
>
>
> Don's iPhone.
>
> On Aug 9, 2010, at 2:37 PM, Allan Cobb <a...@oztotl.com> wrote:
>
> > Well a week has passed since I offered to let someone come up with a
> better location. As expected, no one did.
> >
> > Did anyone even try? I doubt it.
> >
> > Over the past week, I thought about why I even bother organizing TCR if a
> very vocal minority will do nothing but complain. Is it really worth it? I
> think it is, that is why I do it.
> >
> > I've noticed that those w
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
Allan, I count you as a friend and I think you for finding an organizing a
place
for the TCR>
Happy Caving!!
Mark
________________________________
From: Fritz Holt <fh...@townandcountryins.com>
To: Jon <cavefa...@yahoo.com>; Don Arburn <donarb...@mac.com>
Cc: TexasCavers <texascavers@texascavers.com>
Sent: Mon, August 9, 2010 4:01:13 PM
Subject: RE: [Texascavers] Location for TCR
After putting brain in gear, I now get it. If she comes to TCR maybe we can get
Helen Wheels.
Slow Fritz
________________________________
From:Jon [mailto:cavefa...@yahoo.com]
Sent: Monday, August 09, 2010 2:49 PM
To: Don Arburn
Cc: TexasCavers
Subject: Re: [Texascavers] Location for TCR
Do you personally have to go to Helen Waite, or can you send a representative?
JC
--- On Mon, 8/9/10, Don Arburn <donarb...@mac.com> wrote:
>From: Don Arburn <donarb...@mac.com>
>Subject: Re: [Texascavers] Location for TCR
>To:
>Cc: "TexasCavers" <texascavers@texascavers.com>
>Date: Monday, August 9, 2010, 2:41 PM
>Helen Waite is head of TCR Complaints Department.
>
>She will forward complaints to Allan as necessary.
>
>
>Don's iPhone.
>
>On Aug 9, 2010, at 2:37 PM, Allan Cobb <a...@oztotl.com> wrote:
>
>> Well a week has passed since I offered to let someone come up with a better
>>location. As expected, no one did.
>>
>> Did anyone even try? I doubt it.
>>
>> Over the past week, I thought about why I even bother organizing TCR if a
>> very
>>vocal minority will do nothing but complain. Is it really worth it? I think
>>it
>>is, that is why I do it.
>>
>> I've noticed that those who complain the most are the ones who actually do
>>little or nothing to make TCR happen. Yet their vocal complaining is an
>>irritation that I frankly don't need. It is also an irritation to others.
>>Coming to TCR is your personal choice. If you choose not to come, fine, you
>>miss the fun.
>>
>> TCR is put together by a very dedicated group of volunteers who spend more
>>hours than they care to count getting everything ready, running, and breaking
>>down TCR. Trust me, we don't do all this work to make ourselves heroes, we
>>do
>>it so that other can come out and have fun. Other than a few key volunteers,
>>no
>>one ever really sees all the people who work to make TCR happen. I want to
>>thank
>>all these people who put their time and effort into TCR. Thank you
>>volunteers,
>>thank you very much
>>
>> If people still want to complain about the location, go ahead, it really
>> isn't
>>too late to cancel TCR.
>>
>> Allan
>> ----- Original Message ----- From: Allan Cobb
>> To: 'TexasCavers'
>> Sent: Monday, August 02, 2010 9:58 AM
>> Subject: [Texascavers] Location for TCR
>>
>>
>> Since so many people have complained about my choice for the location of
>> TCR, I
>>am will to make a deal. Anyone who wants to can find a better site. For one
>>week only, I am willing to change the location if a better site can be found.
>>
>>Here is your chance to make a difference. Channel all your energy that has
>>been
>>used for complaining into finding a site. Send me informaion on location,
>>description, cost, and availability. Now get out there and get to looking!
>>
>> Allan
>>
>> ---------------------------------------------------------------------
>> Visit our website: http://texascavers.com/
>> To unsubscribe, e-mail: texascavers-unsubscr...@texascavers.com
>> For additional commands, e-mail: texascavers-h...@texascavers.com
>>
>
>---------------------------------------------------------------------
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--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
I'm actually bringing my Jeep this year in hopes I can find the time to hit
some trails with it.... And depending on how much time I find I might also
burn through some of the ammo I have stacked halfway to the ceiling in the
closet.
On Mon, Aug 9, 2010 at 7:15 PM, mark gee <markageetxca...@yahoo.com> wrote:
> Allan, I count you as a friend and I think you for finding an organizing a
> place for the TCR>
> Happy Caving!!
> Mark
>
> ------------------------------
> *From:* Fritz Holt <fh...@townandcountryins.com>
> *To:* Jon <cavefa...@yahoo.com>; Don Arburn <donarb...@mac.com>
>
> *Cc:* TexasCavers <texascavers@texascavers.com>
> *Sent:* Mon, August 9, 2010 4:01:13 PM
> *Subject:* RE: [Texascavers] Location for TCR
>
> After putting brain in gear, I now get it. If she comes to TCR maybe we
> can get Helen Wheels.
>
>
>
> Slow Fritz
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> *From:* Jon [mailto:cavefa...@yahoo.com]
> *Sent:* Monday, August 09, 2010 2:49 PM
> *To:* Don Arburn
> *Cc:* TexasCavers
> *Subject:* Re: [Texascavers] Location for TCR
>
>
>
> Do you personally have to go to Helen Waite, or can you send a
> representative?
>
>
>
> JC
>
>
>
> --- On *Mon, 8/9/10, Don Arburn <donarb...@mac.com>* wrote:
>
>
> From: Don Arburn <donarb...@mac.com>
> Subject: Re: [Texascavers] Location for TCR
> To:
> Cc: "TexasCavers" <texascavers@texascavers.com>
> Date: Monday, August 9, 2010, 2:41 PM
>
> Helen Waite is head of TCR Complaints Department.
>
> She will forward complaints to Allan as necessary.
>
>
> Don's iPhone.
>
> On Aug 9, 2010, at 2:37 PM, Allan Cobb
> <a...@oztotl.com<http://us.mc395.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=a...@oztotl.com>>
> wrote:
>
> > Well a week has passed since I offered to let someone come up with a
> better location. As expected, no one did.
> >
> > Did anyone even try? I doubt it.
> >
> > Over the past week, I thought about why I even bother organizing TCR if a
> very vocal minority will do nothing but complain. Is it really worth it? I
> think it is, that is why I do it.
> >
> > I've noticed that those who complain the most are the ones who actually
> do little or nothing to make TCR happen. Yet their vocal complaining is an
> irritation that I frankly don't need. It is also an irritation to others.
> Coming to TCR is your personal choice. If you choose not to come, fine, you
> miss the fun.
> >
> > TCR is put together by a very dedicated group of volunteers who spend
> more hours than they care to count getting everything ready, running, and
> breaking down TCR. Trust me, we don't do all this work to make ourselves
> heroes, we do it so that other can come out and have fun. Other than a few
> key volunteers, no one ever really sees all the people who work to make TCR
> happen. I want to thank all these people who put their time and effort into
> TCR. Thank you volunteers, thank you very much
> >
> > If people still want to complain about the location, go ahead, it really
> isn't too late to cancel TCR.
> >
> > Allan
> > ----- Original Message ----- From: Allan Cobb
> > To: 'TexasCavers'
> > Sent: Monday, August 02, 2010 9:58 AM
> > Subject: [Texascavers] Location for TCR
> >
> >
> > Since so many people have complained about my choice for the location of
> TCR, I am will to make a deal. Anyone who wants to can find a better site.
> For one week only, I am willing to change the location if a better site can
> be found. Here is your chance to make a difference. Channel all your
> energy that has been used for complaining into finding a site. Send me
> informaion on location, description, cost, and availability. Now get out
> there and get to looking!
> >
> > Allan
> >
> > ---------------------------------------------------------------------
> > Visit our website: http://texascavers.com/
> > To unsubscribe, e-mail:
> > texascavers-unsubscr...@texascavers.com<http://us.mc395.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=texascavers-unsubscr...@texascavers.com>
> > For additional commands, e-mail:
> > texascavers-h...@texascavers.com<http://us.mc395.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=texascavers-h...@texascavers.com>
> >
>
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>
>
>
>
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
I would love to document and monitor the bats... while they are among us .
On 8/9/10, Andy Gluesenkamp <andrew_gluesenk...@yahoo.com> wrote:
> About all I can come up with is that we need to "deputize" the Texas caving
> community to help us document and monitor bat populations. This is has been
> my mantra in every internal WNS meeting here at TPWD. That is more-or-less
> the opposite of closing caves and is an opinion shared by other members of
> the WNS team. Unfortunately, folks want to seize on the idea that "The Man"
> is blindly seeking to take away their caving priviledges. Not the case here
> in TX.
>
> Andrew G. Gluesenkamp, Ph.D.
> 700 Billie Brooks Drive
> Driftwood, Texas 78619
> (512) 799-1095
> a...@gluesenkamp.com
>
> --- On Mon, 8/9/10, Mark Minton <mmin...@caver.net> wrote:
>
> Agencies do it because they feel like they have to do _something_, and at
> the moment that's about all they can come up with. :-(
>
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
This is essentially what happened here in
Virginia. Initially there was a knee-jerk, blanket ban on caving,
but then people realized that cavers were the eyes and ears on and
under the ground that provided real-time info on how the bats were
doing. The policy soon changed to allowing caving with decon. That
was true for everyone but the feds; the USFWS never relaxed their
caving ban. My guess is that they won't do so any time soon - they
are the most remote from cavers and the most
impenetrable. Fortunately for us that affects relatively few of the
caves most of us visit regularly.
Mark Minton
At 11:56 AM 8/9/2010, Andy Gluesenkamp wrote:
About all I can come up with is that we need to "deputize" the Texas
caving community to help us document and monitor bat
populations. This is has been my mantra in every internal WNS
meeting here at TPWD. That is more-or-less the opposite of closing
caves and is an opinion shared by other members of the WNS
team. Unfortunately, folks want to seize on the idea that "The Man"
is blindly seeking to take away their caving priviledges. Not the
case here in TX.
Andrew G. Gluesenkamp, Ph.D.
700 Billie Brooks Drive
Driftwood, Texas 78619
(512) 799-1095
a...@gluesenkamp.com
--- On Mon, 8/9/10, Mark Minton <mmin...@caver.net> wrote:
Agencies do it because they feel like they have to do _something_,
and at the moment that's about all they can come up with. :-(
Please reply to mmin...@caver.net
Permanent email address is mmin...@illinoisalumni.org
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
The link below is a 70 year old study, but it may be of interest to
somebody out there:
https://kb.osu.edu/dspace/bitstream/1811/2552/1/V32N02_069.pdf
The conclusion he reached is worth taking a look at.
He also mentions that new concrete forms stalactites faster than
old concrete.
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
Watch your mouth yall- im still revelling in my youth! The kind folks
of New York are have been taking me into their caves the last 3 days
of Post Convention Camp. I plan to get into another cave today!
On 8/9/10, Josh Rubinstein <kars...@gmail.com> wrote:
> David,
>
> Well, let's see. Four days ago I was standing on ice. It was in Cave of
> the Winds, a tectonic cave on Mt. Mansfield, Vermont's highest mountain.
> Pretty good for August.
>
> Before I recap convention let me congratulate Bob Cowell, new Fellow of
> the Society, and Geary Schindel, the new NSS Administrative Vice President.
>
> Okay, For all those who said there was no caving; WRONG! It was just you
> couldn't fit. Well, at least, on the Vermont side. On the Adirondack side,
> the cave's were maneuverable and beautiful washed marble. And, like, I
> said, on Friday I was on ice.
>
> Many of the session did not happen for lack of entries. Mark and Vonny did
> a wonderful job of beating the bushes for an excellent International
> Exploration session. I especially liked the Kite Flying in Chinese Caves.
> The Geology session was a Milroy short course on the island karst of
> Bahamas, Barbados and Guam. The other set of talks where from Andraus and
> his students on the 'climate' of various caves including Jewel and
> Carlsbad. Late in the day, Matt Covington presented a paper that went by in
> whirl of variables but I think it looked very interesting.
>
> On Wednesday there was a presentation on WNS. One of the saddest moments
> came when someone asked how the fungus spread from Hasbrook Mine to Aolius
> Cave, neither place often visited by humans. "Maybe we did it." answered Al
> Hicks, the head bat guy in New York. You could see that they were
> struggling with the same thing cavers are. Even before they go to collect
> data, they asked is it worth the possibility that we will do harm. It was
> clear that those who have seen these massive die-offs are changed.
>
> We know more about WNS than I thought we did. The bat's are awakened by the
> lesions caused by the fungus. Some may survives but their wings are
> tattered and they can die well into summer because they no longer can hunt
> efficiently. It seems that while in hibernation the bats can not launch an
> immune response. That I read to mean this is a problem of hibernating bats,
> not the Free tail (Crash, correct me if I am wrong).
>
> Finally, it was a very old convention. They brought a cake up for Art
> Palmer for his 70th birthday. He was my advisor and I had no idea. Will
> White got ovation for attending successively 57 conventions. There was no
> award for a paper given by someone under 25 because there weren't any.
> There were handful young people and some children of cavers, but that was
> it.
>
> Josh
>
> On Sun, Aug 8, 2010 at 10:09 PM, Mark Minton <mmin...@caver.net> wrote:
>
>> The sessions I went to went very well. Yvonne Droms and I were in
>> charge of International Exploration on Wednesday and we had a full day of
>> exciting talks from China to Mexico and points in between, often with
>> standing room only. My guess is that the average age was more like 50,
>> but
>> it is definitely creeping up. The Syphons were great, as always. The
>> weather was often rainy, but that's par for the course at NSS Conventions.
>> At least there were not high winds, so not many camps were damaged.
>> Groad
>> Hollow was in a nice spot in the woods, which was very nice.
>>
>> Mark Minton
>>
>>
>> At 10:03 PM 8/8/2010, David wrote:
>>
>>> I presume everybody is home safe now from the convention ?
>>>
>>> I feel it is important to discuss the convention, to encourage new cavers
>>> unfamiliar with the NSS to attend future conventions, and for those
>>> that really wanted to go, but just couldn't make it.
>>>
>>> This was a difficult convention for most Texas cavers to attend.
>>> Only about 13 percent
>>> showed up. But there were still more Texas cavers there than Vermont
>>> cavers. ( I bet this convention probably broke the record for the number
>>> of Vermont cavers to attend. ).
>>>
>>> I searched the web looking for reports about the convention, but
>>> did not find anything. I regret missing almost all of it. Maybe
>>> there are still some cavers that are not home yet,
>>> who have stories to tell?
>>>
>>> I saw nearly 25 cavers there from Texas, along with their families.
>>>
>>> Here are just a few that were wandering around the Howdy Party: Tom
>>> Summers,
>>> RD Milhollin, Mike Walsh, Jim Kennedy, Bill Mixon, Terry Raines & family,
>>> Mark Minton ( lives in VA now ),
>>> Peter Strickland and sons, Lee Jay Graves, Keith and Lisa Goggins
>>> ( of the Terminal Siphons ), Rene Shields, Gary Napper, Chris Thibodaux,
>>> Ellie Theone, Jim Coke, and Bill Stone. Who did I leave
>>> out ? ( Michael Cicherski, Benjamin and Corrine Schwartz, Kenneth
>>> Laidlaw, Josh
>>> Rubenstein and Rex Williams )
>>>
>>> But there were also lots of cavers there
>>> that many of you know like: Dale Pate, and famous cavers like
>>> Roger Brucker and Dick Blenz, and most likely dozens of others that
>>> I didn't get a chance to say hello to.
>>>
>>> The average age of the cavers attending seems to get one year older at
>>> each convention.
>>> A safe guess would be over 50, but my bet would be 60.
>>>
>>> I think I saw at least one Facebook posting that the Terminal Siphons
>>> put on a great show.
>>>
>>> I posted my final road-trip report privately by e-mail, so if you want
>>> to read it, feel free to contact me.
>>>
>>> Some expressed mixed feelings about my intentions for driving
>>> to Vermont. I did make a last-minute faithful attempt to take cavers on
>>> my little joyride. I posted ride offers on Cavechat.org and NSS
>>> On-line Cavers,
>>> and here on Cavetex.
>>>
>>> Yesterday, I picked up my 4th Craigslist rider in Slidell, Louisiana and
>>> he paid me $ 40 to drop him off in Houston. After this experience, I
>>> would
>>> highly discourage others from offering cross-country rides on Craigslist.
>>>
>>> I would be interested to know how the sessions went, and the salons,
>>> and the Terminal Siphons concert. And more about Vermont, for example,
>>> how were the caves and the caving ? How did the weather turn out?
>>>
>>> I learned that Vermont has pockets of paradise that are well worth
>>> visiting. I only got to see 2 of them very briefly on this trip.
>>>
>>> If anybody wants to tell me about their trip privately, I would like to
>>> read it.
>>>
>>> This trip was probably the hardest of my life, but I had at least 8
>>> hours of fun,
>>> that I could not have had, had I chosen to stay home.
>>>
>>> For example, have you ever been at the edge of a virgin pit
>>> in going virgin cave, and decided to turn around and head out, knowing
>>> that
>>> you would never be able to return? I wouldn't know that feeling,
>>> but that was
>>> probably how I felt when I started the car and started heading south
>>> after leaving
>>> the Howdy Party.
>>>
>>> David Locklear
>>>
>>
>> Please reply to mmin...@caver.net
>> Permanent email address is mmin...@illinoisalumni.org
>>
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>>
>
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
I just received this advisory from our permitting folks. It is being sent out
to all scientific permit holders who may work in caves but I think cavers might
find it of interest as well. This is not a notice of closure or anything of
the sort. Just good ol' common sense.
Andy
Andrew G. Gluesenkamp, Ph.D.
700 Billie Brooks Drive
Driftwood, Texas 78619
(512) 799-1095
a...@gluesenkamp.com
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) would like to make all
scientific research permit holders aware of a current Scientific Collector
Advisory concerning White-nose Syndrome. While the majority of current permit
holders do not collect bats, this message is intended to alert researchers to
growing concerns about the spread of this disease. The following links will
provide information to aid in its identification, alert all to current
requirements surrounding the use of equipment, and offer a TPWD point of
contact for questions regarding this disease.
Scientific Collector Advisory
Considerations of White-nose Syndrome in Bats during Scientific Collecting
Activities
Since you have applied for a Wildlife Collector’s Permit to trap, salvage, or
collect bats, you are likely aware of White-nose Syndrome (WNS) and the danger
it poses to populations of cave bats in North America . If you are not familiar
with this disease, please take the time to familiarize yourself. A few websites
that provide good information and additional links are:
National Speleological Society http://caves.org/WNS
US Fish & Wildlife Service http://www.fws.gov/northeast/white_nose.html
Bat Conservation International http://www.batcon.org/wns
USGS National Wildlife Health Center
http://www.nwhc.usgs.gov/disease_information/white-nose_syndrome/index.jsp
Even if you are already aware of WNS, it is a good idea to check one or more of
these websites regularly because new information is posted quite often.
Noticeable signs of a fungal infection are scars and damage to wings and other
membranous tissues and/or white fuzz on the nose and wings. See the following
website for descriptions and pictures of affected tissues –
http://www.fws.gov/northeast/PDF/Reichard_Scarring%20index%20bat%20wings.pdf
Examine all bats handled or collected for wing damage and score them according
to this index. Pictures of suspicious damage should be taken and submitted.
Report any signs of WNS to John Young at Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
(john.yo...@tpwd.state.tx.us) as soon as possible.
Because human spread of WNS is considered a possibility, the following special
notes apply to your Wildlife Collector’s Permit – Any equipment that has
contacted bats or has been inside caves or mines in confirmed WNS-affected
states are prohibited from being used in Texas . Equipment used in Texas
should be decontaminated with with a 10% bleach solution, 3% Lysol, or other
USFWS recommended disinfectant, before being used at another location. For
additional disinfection protocols see:
http://www.fws.gov/northeast/pdf/2008%20Summer%20Protocols_15May2008b.pdf
USFWS is requiring case-by-case approval for the use of harp traps (especially
at hibernacula entrances during fall swarming and spring emergence), please
contact John Young (512-389-8047) at Texas Parks and Wildlife Department if you
are planning to use a harp trap in Texas or have other questions related to
WNS.
Thank you for all you do.
Chris Maldonado
Wildlife Permits Specialist
Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
4200 Smith School Road
Austin, Texas 78744
(512) 389-4647
(512) 389-4550 fax
--- End Message ---
