The U.S. Forest Service Region 2 has issued a new, modified cave
closure order for the Rocky Mountain Region for one year. In it,
members of the NSS and CRF are granted exemptions for broad purposes
consistent with the conditions of the MOUs the organizations have with
the USFS.
Advance permission is still required, as well as following decon
procedures, modified by the USFS.
Why is this important? It shows that government policy-makers are
beginning to acknowledge that the risk of human-based transmission of
Geomyces destructans can be all but eliminated if people take the time
to decontaminate their gear. Secondly, the USFS trusts the NSS and
our members as we continue to develop long-term, sustainable cave
visitation policies. Those of us in other areas of the country can
point to this policy as one that is mutually beneficial to everyone
and protects a potentially endangered resource.
We all owe Derek Bristol a huge debt of gratitude for his perseverance
during negotiations with the USFS. Thanks to Derek's efforts the
templates for trip reports required by this order will now permit
non-NSS grotto members, scouts, and other groups to accompany NSS and
CRF members on authorized trips.
Here is a PDF copy of the Order:
http://www.caves.org/WNS/USFS%20Region%202%202012%20Closure%20Extension.pdf
CavingNews.com Article:
http://cavingnews.com/20120802-rocky-mountain-region-extends-cave-closures-acknowledges-cavers
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