texascavers Digest 3 Aug 2010 16:54:44 -0000 Issue 1125
Topics (messages 15680 through 15686):
Re: TPWD Executive Order re: WNS and cave access
15680 by: David Ochel
Re: 2010 Texas Cavers Reunion!
15681 by: Fran Hutchins
UT Grotto meeting - Wednesday August 4, 2010
15682 by: Gary Franklin
Re: Jim's Final Journey
15683 by: John Greer
Re: TCR sites
15684 by: Fritz Holt
Personal Road-trip Report 8 of 20
15685 by: David
Re: Location of Texas caving functions
15686 by: Fritz Holt
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--- Begin Message ---
Hmm...
It's missing from the list of executive orders on their website at
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/executive_orders/ - I wonder
where on the TPWD site they intend to post the list of closed caves
that's mentioned in the order?
Cheers,
David
Butch Fralia said the following on 8/2/2010 4:20 PM:
> This is being forwarded to the list from Logan McNatt who cannot post
> from his work e-mail address�.
>
>
>
> Butch
>
>
>
>
>
> This is a general policy statement that applies only to caves on TPWD
> properties, e.g. state parks and wildlife management areas. Decisions
> are being made on a case by case basis. So far, Gorman Cave at Colorodo
> Bend SP is the only cave normally open to visitors that has been closed.
> The policy was developed after much thought and consultation with other
> agencies, including Bat Conservation International. Logan
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>
>
> *TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT*
>
> * EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ORDER NO. 010-005*
>
>
>
>
>
> The Executive Director of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department orders
> the restrictions to public access to certain department lands and
> facilities as provided herein.
>
>
>
> Due to the detection of White Nose Syndrome (WNS) in bat populations in
> nearby states, the Executive Director has determined that it is
> necessary to authorize staff of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
> (the department) to restrict public access, where necessary, to caves or
> other natural features on state parks, wildlife management areas, and
> any other lands under the management of the department, in order to
> prevent the possible spread of WNS as a result of human contact.
>
>
>
> WNS is a fungal pathogen whose etiology, pathology, distribution, and
> dispersal have not been well studied and are not well understood. WNS is
> believed to disrupt the feeding and hibernation cycles of affected
> individuals, leading to death in almost all cases. WNS poses no threat
> to human beings. At the present time, WNS is not known to have spread to
> Texas; however, since its discovery in the northeastern United States in
> 2006, it has spread southward and westward and now has been detected or
> is suspected to exist in 14 states and two Canadian provinces, including
> the states of Missouri and Oklahoma. Although the mechanics of WNS
> transmission are not definitively known, mammalogists have recommended
> the closure of hibernacula (areas where bats hibernate) to human contact
> in order to minimize the potential spread of WNS. WNS has been detected
> in nine species of bats thus far (little brown bat, eastern small-footed
> bat, northern long-eared bat, tri-colored bat, big brown bat, Indiana
> bat, gray bat, cave myotis, and southeastern myotis). Because several of
> the species of bats known to be susceptible to WNS are found in Texas,
> the department believes it is prudent to identify and close to public
> access those areas under the control of the department where physical
> contact between humans and bats or bat habitat may occur.
>
>
>
> *_It is therefore ordered that department staff is authorized to
> restrict public access, as necessary, to any feature or area under
> department control in order to prevent the spread of WNS. Department
> staff is also authorized to allow controlled access to caves and other
> areas under conditions prescribed by the department, including escorted
> visitation, limitations on activities and conduct, and decontamination
> protocols._*
>
>
>
> The department will prominently post those areas that are closed to
> public access, and will publish a list of the closed areas on the
> department website.
>
>
>
> This order is issued pursuant to �81.401 of the Texas Parks and Wildlife
> Code, and 31 Tex. Admin. Code �59.132(a), �59.134(e), �65.192(f),
> �65.204(d). This order is effective immediately.
>
>
>
> Signed this the 29^th day of July, 2010.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> cid:image001.jpg@01CB3225.18D4F760
>
> Carter Smith
>
> Executive Director
>
> Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
>
>
>
--
David Ochel, mailto:d...@ochel.net
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
We can always rent paintball equipment and setup perimeter security for the
when the hoards of off-roaders invade.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Allan Cobb" <a...@oztotl.com>
To: "A Texas Caving Remailer for Texas Cavers" <Texascavers@texascavers.com>
Sent: Sunday, August 01, 2010 3:02 PM
Subject: [Texascavers] 2010 Texas Cavers Reunion!
Howdy y'all,
Here is the first announcement for the 33rd Annual Texas Cavers Reunion.
This year TCR will be on the 3100 acre Hidden Falls Adventure Park
(www.hiddenfallsadventurepark.com) on the weekend of October 15-17. The
ranch is conveniently located just 5 miles east of Marble Falls on FM1431.
There will be lots of shady camping. You can bring your 4WD, ATV, dirt
bike, or mountain bike and enjoy the off-road trails throughout the
property. It is likely that we will once again offer the Slow Race so
brush up on your off-road driving skills. More info may be found at
www.oztotl.com. We will have the usual fun stuff.
Hope to see you there!
Allan
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--- Begin Message ---
Underground Texas Grotto meeting August 4, 2010
The meeting is on Wednesday from 7:45 P.M. - 9:00 P.M.
University of Texas Campus in 2.48 Painter Hall
http://www.utexas.edu/maps/main/buildings/pai.html
We have a multiple presentations related to geological investigations.
Peter Sprouse will present Spewing Springs: Aftermath of Hurricane Alex. Peter
had heard stories from a Coahuila Rancher about a deep pit that spewed after
a hurricane passed that reoccurred after the recent Alex event.
Ron Rutherford will share Cool European Geological features from the his
recent visit to areas of the countryside.
For information on Underground Texas Grotto activities, please see
www.utgrotto.org All of our information including officer contact info,
trips reports, new caver training, event calendar, and posting links to
beginner trips or vertical rope training are available.
Before the meetings, some may go to Sao Paulo www.saopaulos.net for happy
hour specials. After the official meeting, we continue the tradition to
reconvene for burgers, beer, and tall tales of caving at Posse East.
www.posse-east.com
The UT Grotto needs you, the caver with photos and a story to share about
your adventures, scientific research, or something else really cool. Contact
Gary v...@utgrotto.org
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
For those interested (and there will be at least a couple), I pass this
along.
John
----- Original Message -----
From: michael mceachern
Sent: Tuesday, August 03, 2010 7:51 AM
Subject: FW: Jim's Final Journey
To NRMG Members:
Jim Chester, Montana's premier caver, died on Saturday, July 31. I am
passing along this email for our grotto president (Mike is in the Bob
Marshall on a caving trip). Some of you might want to attend the memorial
service on Monday.
Nancy Boice
Sec/ NRMG
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Fw: Jim's Final Journey
List-Post: texascavers@texascavers.com
Date: Tue, 3 Aug 2010 05:21:23 -0500
From: bill.ste...@scouting.org
To: cav...@msn.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Susan Conrad <susanmariecon...@gmail.com>
Sent: Mon Aug 02 20:12:59 2010
Subject: Jim's Final Journey
"There is a spiritual presence which can aptly cushion our every fall,
bringing comfort and subtle meaning to our lives. However, we'll not feel
this gentle comfort unless we attune ourselves to the others in our company.
It's within another's soul that we sense the beacon of light which
illuminates the way we're traveling."
� author unknown
Jim Chester was a beacon of light for me, undoubtedly. He guided me,
inspired me, and kept many of you informed during my personal journey up the
Inside Passage of British Columbia and Southeast Alaska earlier this summer.
An email seems so stark, so impersonal, even soul-less for something of this
nature but I know of no other way to inform all the friends and loved ones
whose lives he touched immeasurably. After a 4 week struggle in the
aftermath of quadruple bypass surgery complicated by renal failure, Jim
Chester passed away at his Eureka, Montana home on July 30th. He experienced
66 years of living life to the absolute fullest. His life philosophy was to
follow his curiosity and see where it led him. It led him to many special
places; to the oceans deep, to the mountains high, to the depths of caverns
and the love of life and discovery and exploration. It also led him to many
special people - all of you.
Many of you never had the opportunity to meet this brilliant, compassionate,
incredibly rare man but did come to know him through his eloquent words as
he kept you posted on my journey up the Inside Passage. He was with me every
stroke of the way, and brought you all along for the ride. And what a thrill
it was - Jim's final adventure with me, with all of us. In the end, he
confidently and proudly confronted his health issues, well aware that his
own personal "medical Cape Caution" as he referred to it, loomed on the
horizon with much at stake.
I was the last one to see and speak with Jim, the day before he died. He
talked about the day he would be able to cave, hike, ski and kayak again...
We reminiscenced and I assured him he would one day be doing those physical
activities which he loved so much again - soon. I was, unfortunately, wrong.
The adventure is over but the adventurer will never be forgotten.
Jim had an impressive list of accomplishments in his life. Here is a brief
synopsis:
Jim�s passion was cave exploration, specifically of the alpine wilderness
cave systems of Montana. He was a Fellow of The Explorers Club and The
National Speleological Society. The NSS has recognized Jim's achievements
with their highest award for exploration. He served on the Board of
Directors of The Alpine Karst Foundation and was a member of The U.S. Cave
Exploration Committee of the NSS. He was past editor of Alpine Karst, and
author (ghost) of the latest edition of the Boy Scouts of America
Orienteering Merit Badge Booklet. He was the chapters editor for The
Explorers Log. He kayaked nearly 2000 ocean miles; dived thermal features in
Yellowstone National Park; rappelled into a 240 foot well in a European
medieval castle and discovered a new species of amphipod in a Glacier
National Park Cave. Jim has carried The Explorers Club Flag twice, once in
2007 and once in 2009. Jim was the recipient of The 2005 Vancouver Award of
The Pacific Northwest Chapter and was the 2010 Explorers Club Citation of
Merit Awardee for outstanding service to the Explorers Club as the Chapters
Editor of The Explorers Log and for his extraordinary contributions to the
field of cave exploration.
Jim�s wishes were to be cremated. A reception honoring his life will be held
at the Rexford Bench day use area on Lake Koocanusa, in Rexford, Montana on
Monday, August 9 at 3 p.m. All are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers
donations may be made to the Explorers Club Youth Expedition Scholarship
Fund in care of Maura Glikas, The Explorers Club, 46 E. 70th St., New York,
NY 10021.
With Deep Regrets and Best Regards,
Susan
406.249.8086
P.S. The location for the reception may change and if so I will be sure to
let everyone know.
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
Bill,
We both have the same problem, you are too far west and I am too far east.
Guess that's why central Texas works best for most. However, there are good
caves and good locations in the western part of The Hill Country and the
eastern part of west Texas. The newly opened to primitive camping Kickapoo
Caverns State Natural Area 23 miles north of Brackettville might be a future
possibility. Not only an impressive and easy cave but a meal and possibly a
swim could be arranged at beautiful Fort Clark Springs Resort in Brackettville.
Both the Nueces and Frio Canyons have beautiful locations if arrangements could
be negotiated with private land owners who have caves, river frontage and good
areas in which to camp. Jesse Lockhart in the Camp Wood/Vance area comes to
mind. Garner State Park would be ideal if weren't for the hot tub, fire, noise
and curfew restrictions. One of the most beautiful places on the Nueces is
Eagle Ranch (Camp Eagle) where arrangements might be made and it is only about
30 miles from The Devil's Sinkhole and Rock Springs. There are other good sites
for future consideration but 2011 is a long way off, (not). I am personally
looking forward to this year's location. I have never considered taking my 2005
Honda ATV to a TCR gathering due to the limited area in which to ride but this
year is the exception. Hope to see you there.
Fritz, a slow and sleazy rider.
________________________________
From: Bill Bentley [mailto:ca...@caver.net]
Sent: Monday, August 02, 2010 6:54 PM
To: Fritz Holt; Texascavers Mailing List
Subject: Re: [Texascavers] TCR sites
But it is okay for us poor saps that live out in the western half here to have
to have the time and expense to get there? Sounds a little m,essed up to me...
But...
With Texas being a big state presents its problems with logistics, I understand
that and usually it is some place in the middle but every once in a great while
it would be nice to a bit closer for us.... Not many of us go and maybe that is
why? I don't know... Not many caves close by either so we have to travel...
Bill
----- Original Message -----
From: Fritz Holt<mailto:fh...@townandcountryins.com>
To: 'Bill Bentley'<mailto:ca...@caver.net> ; Texascavers Mailing
List<mailto:texascavers@texascavers.com>
Sent: Monday, August 02, 2010 4:38 PM
Subject: RE: [Texascavers] TCR sites
Nothing against the western reaches except the time and expense to get there
for us unfortunates in Houston, Dallas and points east.
Fritz
________________________________
From: Bill Bentley [mailto:ca...@caver.net]
Sent: Monday, August 02, 2010 6:36 PM
To: Texascavers Mailing List
Subject: Re: [Texascavers] TCR sites
What have you all got against the West? What is this not too far West
requirement? Texas is a big state from El Paso to Texarkana...
:)
Bill
----- Original Message -----
From: Stefan Creaser<mailto:stefan.crea...@arm.com>
To: a...@gluesenkamp.com<mailto:a...@gluesenkamp.com> ;
texascavers@texascavers.com<mailto:texascavers@texascavers.com> ; Sheryl
Rieck<mailto:shri...@cableone.net>
Sent: Monday, August 02, 2010 2:39 PM
Subject: RE: [Texascavers] TCR sites
That's as maybe, but it seems to violate the "not too far west" requirement...
From: Andy Gluesenkamp [mailto:andrew_gluesenk...@yahoo.com]
Sent: Monday, August 02, 2010 3:38 PM
To: texascavers@texascavers.com<mailto:texascavers@texascavers.com>; Sheryl
Rieck
Subject: RE: [Texascavers] TCR sites
Hey,
That's next door to my buddy's place. There are a few holes in the hills too.
AGG
Andrew G. Gluesenkamp, Ph.D.
700 Billie Brooks Drive
Driftwood, Texas 78619
(512) 799-1095
a...@gluesenkamp.com<mailto:a...@gluesenkamp.com>
--- On Mon, 8/2/10, Sheryl Rieck <shri...@cableone.net> wrote:
From: Sheryl Rieck <shri...@cableone.net>
Subject: RE: [Texascavers] TCR sites
To: texascavers@texascavers.com
List-Post: texascavers@texascavers.com
Date: Monday, August 2, 2010, 3:02 PM
Here you go!
http://www.landsoftexas.com/texas/index.cfm?detail=&inv_id=134562
-----Original Message-----
From: Stefan Creaser
[mailto:stefan.crea...@arm.com<http://us.mc320.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=stefan.crea...@arm.com>]
Sent: Monday, August 02, 2010 2:48 PM
To: Sheryl Rieck; Gill Edigar;
texascavers@texascavers.com<http://us.mc320.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=texascavers@texascavers.com>
Subject: RE: [Texascavers] TCR sites
And where is it? Do you have a link?
-----Original Message-----
From: Sheryl Rieck
[mailto:shri...@cableone.net<http://us.mc320.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=shri...@cableone.net>]
Sent: Monday, August 02, 2010 2:14 PM
To: 'Gill Edigar';
texascavers@texascavers.com<http://us.mc320.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=texascavers@texascavers.com>
Subject: RE: [Texascavers] TCR sites
I found such a place. It is 339 acres for a cool mil. Anybody?
Sheryl
-----Original Message-----
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IMPORTANT NOTICE: The contents of this email and any attachments are
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--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
After the Howdy Party ended, it didn't take long for me to decide what
I had to do.
My journey northward had finally ended, and it was time that I must
turn around and
go in the direction towards home and face the realities of life.
I drove into the town of Burlington, and was lost there for about 20
minutes, before finding
Highway 7 going south. My plan was to stop and rest at the 1st
state park, Mt. Philo.
But the gate was locked and the nearby parking spot did not seem like
a safe place to
sleep. I tried to sleep there from about 2 am to 4:30 am, when I
was awoken by a
car that pulled right up next to me and stopped when they had the
entire parking lot they
could have parked in. It was pitch dark and I couldn't see them, so
I drove off.
Most likely an early morning jogger. ( So I didn't get to see the
state park )
My next stop was Button Bay State Park, and I got some good sleep there. This
place kicks ass and takes names. It is in my top 10 places I want
to return to someday.
They have coin-operated hot showers. But the nature trail is
simply awesome - a must see
kind of place if you are in western Vermont.
Nearby, I drove thru Basin Harbor, Vermont, which is a place where the
rich go to take
their families for a a few days in the outdoors. The swimming and
kayaking are excellent and
they have ritzy cottages along the rocky shoreline, and all the
amenities the rich need to
enjoy the outdoors.
I am now in a beautiful old library in downtown Vergennes, Vermont,
about to eat in
what looks like a good cafe.
There is a waterfall here with an old hydroelectric plant. It is
worth walking around
that, if one is in the area.
My next stop should be in the next town south of here to pick up a
college student heading home
supposedly. I am taking him 5 or 6 hours south towards New Jersey.
Hopefully,
he won't be as wacko as the other Craigslist riders that rode north
with me, and hopefully
he will be a help to the trip, instead of a burden, like the 1st two were.
To be continued.....
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
Roger is a party animal.
________________________________
From: cavera...@aol.com [mailto:cavera...@aol.com]
Sent: Monday, August 02, 2010 6:32 PM
To: Texascavers@texascavers.com
Subject: Re: [Texascavers] Location of Texas caving functions
As Carl said
used to a 200 mile drive for a convention, project, BOG, TCR, or just a good
party
It wasn't quite 200 miles, but I happily did the drive from Houston to Deep
South Austin a couple of weeks ago for "just a good party." No regrets at all.
Roger Moore
GHG
--- End Message ---
