Cavers, Ezells Cave Preserve in San Marcos, owned by the Texas Cave Management Association, is in need of a new gate. Many years ago the cave was permanently sealed and the small population of Myotis velifer bats was denied access, which cut off the nutrient supply for many rare and endangered denizens living in the lake below. Later, the gate was removed and sporadic use by bats was noted by visitors. Later still, a new gate and concrete platform were installed which did nothing to enhance bat populations to return, although a few tricolored bats (Perimyotis subflavus) have been noted in recent years. A new gate is envisioned that would reopen the window into the aquifer and help restore the ecology of the cave. So how can you help?
We have already applied for and received a Landowner Incentive Program grant but we need more to offset the greatly-discounted $13,000 price tag for the construction project. A lot of the design work and equipment is being donated by Jim Kennedy through his business, but we will need additional funds for steel and welding supplies. We also need to pay a welder. Please go to the Donate section on our website to pledge today. For those who wish to donate additional funds, we are giving you an opportunity to have your name welded on steel. For every $100 donation, we offer to put your full name on a length of steel which will be incorporated into the gate. Lesser donations may entitle you to steel initials. And we will need many volunteers to need carry steel from the street to the cave, lift bars into place, remove the old concrete platform, and clean up the site after the work is complete. We will keep you posted on our construction schedule via e-mail and Facebook. If you wish to donate your time and labor, call Ron Ralph (512-280-0648) or Jim Kennedy (512- 663-2287) and you will be added to the volunteer labor sign-up sheet. The Texas Blind Salamander (Eurycea rathbuni) will thank you. http://www.tcmacaves.org/financial/EzellGate.php
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