Memorandum of Understanding with the BLM

[Leitmotiv]

I found in the BOG manual that appendix AF is a Memorandum of Understanding between the NSS, CRF, and the BLM. Is this in effect right now, despite the absence of signatures at the bottom? Is there a copy I could get that has the signatures included?

I'm pretty frustrated with a local BLM outfit here in Oregon. They rarely communicate with me, and mostly just ignore my emails. Our grotto has a much better working relationship with the adjacent BLM district than our own local one.

tips?

[Phil Winkler]

You might want to send an email to the Exec VP, Ray Keeler: evp AT caves dot org

I believe this is his area of responsibility.

In the past the actions of regional BLM offices and other federal agencies with the public or cavers depended heavily on the person in charge and his/her perception. Holding an MOU under their nose to attempt to force them to do something for you is fruitless. These guys can come up dozens of valid reasons why they should place restrictions on their turf.

Russell Cave is a good example although it's not BLM, but NPS, I think.

[wyandottecaver]

Phil is correct. Most MOU's can be circumvented if they really want to. However, if the MOU is valid with respect to your concerns they certainly can be useful pieces of paper if you go over someone's head. (make sure you wave it in front of the lower guy first) The field guy may oppose your actions but his boss sitting in a nice comfy office will think twice about ignoring a MOU especially one signed by HIS boss. Do make sure that what your asking is strictly relevant to the MOU and realize most MOU's have wiggle words to allow for management discretion. They can still blow you off, but they need to write stuff to justify it and many will choose a path of least resistance. Of course with WNS on the horizon all bets are off with respect to caver access.

[NZcaver]

Have you tried contacting local caver and BLM employee Ken S? He lives in your area, but I think he's now working further east - probably in that adjacent district you mentioned. He's a good guy, and may be able to offer some suggestions.

[Leitmotiv]

Well seeing as how our grotto is not informed about how to manage caves or help conserving the contents therein, I would say this office is in violation of the MOU. But that's my initial impression with the MOU. I have sent them the MOU, so I got that covered. I've contacted them to clear up very small matters such as "names of caves" that I'm already aware of, but they don't respond. The latest email I sent them the MOU as well as expressing my desire to help with a bat count in a gated cave. The bat biologist from the national forest informed me they'd be doing a count in December or January and that I should contact them. Well, here's my fourth or fifth attempt with little to show for it.

[Leitmotiv]

Have you tried contacting local caver and BLM employee Ken S? He lives in your area, but I think he's now working further east - probably in that adjacent district you mentioned. He's a good guy, and may be able to offer some suggestions.

Just met with Ken a couple days ago. He belongs to our grotto and that's why we have such good relations with the "adjacent district."

[Cheryl Jones]

Leitmotiv, I've sent you a PM .

You might want to send an email to the Exec VP, Ray Keeler: evp AT caves dot org
I believe this is his area of responsibility.

MOUs with federal agencies are under the government liaison, in the dept of president. The job not listed on the NSS's "Volunteer" page, however the position has been empty for several months. (Know anyone who might be interested in the job? Contact the president.)

[Leitmotiv]

Got your pms. Left a message with the manager of the district. That was Wednesday.