I just bought a piece of property on Lake of the Ozarks and, sadly, it has no caves.
:(
I would like to change that. Aside from the obvious facts that "mining is hard, dangerous work that can kill you...", is there some reason I cannot, or should not grab a two pound hammer and some hand chisels and begin carving into the hillside, since I am the land-owner and all? What legal/environmental/ethical implications should I consider?
The land is located in the north east quadrant of the Gravois Arm of the Lake of the Ozarks. The geology is mainly Gasconade Dolomite, from the Ordovician era, capped with one small patch of the sandstone Robidoux formation at the tip top of the hill. The Dolomite is a sedimentary rock that cuts fairly easily with a mallet and a chisel...the hillside offers sheer faces of dolomite where a cave up-high would be ideal.
Should I go for it and have the envy of all man-caves, or...? I figured that you guys would know all the subtle nuances I have yet to think of...your two cents are welcomed and appreciated!
This is my first post, so please be gentle...
Many thanks in advance!
DollyMight