I hate to be the bearer of bad news .... but the 2009 Crawlathon at Carter Caves State Park in Kentucky has been cancelled due to the threat of cavers spreading White Nose Syndrome. Below is the official letter.
Andy
January 20, 2009
Dear Crawlathon Guest:
I am writing to inform you that based upon the recommendation we received today from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Kentucky State Parks has decided to cancel this year’s Crawlathon at Carter Caves State Resort Park.
This request has been made due to the significant threat of the introduction to Kentucky of white-nose syndrome, a disease that is fatal to hibernating bats and has been found in caves in Northeastern states. In recent days and weeks, this disease has spread to other states.
Carter Caves State Resort Park is home to 65 percent of the state’s hibernating population of Indiana bats, a federally endangered species.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you. For more information about this disease, visit
http://www.fws.gov/northeast/white_nose.htmlWe will be providing a full refund of your registration fee and you will be able to cancel your lodging reservations at Carter Caves State Resort Park without a penalty. (You will need to call the park at 1-800-325-0059 in order to cancel your lodging reservations.)
Again, I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you.
Sincerely,
Gerry van der Meer
Commissioner
Kentucky State Parks