WNS decon of cave gear for SERA Cave Carnival

[johnlhickman]

The 2009 SERA Summer Cave Carnival staff understands that the current
situation with White-nose Syndrome (WNS) is making caving a challenge. We
are providing a lot of entertainment and things to do at SERA on the surface.
However, we know many of you will want to go caving.

We ask that you take the following precautions to prevent the possible spread
of WNS:

Please do not bring to SERA any clothing, footwear or gear that has been
used in caves in WNS affected states within the past 4 years. Those states
are currently: New York, Vermont, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania,
New Jersey, Massachusetts, Virginia, and West Virginia. (It is possible that
other states may be discovered before May 27)

Otherwise, please make sure your caving clothing and gear has been cleaned
and disinfected by methods approved of by the USF&WS. See protocols at
http://www.fws.gov/northeast/whitenosemessage.html

There will be a cleaning and decontamination station set up at SERA for
cleaning FOOTWEAR AND GEAR upon returning from cave trips.

However, we will not have facilities for washing and drying clothing. We are
asking that IF YOU ARE PLANNING TO GO TO MORE THAN ONE CAVE AT SERA YOU BRING
A COMPLETE SET OF CAVING CLOTHES FOR EACH TRIP. (Of course our wonderful
vendors would be happy to sell you new cave suits if you forget).

After caving, please place all footwear, gear and clothing in a trash bag to
prevent contaminating your truck or car. Remember to bring clean clothes for
the drive back.

The decon station will be set up at the beginning of vendor row as you enter
the site.
There will be a hose, brushes to remove dirt and mud, and various solutions
as approved by USFWS (10% bleach, 70% alcohol, and quarternary ammonium &
#8220 formula 409 & #8221); as well as the USFWS instructions on use.

Use these compounds on your own discretion, the Nashville Grotto or the SERA
staff makes no claims on their safety or effectiveness and is not liable for
any damages to caver or gear.
After caving, another option is to stop by a local outdoor self-service car
wash and hose off your gear, since there may be a line for the sprayer at the
decon station. Then disinfection can be done at the decon station as above.

John Hickman
Chairman
2009 SERA Summer Cave Carnival
http://www.sera2009.org
chair@sera2009.org

**permission is granted to distribute this or any other SERA announcement**