Greg Jones wrote:One idea to prevent damage to Blue Spring Cave is that it can be restricted to NSS members only like what is done for some caves I know of in Pennsylvania.
Ironically, anyone can join the NSS. Even a rock hound or a vandal. I see no reason to trust an NSS member over anyone else. I mentioned an idea previously to have only trusted cavers lead trips into the cave. Unfortunately I think the owner lets almost anyone have a key. There is really now way for him to know who is safe and how isn't, unless he nominates known and proven cavers/leaders to run ALL trips into the cave. After all these years, he should know which local cavers can be trusted. I don't know why he has not restricted ALL trips to be LED trips by trusted cavers. Members of the Upper Cumberland Grotto have been practically living at the cave for the past few years. You would think Lonnie (the owner) would have asked some of them to volunteer to lead ALL TRIPS into the cave. In fact, they have been going into the cave regularly
for the past five years anyway. Why not have them take other cavers into the cave to earn their keep.