SCCi purchases South Pittsburg Pit, TN
Posted: Oct 25, 2005 3:59 pmSCCi Purchases South Pittsburg Pit
Purchase is Conservancy's 22nd Acquisition
September 20, 2005 -- South Pittsburg, Tennessee
The Southeastern Cave Conservancy (SCCi) is pleased to announce that it has completed the purchase of South Pittsburg Pit, located in the city of South Pittsburg in Marion County, Tennessee. The cave has a beautiful 160-foot entrance pit and more than 2,200 feet of surveyed passage, and has been a popular destination for cavers since its initial exploration by Chattanooga Grotto members in February 1964.
In 1997, the Conservancy leased the rights to the cave and one acre of surrounding land. For seven years, the SCCi managed access and kept the cave open for visitation. In 2004, the lease expired, and the owner chose not to renew it. Instead, the 1,900-acre property containing the cave was listed for sale. Since that time, the SCCi has been working to purchase the cave and a reasonable buffer of land around it.
Early in 2005, the property containing the cave was sold to a developer. SCCi representatives contacted the new owner and made a proposal to purchase the cave and some of the land around it. Many months of negotiation followed. On August 15, 2005, a sales contract was signed between the new owner and the SCCi. Closing of the sale occurred on September 20.
The South Pittsburg Pit Preserve includes the pit entrance and 10 acres overlying the cave passages. The owner will be donating an additional 10 acres which will serve as a buffer against future development in the area. Access to the 20-acre preserve is available via the established trail from Lloyd Park in South Pittsburg.
The purchase is being financed by a 10-year, $40,000 mortgage. Donations to support the purchase and help pay off the mortgage are welcome. Contributions may be made by check or credit card, and may be mailed to SCCi, PO Box PO Box 71857, Chattanooga TN 37407-0857. Contributions are tax-deductible in accordance with IRS rules for section 501(c)3 charitable organizations.
The South Pittsburg Pit Preserve is the SCCi's 22nd cave preserve. The SCCi owns or leases 51 other caves, and this purchase increases its holdings to 1,169 acres of cave and karst lands in six states.
Questions regarding this announcement may be directed to SCCi Acquisitions Chairman Bill Putnam, bputnam@scci.org or to SCCi Chairman John Hickman, jhickman@scci.org.
Membership applications and information about the SCCi and its activities are available at www.scci.org/membership.html.
Permission is granted to distribute this announcement throughout the caving community.
Purchase is Conservancy's 22nd Acquisition
September 20, 2005 -- South Pittsburg, Tennessee
The Southeastern Cave Conservancy (SCCi) is pleased to announce that it has completed the purchase of South Pittsburg Pit, located in the city of South Pittsburg in Marion County, Tennessee. The cave has a beautiful 160-foot entrance pit and more than 2,200 feet of surveyed passage, and has been a popular destination for cavers since its initial exploration by Chattanooga Grotto members in February 1964.
In 1997, the Conservancy leased the rights to the cave and one acre of surrounding land. For seven years, the SCCi managed access and kept the cave open for visitation. In 2004, the lease expired, and the owner chose not to renew it. Instead, the 1,900-acre property containing the cave was listed for sale. Since that time, the SCCi has been working to purchase the cave and a reasonable buffer of land around it.
Early in 2005, the property containing the cave was sold to a developer. SCCi representatives contacted the new owner and made a proposal to purchase the cave and some of the land around it. Many months of negotiation followed. On August 15, 2005, a sales contract was signed between the new owner and the SCCi. Closing of the sale occurred on September 20.
The South Pittsburg Pit Preserve includes the pit entrance and 10 acres overlying the cave passages. The owner will be donating an additional 10 acres which will serve as a buffer against future development in the area. Access to the 20-acre preserve is available via the established trail from Lloyd Park in South Pittsburg.
The purchase is being financed by a 10-year, $40,000 mortgage. Donations to support the purchase and help pay off the mortgage are welcome. Contributions may be made by check or credit card, and may be mailed to SCCi, PO Box PO Box 71857, Chattanooga TN 37407-0857. Contributions are tax-deductible in accordance with IRS rules for section 501(c)3 charitable organizations.
The South Pittsburg Pit Preserve is the SCCi's 22nd cave preserve. The SCCi owns or leases 51 other caves, and this purchase increases its holdings to 1,169 acres of cave and karst lands in six states.
Questions regarding this announcement may be directed to SCCi Acquisitions Chairman Bill Putnam, bputnam@scci.org or to SCCi Chairman John Hickman, jhickman@scci.org.
Membership applications and information about the SCCi and its activities are available at www.scci.org/membership.html.
Permission is granted to distribute this announcement throughout the caving community.
