Hello everyone,
I am the Administrative VP of the NSS and our cave preserves fall in this department.
The Potter Unit NSS Preserve was given to the NSS for Management as an NSS Preserve in 2003 for the safety of the Ozark Big eared bat. This bat is on the US Endangered species list. The US Fish and Wildlife Service (US G&F) was unable to accept the donated property at the time and the NSS accepted stuardship of the proprerty. US G&F policies have changed and the they are now able to accept the property. Access to the cave is currently closed to protect the bats. The last bat count showed that the cave was the hybernaculum of approximately 10% of the known species.
My motion on the NSS Board Of Governors Spring BOG meeting (March 14th) to allow the NSS to transfer the cave to the US G&F for long term management of the cave and this endangered species.
The local area grottos have maintained long term and excellent relations with US G&F and the current property manager, Steve Hensley (US G&F employee) is an NSS member.
I am looking for comments, questions and concerns about transferring the ownership of the cave by NSS members, and the 187 acre parcel to the US G&F.
If you would like to contact me indepentdently, I can be reached at Ray Keeler rckeeler@cox.net
Ray Keeler
Administrative VP
NSS