by Roppelcaver » Jan 14, 2012 10:48 pm
David,
You misunderstand much.
I don't have facts about visitation? I can see it in Roppel, and I am talking about the rogues I referenced. Indeed you are seeing more chatter about sport trips to Roppel -- I sigh at that. BUT, I can at least have solace that these trips are sanctioned and led by folks aware of the impact issues and act responsibly. Am I delighted. No, but I take no issue with it, since the right gates (so to speak) are in place. Degradation of Roppel Cave has largely been from these rogues, although it is possible internet chatter has exacerbated it (like on Facebook or CaveChat). If there was a Roppel map that was useful, it would make it worse still.
You qualified your argument about visitation impacts: narrowing it to only obscure (less known) caves, not more known ones like Roppel. Unarguably, as I have agreed it depends, and each situation is unique and should be considered as such. And, I am certainly not advocating being an alarmist and going to cave owners and asking them about this, and warning them of pending hordes. That's nonsense. But, most caves have someone knowledgeable about which have sensitive owners and may not appreciate it, even if you think the risk is negligable. We should be cautious. After all, would you advocate publishing a map to a cave on federal land, even though that management agency is against it (by policy), because you think it is not a big deal, or there is no "proof" that it will? (Although in this case, they will want to throw someone in the slammer). And, it is not a "stretch" that there are legal considerations -- nuisance laws can apply in some circumstances. Similar situations have gone in favor of the landowners (rockclimbing guides is a good example where things have gone bad sometimes).
I will say again, whether this goes forward or not I do not care. But, I do insist that their be guidelines and process for maps being posted, and parameters for access. That is not unreasonable, is it? The point-to-point debate is amusing, but not productive, and can be croadly addressed through the developed process that you or some delegate will develop.
Roppel Caver guy