Input for Indiana WNS management sought

[wyandottecaver]

Forwarded from local email list:

In 2009, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) announced
a management decision to close all caves on IDNR properties from May
1, 2009 through April 30, 2010 as a precaution against the spread of
the fungus causing White Nose Syndrome (WNS), a fatal disease of cave
dwelling bats. The DNR committed to an evaluation of this management
decision before May 1, 2010 to determine the future status of State
owned caves. To assist in this determination, the IDNR is accepting
input and comments regarding cave access status. Comments may be sent
to caveinfo@dnr.in.gov<mailto:caveinfo@dnr.in.gov> (an e-mail address
established for this purpose) from April 1, 2010 - April 18, 2010.
Information regarding the agency's evaluation and current status of
WNS in North America will be provided at a public meeting at Spring
Mill State Park on April 21, 2010 at 7:00 pm.

Rich Geboy
Region 3 White Nose Syndrome Coordinator
U.S. Department of the Interior
Fish and Wildlife Service
620 South Walker Street
Bloomington, IN 47403
Office: (812) 334 4261 Ext. 210
Fax: (812) 334 4273

[David Grimes]

I am glad to see that the Indiana DNR is open to better management strategies. Whether they will accept them is another story all together. Hopefully we can make some progress and get some of the state caves back. I would really enjoy a Bronson Cave trip this summer lol.

[wyandottecaver]

They are simply jumpin through the hoops. The comment period ends just a few days before the spring mill meeting where they are going to give their decision. That tells you how much deliberation they will do on the comments. Several unofficial remarks haave led me to believe the decision is already made and approved at the highest levels. Its a way to let people "comment" which didn't happen at all last year and an anti-lawsuit device. Nothing more, nothing less IMHO.