USFW Reopens Caves nationwide

[JSDunham]

Thanks to Steve Hazelton, who pointed me to this article on USFW finally coming to their senses!

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/01/envir ... se.html?hp

The text of the article is below:
From the Associated Press:

US Fish and Wildlife officials called for a reopening of caves and mines this morning, a surprising reversal of their longstanding position on the bat disease known as White-Nose Syndrome. The disease was first noticed in the non-commercial section of Howe Caverns in northeastern New York in 2006 and has since spread across most of the east coast, killing more than a million bats. In 2007, US Fish and Wildlife issued an advisory asking the public to stay out of caves and mines on the assertion that the spores are carried on hikers boots and clothing.

“It was all a big mistake,” said USFW Bat Biologist Carrie DeFungas. “We never had any evidence that people were responsible and we panicked.” DeFungas went on to apologize for the inconvenience to those who operate caves for their livelihood and individuals who explore them for recreation. New research shows the spread of the fungus is primarily by the bats themselves. “Which means slowing the spread of the disease will be a lot more difficult than issuing advisories,” said DeFungas. “We’ve heard of some interesting front-line tactics being used in Wisconsin and we’re considering applying them nation-wide.”

Peter Youngbaer, liaison to US Fish and Wildlife from the National Speleological Society, could not be reached for comment on the new advisory, but several members of a local grotto were quoted as saying “It’s about f@#king time.”

State Agencies have announced their intention to drag their feet on the change, however, with no plans to reopen their caves. Stu Tough, of the New York Department of Parks and Recreation responded to questions on the legality of ignoring the notice with the statement “USFW has no jurisdiction over our lands in the first place. We only closed to caves so we could scoop all the booty ourselves, and you can bet we’re not giving that up. Turns out caving is lots of fun.”

[wyandottecaver]

Ha nice April 1 post

[NZcaver]

And more related news ...

ASSOCIATED PRESS
APRIL 1, 2011

In a surprising announcement today, Ms Guided of the Center for Biological Diversity said their longstanding campaign to close all caves nationwide in an effort to protect endangered bats has been a "gross error."

"We acknowledge the bats themselves are the only proven vector in the spread of WNS" she said. "We now recognize that caving enthusiasts around the country are part of the solution, not the problem." Cavers are already familiar with hibernacula sites, they have the skills to move through caves safely and efficiently, and are very careful not to disturb bats. "Their powers of observation and genuine concern for the cave environment make them a valuable resource. Most of us really don't have a clue about caves, but they do."

Ms Guided went on to say, "rather than continuing our crusade to sue everybody and alienate cavers, we've decided to pay attention to actual scientific data and try adopting a cooperative approach."

The caving community is reported to be speechless. While no official response has been released, one caver was heard to say "it's about f@#king time."

[YuccaPatrol]

Could someone please send this to USFWS folks? They need to read this.

[tncaver]

Fact is, this is what all these agencies should be sending to the media for real.

[Cheryl Jones]

[BrianC]

What, no reason to rant anymore? I don't know what to say!

[NZcaver]

What, no reason to rant anymore? I don't know what to say!

Better find a new hobby! Have you tried caving?

[BrianC]

What, no reason to rant anymore? I don't know what to say!

Better find a new hobby! Have you tried caving?

Now that it's legal again, I think I'll hit some state park caves this weekend. Oh Yea!

[David Grimes]

What, no reason to rant anymore? I don't know what to say!

Better find a new hobby! Have you tried caving?

Now that it's legal again, I think I'll hit some state park caves this weekend. Oh Yea!

This is exactly why we have disclaimers in the TOS.

[self-deleted_user]

I saw the title and thought ":o awesome noway about time!"
I saw the date of the first post and thought "oh, somehow I missed this thread yesterday.

Happy April Cruel, eh?