USFS Region 2 Approves Convention Caving

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USFS Region 2 Approves Convention Caving

Postby PYoungbaer » Jun 12, 2011 12:14 pm

The permit sought by the NSS Convention for use of some caves on US Forest Service-managed lands has been approved. Here's an article from the Aspen, Colorado newspaper:

http://www.postindependent.com/article/20110612/VALLEYNEWS/110619987/1083&ParentProfile=1074
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Re: USFS Region 2 Approves Convention Caving

Postby NZcaver » Jun 12, 2011 2:42 pm

Interesting last few paragraphs...

One organization, the Vermont-based Center for Biological Diversity, urged the Forest Service not to lift its ban for the NSS. Mollie Matteson, conservation advocate with the organization, said she understands the Forest Service decision but still has concerns.

The convention was going to take place regardless of whether the Forest Service would allow access to caves in the national forest, Matteson said. The cavers have access to caves on private land and BLM areas, so the Forest Service apparently didn't feel a restriction on its lands would have much effect, she said. She credited the Forest Service with the conditions it approved on access.

Matteson was also generally complimentary of NSS education efforts and the precautions it is taking. Nevertheless, she would like to see cavers avoid caves until more is known about white nose syndrome.

“Is it worth the risk to go caving when you could be moving this fungus around unknowingly?” she asked.
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Re: USFS Region 2 Approves Convention Caving

Postby Teresa » Jun 12, 2011 10:47 pm

NZcaver wrote:Interesting last few paragraphs...

The convention was going to take place regardless of whether the Forest Service would allow access to caves in the national forest, Matteson said. The cavers have access to caves on private land and BLM areas, so the Forest Service apparently didn't feel a restriction on its lands would have much effect, she said. She credited the Forest Service with the conditions it approved on access.

Matteson was also generally complimentary of NSS education efforts and the precautions it is taking. Nevertheless, she would like to see cavers avoid caves until more is known about white nose syndrome.

“Is it worth the risk to go caving when you could be moving this fungus around unknowingly?” she asked.


Is it worth the risk to be outside at all? Nasties live there--EVERYWHERE!

You can't spread any infectious agent, from a bacteria to a virus to a fungus, unless you have been exposed to it.
What part of: "Most cavers have never been in a WNS cave or area" does Ms. Matteson not understand?

What part of "Don't bring your cave gear to convention" does she not understand? I'm going. No gear (except a headlight which has never been underground to be used around camp) is going. And I've never been in a WNS infected or suspected infected cave.

Her comments are suppose to be "make nice" but they still infuriate me.
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