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Considering the NSS Convention is coming up, down in New Mex

PostPosted: Mar 23, 2017 2:05 pm
by Ernie Coffman
Here's the latest article from the BLM, so thought I'd share what's happening down in New Mexico. I'm sure the convention staff is aware of this and maybe they have more info to share than what's here. :shrug: Hint, hint!

http://mypubliclands.tumblr.com/WhiteNoseSyndromeinNM

:bat sticker:

Re: Considering the NSS Convention is coming up, down in New

PostPosted: Mar 28, 2017 12:51 pm
by ohiocaver
WOW!!! I'd like to see the science behind the quote in the first paragraph: "the studies did indicate that temporary closures of caves have helped curtail WNS outbreaks". Where? When? What caves have proven to be isolated WNS-free islands in the midst of infected areas? How do they know that people did not ignore the closure and go in anyway?
Did they seal up the entrances so bats couldn't get into or out of the caves and infect other bats?
On the other hand, I can cite numerous caves that have been gated or restricted to access for decades where WNS is found.
This is the kind of thing that cavers need to challenge.
I am willing to do so but am not on Tumblr - does anyone have an email address for Andersen or Ramsey (the authors)?

Considering the NSS Convention is coming up, down in New Mex

PostPosted: Mar 28, 2017 9:41 pm
by Ernie Coffman
Curt, Anderson might have changed positions, but you might try this:
Heidi Andersen Field Coordinator
heidivandersen@fs.fed.us

Considering the NSS Convention is coming up, down in New Mex

PostPosted: Mar 28, 2017 9:44 pm
by Ernie Coffman
As for the honcho, try this:
Marikay A. Ramsey T&E Program Lead Bureau of Land Management New Mexico State Office
P.O. Box 27115 301 Dinosaur Trail Santa Fe, NM 87508
(P) (505) 954-2177 (F) (505) 954-2136 (E) Marikay_Ramsey@blm.gov

Re: Considering the NSS Convention is coming up, down in New

PostPosted: Apr 18, 2017 9:25 am
by PYoungbaer
I would agree with Ohiocaver in questioning the statement about studies showing that closures have helped curtail WNS outbreaks. Having read most of the WNS studies over the years, I can't recall any that reached that conclusion. On the contrary, there are many, many incidents of closed caves becoming infected. This evidence is overwhelming, and has led to the consensus conclusion that bats are the primary transmitters of the disease. In other words, cave closures have done nothing to prevent the spread of the disease.

There is still no evidence, to my knowledge, of people transmitting the disease. If anyone knows of a published study to the contrary, please post a citation. Thank you.

That said, seasonal cave closures during hibernation can definitely assist in the recovery of affected bat populations, and we should, as always, avoid disturbing hibernating bats.

Re: Considering the NSS Convention is coming up, down in New

PostPosted: Apr 18, 2017 12:52 pm
by ohiocaver
An e-mail note is going to Marikay Ramsey before I leave for tonight's Grotto meeting.

Re: Considering the NSS Convention is coming up, down in New

PostPosted: Apr 27, 2017 12:13 pm
by ohiocaver
It has been 10 days and so far I have not gotten the courtesy of a reply to my email to Marikay Ramsey (requesting documentation on her claim)...not even to tell me that she was referring the question elsewhere or acknowledging receipt.
I'll wait a bit and then go the FOI route.
In addition, in today's SUN NEWS (a weekly paper that circulates in the Cleveland area), there is nice column by a wildlife specialist at the Stark (County) Parks & Wildlife Center on bats. Great article...except she repeats the canard that cavers are the cause of WNS spread. I called her to ask for documentation of her claim, left a message, and have sent her an e-mail. It's like wack-a-mole....but we need to hold these folks in positions of public influence accountable for spreading unsubstantiated claims that besmirch cavers. :down: