VA Issues WNS Guidelines; use from April 15, 2009

[Cheryl Jones]

Here are the new Recommended Measures issued by the State of Virginia to Reduce the Spread of White Nose Syndrome for use after April 15, 2009. http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/natural_her ... for_va.pdf
or just search for "VA karst program."
The time frame of the document appears to be open-ended.

From the recommendations:
"While the best way to reduce the risk of human transmission of WNS is to observe the US Fish and Wildlife Service moratorium, the policies on the following page, if strictly observed, are sufficient to minimize this risk........

Actions to reduce the risk of transmission of WNS by humans:
1. Observation of cave closures:
At the request of the bat biologists, 62 caves have been added to the closed list - a list of these caves is included in the document. Caves where White Nose Syndrome has been found in bats are closed.

2. Geographic isolation of caving activity and/or gear:
Cavers are requested to limit their caving activity to one caving area as defined by a county or group of counties.
The state has been divided by county groups and a map of these areas is included in the web link.

3. Strict adherence to decontamination procedures when moving between caves (even within the same geographically designated area)
After exiting one cave and prior to entering another cave, even within a designated caving area, decontamination practices as outlined by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service must be strictly adhered to. ALL equipment must be cleaned!"

[wyandottecaver]

Wow,

a reasonable, logical, and workable approach....too bad the USFWS didn't figure that out.

[Patrick Wilson]

Stupid question...
does this apply to border states or only Virginia?

[Cheryl Jones]

Just VA since it's issued by the state.