John Lovaas wrote:Nicholas-
Yes, it might confuse some folks, in that last night you were asking whether the cave was open, and that you were interested in surveying the cave, and whether there was a map- and today, you are a researcher studying gray bats and WNS, and have permission to visit the cave.
I would certainly hope that the landowner could tell you whether there is a map of the cave or not- since you've already gotten permission from them to enter the cave. And, since you are engaged in research involving a federally endangered species, I would suspect that the USFWS folks issuing the research permit could tell you whether there is a map of the cave. I also suspect the Georgia Speleological Survey could provide you with a map, if one is on file.
Yes it can be confusing... But I am very pleased at how concerned the caving community is. I reread my post and it does seem a bit misguiding. It is a hard to decipher someone skill, eligibility, and credentials merely through a post. I have trained with the best of them (HOOAH D 1/50th!!!) and I have learned from the best of them. Im not implying that I am a rocket sceintist, but I am a concerned, dedicated caver who feels that he should do his part so that all may benefit, beit a caver, bat, or simply the cave itself.
Being an independent sometimes has its downfalls because most everyone assumes that I lack proper training and knowledge, so therefore not a lot is revealed. Which makes it a daunting task for me to obtain information just to be able to complete some research. But I highy respect and value the secrecy,opinions and wishes of the local cavers... As we are all Family..