I'm working on a writing project about WNS management issues. I'm looking for first-hand accounts of how WNS management policies (specifically closing caves) have affected you and affected cave conservation in your area. I'm especially interested in hearing from anyone who has been denied access to caves for scientific research, survey projects, educational trips, etc. I'm also interested in finding out about any instances of cave vandalism that you think are the result of the 2009 cave closure. I would like to talk to people who used to work closely with the USFS, BLM, FWS, and state agencies before the blanket cave closure and how the cave closures have affected your relationships. I'm also interested in hearing opinions on how the cave closures have affected educating the public about the value of caves and the need to conserve caves. If you know of people I can contact, especially out west, please let me know. Feel free to post this request to regional caving lists. I'm a TAG caver and don't have tons of contacts in western states. You may email me at pinkleyj@gmail.com. Thanks!
Jennifer Pinkley