Conservation

From Chattanooga Grotto

What We Believe

• Caves have unique scientific, recreational, and scenic values
• These values are endangered by both carelessness and intentional vandalism
• These values, once gone, cannot always be recovered
• In order to protect caves, the location of caves should not be in the public domain
• The responsibility for protecting caves must be formed by those who study and enjoy them.

What That Means

The intention of the Society is to work for the preservation of caves with a realistic policy supported by effective programs for: the encouragement of self-discipline among cavers; education and research concerning the causes and prevention of cave damage; and special projects, including cooperation with other groups similarly dedicated to the conservation of natural areas. Specifically:

All contents of a cave--formations, life, and loose deposits--are significant for their enjoyment and interpretation. Therefore, caving parties should leave a cave as they find it. They should provide means for the removal of waste; limit marking to a few, small, and removable signs as are needed for surveys; and, especially, exercise extreme care not to accidentally break or soil formations, disturb life forms or unnecessarily increase the number of disfiguring paths through an area.

Part of protecting the fragile environment found in caves is to attempt to limit access only to those who are intent on protecting caves and are educated on the proper equipment and techniques required for safe and ecologically friendly cave exploration. One major tool in limiting access is when possible to prevent the location of caves from being made publicly available. Please read our policy on cave locations for more information.

Scientific collection is professional, selective, and minimal. The collecting of mineral or biological material for display purposes, including previously broken or dead specimens, is never justified, as it encourages others to collect and destroy the interest of the cave.

The Chattanooga Grotto also has an NSS Conservation Grant Program. To apply, submit a grant application and present it at a Grotto Meeting if at all possible. In special cases, we will take it via mail.

More About Conservation

To read more about NSS Conservation and Policies, please visit the 'Conservation' section of our 'Links' page,