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May 6, 2000
New River, VA
The Meeting was called to order at 9:11.
Reports
The Secretary - Carol Tiderman
A motion was made by PSC to accept the minutes as published. DC Grotto seconded. Motion carried.
The Treasurer - John Fox
A printed copy of the financial report was distributed.
The Vice Chair - Judy Fisher
No report.
The Chairman - Craig Hindman
We are waiting on this years tax forms. At that time we will know if we back on track or if we owe the state more money to settle our account.
Conservation Chair - Andy Reeder
Grand Caverns cleanup has 23 people - Grand - no gravel this year Fountain 21 formations were restored.
Bowden Cave cleanup - spring - PSC/DC Grotto - 65 people participated
Island Ford cleanup - spring - Charlottesville - scheduled for June 10
Bowden Cave - Summer - Frederick, Winter - BATS
Island Ford Cave - Winter - Front Royal
New River Valley has gated and put a new fence around James Cave
Sinkhole from Hell
Cleanup 4/15 - 500 tires, kitchen appliances and vehicles were removed from the sink and put into 2 rolloff dumpsters - 20 people participated
Goodwin's Cave Management - Blue Ridge Grotto
Is doing well. The gate has not been checked in a while, but the property has been very quite since Fall/Winter 1999. A mop up trip took place to finalize all data - the cave resurvey is complete and Marian McConnell will be drawing the map. Blue Grass Grotto will be leading a scout trip on May 13.
Long Ash Cave - Blue Ridge Grotto
The gating is still on hold. Still no reply from the ranger.
New Dixie Cave, Roanoke Co. may be affected by a proposed interchange for the new I-73 if the western route for I-73 is chosen. Dave Sockey is slowly resurveying the cave to get a better idea of its location, hydrology to see how the proposed interstate may affect it. Survey through a low tight lead to the remainder of the cave has been stopped by high water levels thanks to the recent rains.
Staunton Cave - Ted Andrus
Feeling less positive than before. The city has inquired if the VAR has liability insurance that would cover the site. They were informed, probably not.. A simple outline of a management proposal has been created as a foundation to resume a dialog with the city.
Landowner Recognition Awards - Don Anderson
One nomination received - Ferrell James, Zitt James JR. Owner of Ferrell Caves #1-26
VAR Outstanding Service Award - Tom Spina - no report
Landowner Legal Support Committee - Bob Hoke - no news
Region Record - Bob Hoke
The Region Record needs material. Deadlines are June 1 and Aug. 15. Address changes should be reported to Evelyn Bradshaw - please write legibly.
Patch Committee - Ernst Kastning
37 patches remain There have been $33 in sales. The question was raised if we should make more.
VAR List Server - Walt Pirie
The list server is 2 years old. There is good traffic There are approximately 100 to 110 users.
VAR Web site - Vitas
The site will have to move. We need a domain name The cost will be approximately $75 for 2 years.
TRAIN BREAK
BATS moved to provide funds to obtain and maintain a domain name. VPI seconded 1 against - rest for motion passes Site will be linked to the NSS page
Cave Bucks - Judy Fisher
Is alive and well - Frederick is nearing $1,000 Tri-State nears $1,500. Remember to get the money off to a conservancy.
VSS - Bob Thren
3654 - 3812 caves
There will be a presentation at the US Exploration session Monday afternoon at the NSS Convention
The National Heritage Program has agreed to send a project copy to the VSS for review to prevent cave impact
Front Royal is surveying Warren County Thanks were made to the CCV for granting funds for the copier
WVSS - Jeff Bray
3800 caves
Anyone collecting data should send it to Bill Balfour Culverson County survey is in progress
History of the Region
Mary Sue Sockey has edited the text on the first four disks - that means half the editing is done. Mary Sue is sending a hard copy to Tom Spina, and will be working on the remaining disks.
Host Grotto Report
VPI Grotto approximately 280 people plus day passes. 150 pre-registered T-shirt are 4 sale for $12.
Old Business
Region Non-Profit Status - Craig Hindman
No change - expect forms in May
Host for Fall 00
WVACS - preregistration forms are available at the booth. Dates Sept. 22-24 at the field next to the WVACS field station. There will be food, music, no trains, beer, caves - 10 caves within 1 mile 100 within 10 miles. Preregistration $20, at the gate $25.
Host for Spring 01
Pine Mountain - at Cumberland Gap - date - working around bat closures - possibly the first weekend in May
Cave Board - Evelyn Bradshaw
Only one vacancy remains - A letter sent by Evelyn, the chair was copied on what was sent. Newly appointed were Carol Zokaites, and Barbara Moss
Power Lines - Ernst Kastning Will Orndorff
No letter has been sent. It will not be effective. Hearings will start on 5/1 in Richmond regarding the final route.
New Business
Host for Fall 2001 - RASS at the field station
Host for Spring 2002 - WVCC
COG PRO?s CON?s - Bob Hoke
DC moves to drop. VPI seconds. Motion passes
COG ISSUES
DC moved to let the officers decide the VAR position on the issues. Tri-State seconded. Motion passed
Walt Pirie volunteered to be the VAR representative at COG
Legal Defense Fund
Tri-State moved to empower the legal defense committee, with the officers approval, to spend funding to support the Spring Hill suit if needed. DC seconded. Motion passed unanimous
WVCC Conservancy - Dave Cowan
Haynes Cave work has been done on the fence, trail building and maintenance
Work has been done at Organ Cave
They are working on a cave in Tazwell County
If you need a cave, contact a board member
Grant Requests
NONE
Announcements
VOTE - send in your NSS ballots - answer the questions about caver insurance
Sit upwind of the fire
Cave Vandals Award - turn them in to Jim Washington or John Wilson
TRAIN BREAK
The meeting was not adjourned - no one was left
Respectfully submitted:
Carol Tiderman