The Southeastern Cave Conservancy, Inc.
Welcome
to the SCCi web page! The Southeastern Cave Conservancy, Inc. (SCCi)
is a tax-exempt not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation dedicated to
cave acquisition, conservation, and management. The SCCi currently
owns or leases 27 preserves, 63 caves, on 1,453 acres of land in
six southeastern states. We are interested in caves anywhere
in the southeastern US that need protection or management for conservation
or access reasons. The SCCi is particularly interested in caves
that are threatened with closure or destruction or those which provide
a habitat for endangered species such as the Gray Bat, Tennessee
Cave Salamander, or Hart's Tongue Fern. Our mission is to preserve
caves and cave environments and to manage them responsibly.
SCCi Creates Long Island Cove Preserve
The Southeastern Cave Conservancy, Inc. (SCCi) has just opened to visitation Long Island Cove in Jackson County, Alabama.
The 3,000-acre Long Island Cove Preserve contains two notable pits, one significant horizontal cave, and seven other known
caves; all of these caves have been closed for several years. Deep Well, at 292 feet, is the deepest open-air pit in the
three-state caving region commonly referred to as TAG (Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia). Not-So-Deep Well, at 253 feet, is also
an impressive pit. Long Island Saltpeter Cave, which contains over three miles of known passage, has been gated and essentially
closed to visitation for over 15 years. Additional information about the Preserve, including the complete management plan, is on
the Long Island Cove Preserve page of the SCCi web site.
At this time, the preserve will be open under a permit system, to SCCi members only. Permit applications may be obtained
by contacting the Long Island Cove Preserve Management Committee.
Access to the Long Island Cove Preserve is costing the SCCi $4,000 this year. Please help us continue to provide access
to unique properties and classic caves like these by becoming an SCCi Sustaining Member.
While the SCCi has just opened several caves, it is important to note that the SCCi takes very seriously the bat affliction
of White Nose Syndrome. The SCCi will continue in its efforts to protect and preserve not only bats but all flora and fauna
in all of our caves. Through our new Cave Visitation Policy, the SCCi is promoting the concept of “clean caving” as a way
of conserving our fragile cave ecosystems. Please refer to our Cave Visitation Policy
for more information.
The SCCi Adopts
Revised Cave Visitation Policy for WNS Concerns
February 27, 2010 - The Board of Directors of the Southeastern Cave Conservancy, Inc (SCCi) today
approved a revised Cave Visitation Policy, effective immediately.
The Board adopted this policy
in order to help reduce the potential inadvertent introduction of foreign substances, including
the fungus associated with White Nose Syndrome (WNS), that could harm bats and other forms
of cave life.
The revised Cave Visitation Policy reflects the SCCi Board's continuing efforts to balance the
management and protection aspects of cave conservation in accordance with the SCCi mission
and purpose. Our members and partners have committed enormous amounts of money and time
to protect these caves and their fragile ecosystems, and the Board greatly appreciates
their continuing support. If you have any questions regarding the revised policy, please
contact Chair Brian Krebs, Stewardship Chair Bill Overton, or the appropriate SCCi
Property Manager or Management Team.
SCCi Draft Quarterly Reports
for February 27, 2010 Board Meeting
Now Available.
Meeting Agenda
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Jay Clark Receives 2009 John Van Swearingen IV Stewardship Award
Stewardship takes many forms. Jay Clark’s contributions to the SCCi include acting as the corporate attorney. Jay has volunteered his skill as a attorney since the inception of the SCCi. Without his expertise and guidance, the SCCi could not has attained the success that it enjoys today. Jay has become much more involved with the SCCi than just being the attorney. He has taken on “special projects” above and beyond what is expected of him. Jay has not only invest his “sweat” but also substantial donations as well. Very simply, the SCCi would not be what it is today without Jay. This is not to take anything away from others who have been key to the success the SCCi has had, it’s just that Jay has a particular skill that we must have in order to remain a viable corporation. For his hard work, Jay is the recipient of the 2009 John Van Swearingen IV Stewardship Award.
New SCCi Donor Posters Now Available!
Have you contributed to our "Buy a Piece of the Cave" program over the years? Now you can download high-resolution posters of all of our "Buy a Piece of the Cave" programs and find your name! Just visit our Posters page and check out maps of many caves and properties that now belong to all SCCi members! Thanks for your support!
Letter from SCCi Chair Brian Krebs to Members About WNS
Read the letter from SCCi Chair Brian Krebs sharing some important information with you about the SCCi’s response to white-nose syndrome (WNS), and asking for your continued support.
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