February 6th: Photo Instruction Trip: Devil's Icebox. Here's your chance
to learn the basics of
cave photography. Expect the trip to be long and strenuous, lasting
anywhere from 8-12 hours.
Space is limited, so sign ASAP by contacting Rick Walk.
February 7th: Stream Team: Clean up trip to Gans Creek, weather providing.
Meet at Gans Creek and Rock Quarry Road Parking Lot @ 11 a.m. Call Trip
Coordinator for details @ 445-8222.
February 20th: Recreational Trip: Callaway County. Call for details.
2. Regional / National:
February 24-27: Central Region -NCRC will offer a level 1 modular
training. Attendance at all
three weekends is required, in Bloomington, IN. Cost: $150 if received by
1/15/99, $160 after that
date. Please contact Anmar Mirza at 812-339-1506, amirza@indiana.edu or
Allen Hutchison at
812-856-5057, hutchiso@indiana.edu for further information or to request
registration forms.
February 24-27: Symposium on Karst Modeling:
Conceptual, geochemical, digital, and statistical models of karst
development, and methods of
acquiring karst and field data, Charlottesville, Virginia, sponsored by
the Karst Waters Institute.
Contact Arthur N. Palmer, Dept. of Earth Sciences, State University of New
York, Oneonta, NY
3820-4015, or palmeran@oneonta.edu or phone: 607-436-3064 or fax
607-436-3547.
Web site: www.uakron.edu/karstwaters/kwi.html
3. Recent events
January 10th: Devil's Icebox Trip: Cancelled due to extremely cold
temperatures. The trips will be rescheduled. Stay tuned for details.
January 29th: Doss Cave, Crawford County. Jennifer Wolff, Daryl Greaser,
and Rita and Orin Worden visited Doss Cave. Someone has apparently been
digging in the entrance. This was reported to Bill Elliott. Look for a
full report in an upcoming Foresight.
Bob Lerch and Troy Ritchie, along with Chouteauite Jim Glock, visited
Xanadu and Camp Gulf Caves in Tennessee. A report will be forthcoming.
4. Story:
M.S.S. Winter Meeting, January 16th, 1999
Report by Daryl Greaser, MSS Representative
The meeting was called to order and the officers were introduced.
Representatives from Chouteau, MTG, MCKC, MMV, PEG, LEG, LOG, OHG, MSM,
HOG, Stygian, and the Independent Representative were present. Dave
Webster presented the Treasurer's report. The M.S.S. has around $28,000 in
assets and funds.
Public relations: There were no awards presented. Educational contact Jo
Schaper mentioned that the display board needed to be updated and
revamped. Alberta Zumwalt stated that the M.S.S. has 176 individual
members. Jon Beard stated that the annual reports from the affiliate
organizations were due. Chouteau submitted their report. SEMO has been
dropped from affiliate status due to inactivity.
Publications Section: There are 158 subscribers to the Liaison. 12
complementary issues are provided. Bob Taylor reported on the progress of
Missouri Speleology, the M.S.S.'s quarterly scientific journal. Numbers 1
and 2 for '99 have already been completed, and were issued to those
members that have paid their '99 dues. The issue is on Sedimentation in
Missouri Caves, by Langford Brod Jr. Most of the past issues are ready for
printing. A future issue will be on the Hydro-geological model of the
Devil's Icebox, by Chouteau member Carol Wicks of the University of
Missouri - Columbia. Bob stated that pictures are needed for the history
of Missouri grottos issue, as well as emblems, logos, etc., to add to the
aesthetic appeal of the issue. Bob prefers digital pictures in TIF format.
The computer for the MO Speleology editor that was authorized at the fall
meeting has been purchased. It is an AMD333Mhz, with a 6.5Gb Hard drive,
64MB of RAM, a Zip drive, and a 17" monitor. The new member's manual will
be printed in the year 2000. The administrative manual was updated to
current status, and was passed out at the meeting. President Kenneth
Thomson requested that usual communication between Directors be via email,
obviously for those who have access.
Research Section: There was no report on the Research Committee, however
Jerry Vineyard mentioned that Blaine Schubert at Illinois State University
is interested in paleontology of Missouri Caves, and requested that any
information on this subject be forwarded to him. No new M.S.S. research
projects were authorized, however Chouteau Director Daryl Greaser
mentioned that he is working on the critical inventory of the Three Creeks
area caves, and requests that any information on the subject be forwarded
to him. He also requested volunteers for mapping, inventory, etc. Jo
Schaper stated that she is looking for areas of igneous rock that is
covered by dolomite, associated with water. So far she has only found one
or a couple of locations that this occurs.
Files and Information Section: Jerry Vineyard reported that the cave files
have recently received several new maps, and he expressed appreciation for
the multiple efforts. He also discussed the "step up" in technology that
we are currently undergoing. Eventually the entire set of files will be
completely digitized. Joel Laws and Scott House reported on the current
status of the cave database. They stated that although we are making
constant progress, it is slow going. The majority of the hard copy files
are being manually entered into the database. Although slow, this method
is helping to verify locations, and prevent discrepancies. Daryl Greaser
received a registered copy of Filemaker Pro, and the preliminary database
of Boone and Callaway County caves. He also received the hardcopy files
from Callaway county, and is currently entering in the data from these.
Scott mentioned that those people that enter in the data will become
excellent resource contacts for their respective counties, due to their
resulting intimate knowledge of the information. It was stated that the
list currently holds 5,490 individual caves. Joel reported that if there
are problems with the MoCaves list, please contact him ASAP. Paul Johnson
maintains the M.S.S. archives in Jefferson City. Newsletters, Journals,
and other cave related information need to be forwarded to him.
Missouri Caves and Karst Conservancy (MCKC): Jo Schaper reported that
there are currently 191 individual members. She also reported on the
recent Skaggs Cave workday (Chouteau member Rita Worden was in attendance)
where one of the projects was to create a trail through the front of the
cave. The MCKC is also looking for people that are interested in becoming
board members. There will be a MCKC auction at the Spring MVOR, and
donations are requested. Dwight Weaver mentioned that Lang Broad sent
corrections to the cave catalog from Arizona, in an unrelated discussion.
Government Liaison: Kenneth Thomson stated there was nothing new to
report. Gene Gardner (MoDot {?}) requested that caves located near actual
or potential highway projects be reported to him. Stygian reported that
they are investigating a potential highway project near Babler State Park
and the Rockwoods Reservation that may wipe out some caves. They are
attempting to coordinate their efforts with Bill Elliott.
Grotto Reports on new involvement in the MSS: Joel Laws stated that he
would like the Directors to provide the opportunity for their respective
members to get more involved with the MSS and its projects.
Cave Catalog Requests: None.
Old Business: Daryl Greaser, ad hoc Investigative Committee chairman,
reported extensively on the progress of the EPC-NSS situation. Daryl
proposed that the MSS earmark an account solely for the purpose of
"storing" accumulated reimbursement funds. The measure passed, and then
Daryl presented the Treasurer with checks totaling more than $2700
dollars. The ad hoc committee concluded that the EPC members should
reimburse $0.13/mile of their previous reimbursements, keeping $0.12/mile,
which is consistent with a normal rate of reimbursement of 501(c)
non-profit organizations. The MSS will NOT provide any monies from its
general fund, only earmark an account for collection purposes. All monies
accumulated by March 1st will be forwarded to the NSS under the following
conditions: 1, that a mutual letter of reconciliation be printed in the
NSS News and signed by representatives of both parties, and 2, that
acceptance of the funds absolves all EPC and related members of future
financial liability. The proposal is being presented to the NSS BOG for
review. The BOG will vote on the measure at their March meeting. Should
the proposal be denied, the monies collected by the MSS would be returned
to their respective donators. Daryl thanked everyone that was involved
with trying to resolve this situation, and stated that he was extremely
happy that the end was in sight.
New Business: Scott House reported that Cookstove Cave in Shannon County
is currently experiencing detrimental effects due to overvisitation. Scott
requested that all grottos spread the word, and that no trips be planned
to the cave for at least the next year. The cave is owned by Pioneer
Forest. The purple paint law was reiterated, which means that landowners
can now substitute purple paint stripes for no trespassing signs. Bill
Elliott and Scott House will be presenting workshops at the Presley
Education Center. Details are unknown at this time.
Announcements: Michael Wardin of Chouteau is currently undertaking the
project of digitizing old Missouri Speleology issues. Any issues should be
sent to him. Chouteau requested that we receive exchange publications from
interested grottos. Newsletters were exchanged with OHG, and MTG. Contact
Don Dunham for access to Berome-Moore cave. Access is now again possible,
but still sketchy at best. Please do not contact the landowner without
first contacting Don.
The next M.S.S. meeting will be held on Saturday, May 22nd, at the
Department of Natural Resources Division of Geology and Land Survey
Building in Rolla. The educational session will start at 9 am, and the
Board of Directors meeting at 1 PM.
5. In the Media
The threatened Topeka Shiner has now been placed on the federal endangered
species list, according to an article in the January 15th edition of the
Columbia Missourian. Locally, the species is only known to inhabit the
Bass Creek and Bonne Femme Creek watersheds, although a 1995 survey only
found 12 adult fish. The shiner is an excellent indicator species,
according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The fish is already on
the Missouri endangered species list. Another problem has surfaced, as MDC
fisheries biologist Sue Bruenderman discovered scoliosis in some juvenile
shiners in the Bonne Femme watershed. No one has been able to put a finger
on the cause. Although this is positive progress, Paul McKenzie of the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife service is still skeptical about the possibility of
fully recovering the species.
A cave rescue was reported in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, on Sunday Jan.
3rd The article was titled "Dozens of rescuers help injured explorer
escape from cave". It took place 125 miles south of the capital
Wellington, New Zealand. A team of 11 other mappers was in unexplored
passage under Mount Owen. He was 3.4 miles in. "80 rescuers in teams of 40
riggers at a time were used," according to the article. The cave (Bulmer
Cave System) was discovered in 1985 and has been mapped more than 25 miles
to a depth of 2,600 feet.
An archeologist has found a wooden chest filled with gold and silver coins
that may have been hidden during an ill-fated Gold Rush expedition across
Death Valley. Archaeologist Jerry Freeman uncovered the treasure in
November as he recreated the steps of a group known as The Lost Pioneers
of 1849. He and four others retraced the entire journey in December. "I
was just blown away," Freeman said Monday. "Nothing prepared me for this."
The chest was in a cave, propped up on boulders and a board and in mint
condition. The find is worth an estimated $500,000, said Freeman, a
56-year-old semi-retired substitute high school teacher. See full story at
http://www.infobeat.com/stories/cgi/story.cgi?id=2558116655-9f8
Iron Curtain Cave, in the southwest mainland of British Columbia, is a
beautiful, well preserved cave and is now being threatened by a limestone
quarry operation. For complete information on this cave conservation
issue:
http://www.cancaver.ca/conserv/quarry
In the January issue of National Geographic, there is an article about the
discovery of a marsupial lion skeleton in South Australia's Naracoorte
Cave system.
6. Notes:
New class brings new members:
Chouteau member and MU Geography professor Joe Hobbs has eight
enthusiastic student cavers enrolled in the "Seminar in the Geography of
Caves" class here in Columbia. Joe reports that the students are really
looking forward to coming to the meetings, and will be at the February,
March and April meetings as part of class. The class requires that you
become a grotto member, so at the February meeting we will be welcoming 7
new members to the grotto. (One of the students, Jennifer Wolff, is
already a Chouteau member.) The students are required to turn in a term
paper for the class, and preliminary reports indicate topics ranging from
cave mapping to the psychology of cavers. One group already made a map of
Connor's cave as part of the class. (I've seen it, and it's not bad!) The
new members are: Amy Shields, Jim Dunajcik, Tim Butchart, Allan Johnson,
Danielle Meinhardt, Alison Williams, and Scott Campbell. Let's do our part
as grotto members and take the time to welcome these students to our
grotto! After all, Chouteau has historically been a "student" grotto
anyway. (At least that's what I hear) If you're interested in the course
syllabus, you can find it at:
http://www.missouri.edu/~grcjh/
Donations are sought in resolving the EPC/NSS fiasco. Any amount is
appreciated. The closer we come to the goal of $5500, the more likely the
NSS will absolve the EPC members in question. This is so we can put this
issue behind us. Any donations should be marked "EPC fund" and addressed
to: David Webster, MSS Treasurer, 1705 Overlook Dr., Jefferson City, MO
65109.
7. Letters:
Hello Chouteau Folks,
I thought I would write a few lines now that we are starting a new year.
It has been an exciting year that's for sure. Everyone has done a
fantastic job of jumping in helping the grotto go in some direction.
Everyone decided to learn and help others to learn. Our club has grown in
membership and in skills. People from all backgrounds make up our grotto.
This is what it takes to make the wheels turn. We should take advantage of
the opportunities our fellow members can teach us. I am looking forward to
the year of 1999.
Thank you for your time, happy caving folks.
Mike Morgan
Chairman, Chouteau
Dear fellow Chouteau Members,
As 1999 starts we have a lot to be thankful, as a result of the excellent
efforts of our member volunteers.
Daryl Greaser's excellent copy of the Chouteau News reminds me of how
fortunate we are to have his efforts and such an excellent group of
volunteers. Daryl's efforts for both the News and putting together
regular trips have greatly contributed to an excellent year. His system
of keeping us aware of local and regional as well as national events helps
a great deal.
Michael Wardin's efforts on the WEB page and the discussion list are also
excellent ways to keep informed and share ideas and questions.
Rick Walk's continuing high quality efforts on the Foresight is very much
appreciated.
Our Stream Teams are contributing to the conservation efforts, and Bill
Elliott's open sharing of Department of Conservation information has
benefited us all.
The chicken roast at Mike Morgan's is a great surface event, and I was
really sorry to miss the Holiday get together at Rick Walks.
And then there are the caves.
Thanks to all who have worked to strengthen Chouteau Grotto this year,
lets make 99 even better.
Best regards,
Dave Lester
8. Research:
Chouteau member Michael Walk is currently investigating a potential
non-destructive method of testing the breaking point of carabiners using
photonics (lasers). The following is his abstract:
Interferometry will be used to show where the breaking point of a
carabiner is. Making a hologram of the carabiner using Interferometry will
do this. The hologram will show where the breaking point is. Then to prove
the effectiveness of Interferometry, the carabiner will be broken and
compared to the hologram, thereby either proving of disproving the
effectiveness of non-destructive testing.
Michael is soliciting donations of unused biners. Perhaps we can persuade
a large manufacturer to donate some for this cause.
9. Internet: Interesting sites
For free software on cave mapping and the like:
WALLS: http://www.realtime.net/~davidmck/wallsbeta/
CaveTools: http://www.mindspring.com/~bszukalski/cavetools/cavetools.html
COMPASS: http:members.iex.net/~lfish/compass.html
Croatian Caving Club: Speleoklub Had Porec
http://public.srce.hr/speleo/had/index.html
Cave art: Best viewed in total darkness!
http://www.mindspring.com/~kvart/index.html
10. Committees / Officers:
1999 Committees
Editor Foresight
Rickard Walk
Associate Editors, Foresight
Daryl Greaser, Bob Lerch
Editor Chouteau News
Daryl Greaser
Conservation
Bob Lerch, Joe Engeln
Education
Bill Elliott, Bob Lerch, Rick Walk
Safety / Rescue
Rick Walk, Jim Yancey, Scott Schulte
Research Review
Joe Engeln, Carol Wicks, Jim Huckins, Bob Lerch, Louise Hose
Library / Exchange Publications
Kevin Feltz, Rick Walk
Membership dues
Kevin Feltz
MCKC
Rick Walk
NSS
Rick Walk
Public Relations
Mike Morgan, Bill Elliott
Trip Coordinators
Daryl Greaser, Michael Greaser
Webpage
Michael Wardin
Stream Teams
Devils Icebox, Jim Yancey
Hunter's Cave Stream,Daryl & Michael Greaser, Bob Lerch
Spring Cave Stream, Daryl & Michael Greaser, Bob Lerch
Gans Creek, Ken Midkiff
1999 Officers
Chairman
Mike Morgan NSS# 11700
20757 N. Ponderosa Rd.
Clark, MO 65243
(573)-687-3254
CaveCriter@aol.com
Vice Chairman
Bob Lerch NSS# 45004
407 Maplewood Dr.
Columbia, MO 65201
(573)-449-7225
lerchr@missouri.edu
Secretary
Tom Heffelfinger NSS# 41453
607 N. Oak St.
California, MO 65018
(573)-796-2570
THeffelfinger@watlow.com
Treasurer
Kevin Feltz NSS# 23141
2310 Nelwood Dr.
Columbia, MO 65203
(573)-474-1173
kfeltz@coin.missouri.edu
MSS Representative
Daryl Greaser NSS# 45614
5994 W. Hatton Chapel Rd.
Columbia, MO 65202
(573)-445-8222
greaserd@health.missouri.edu
Foresight Editor
Rickard Walk NSS# 28189
4580 Todd St.
Columbia, MO 65201
(573)-442-2660
aneswalk@tranquility.net
