Minutes of the Chouteau Grotto Meeting
Wednesday, December 5, 2001

The honorary Bob Lerch presiding for the last time meeting was called to order at 7:15

16 members were present

Treasurer's Report:  $1241.09 in the coffers

MSS Chair Report: Rita was at the September meeting. Dues are up to $20 per year. Joel Laws had been at the Science Center in St. Louis and passed around some free tickets to "Amazing Caves." There was much discussion of the Cave Files, including putting the cave maps on a CD that will be available for $13 in January 2002.  Critical information on cave locations will not be included in the CD. The next MSS meeting is January 12, 2002 in Rolla.

Foresight Editor's Report: Bob Lerch has volunteered to take over this important role. Thank you Bob!

Winter Campout: Mike Morgan has talked over some possible sites with Rita Worden. The first site suggested was in the Blair Creek Conservation Area. There was also a request to have a more accessible campsite. The tentative date is the third weekend of January (19 and 20 January). Bill Elliott suggested Cave Hollow Cave. Jerk Tail Landing was a campsite recommended by Jo Schaper. Stay tuned for the decision.

Cave reports:

Joe Hobbs and Jessie Bebb led a trip to the Brachiopod Room in Devil's Icebox on November 11. A week later Jessie was certified as a Wild Cave Tour Leader for the Park when she led a group of researchers into the Icebox. Congratulations Jessie!

Bill Elliott, Ben Miller and Gene Gardner visited a new cave (a pit) in Jefferson County, that was discovered during some recent roadwork.

Bob Lerch may lead a cave mapping trip to Hunter's Cave on January 13. Contact Bob for confirmation and details.

David Webster and Bill Elliott will be attending the MCKC Meeting this Saturday.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:25. There was no program.

Respectfully submitted,

Joe Hobbs
Secretary