[Dirtmail] Lincoln National Forest information

[J. LaRue Thomas]

I've been asked to forward the following information re: cave access and 
protection. I've cleaned up what  I can. Jacqui

Preface from Jim and Val:

Tues, 9 Feb 2010

On behalf of the NSS, we met this week with Lincoln National Forest (NM)
management staff, and discussed cave management and stewardship concerns
facing the Guadalupe Ranger District.  We emphasized that knowledgeable,
skilled NSS members are available to offer assistance in the Guads.  The
Lincoln National Forest is working to enhance Cave Management Programs
through
ongoing cooperative partnerships and asked that we forward the following
letter to the caving community.

Jim C. Werker & Val Hildreth-Werker
NSS Conservation Division Chiefs

........................................................................

--- Original Message from the Lincoln National Forest ---

From: Jacque A Buchanan
Sent: Monday, February 08, 2010
Subject: Lincoln National Forest Cave Management Update

The Lincoln National Forest (LNF) is in the process of expanding and
building
upon the Forest Cave Management Program.  The caves on the Guadalupe Ranger
District near Carlsbad, New Mexico are recognized nationally as world class
cave resources.  Scientists and other cave enthusiasts come from around the
world to use these caves to conduct research or recreate in this unique
underground environment.  Caves also occur in the Sacramento Mountains on
the
Sacramento and Smokey Bear Ranger Districts.

Many opportunities exist for Federal, State, and local agencies to build new
and enhance existing partnerships with each other and with the caving
communities.  These partnerships can help us all move more quickly to unite
our efforts in setting goals and implementing strategies to protect,
enhance,
and enjoy this precious resource.

Towards this end, the LNF is in the process of gathering cave management
leadership in the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and National Park Service
(NPS) to explore, expand, and energize our collective efforts to forge a
more
robust and sustainable cave management program for the LNF.  We will
identify
and set in motion those areas in which we can immediate begin working
together.  We will also identify and position ourselves to take quick action
in those areas where we can expand our efforts to achieve and maintain
national prominence as leaders in collaborative cave management.

We are also inviting national, regional, and local caving community
leadership
to join in this dialogue.  These long-standing partners bring a rich
tradition
of cave management leadership to the conversation as well as experience
gained
by thousands of hours of cave restoration work they have provided over many
years.

The wealth of cave management experience, skills, and knowledge which
resides
both geographically and virtually around the caves of the Guadalupe
Mountains
is also "world class."  Once we have reconnected all interested partners and
agree on actions that need to be taken, we will continue the important work
of
moving forward, together, to achieve our mutual goals.

In the interim, cave use permits will continue to be issued on a priority
basis.  The following uses will receive first priority:

Research/Restoration
Existing Special Use Permits
Existing agreements with other federal or state agencies (BLM, NPS, etc.)

Cave use permits for recreational caving and caves with vertical access will
be issued after the Forest Service has ensured safety and cave resource
protection concerns are properly addressed.

To ensure that we continue to receive valued input from the caving
community,
I invite you all to attend a meeting at the Forest Service office in
Carlsbad,
NM on February 22, 6pm.  This interface will allow us to better exchanges
ideas about improving the management of these national treasures. Please
share
this email with your friends and networks in the caving community.

Sincerely,

Jacqueline Buchanan
Forest Supervisor
Lincoln National Forest
(575) 644-9768