Agenda for 2006 Western Regional

Saturday June 2, 2006

Displays:

9:30 - 5:30 Western Cave Conservancy display booth

Abstract: Activities of the WCC with respect to acquisition and conservation of  threatened caves in Utah, Arizona, California, Washington, Oregon and Nevada.

9:30 - 5:30 Rich Breisch: Cave and Bat Postage Stamps display

Abstract: Postal materials related to Breisch’s presentation.

1:00 - 5:00 Cynthia Myers: Bat Rescue of Southern California display booth

Abstract: Photographs and figures explaining the importance of bats to the environment and how San Diego Bat Rescue is helping to conserve bats.

Presentations:

9:30-10:00 Don Dunn: A Virtual Tour of Rippled Cave

Abstract: Rippled Cave in California was recently purchased by the Western Cave Conservancy. This slide show illustrates the natural wonders of the cave and why the WCC acquired it. [This will be presented again Sunday evening.]

10:00-10:30 Andrea Cugini: FoxFury Sheds Light with Headlamps for Cavers

Abstract: FoxFury produces hands-free headlamps offering peripheral vision, which are fantastic for caving. FoxFury uses colored LEDs (light emitting diodes) for superior vision in specific media (land, water, etc.) and for specific personal and professional applications. FoxFury lights have been successfully used by cavers, hikers, cyclists, fire fighters and hunters worldwide. This program describes and demonstrates headlamps that are suitable for caving.

10:40-11:00 Chris Young: A Unique Gating Approach for a Sensitive Cave

Abstract: The San Diego Grotto joined forces with the US Forest Service to help to protect a particularly sensitive cave. Grotto members designed and fabricated a unique gate that required no permanent modification to the cave. The talk will discuss the design process as well as the fabrication and installation of the gate.

11:00-12:00 Pete Schifflett: A Return to Great Expectations
Abstract: In 2003 the NSS purchased the upper entrance to Great Expectations Cave and formed one of the West's only NSS Nature Preserves.  Take an audio-visual through-trip though this world-class alpine river cave with one of its original explorers.  Learn the exploration history of Great-X aided with sound recordings and photos taken from the late 70's up through 2005.

12:00-12:30 Lunch - on your own

12:30-3:00 Matt Bowers (chairman): Western Regional Business Meeting

3:00-3:20 David & Eleanor Larson: Maya Art and Artifacts in Caves in Belize

Abstract: The Maya left many objects in the caves of Central America.  This is a presentation showing some of the artifacts that members of XMET have documented in caves in the Cayo district of Belize, while mapping caves for the Institute of Archaeology of Belize from 2000 to 2006.

3:20-3:50 Rich Breisch: Cave and Bat Postage Stamps and Postal History

Abstract: Although the USA Post Office did not issue a stamp for a “real cave” until this year, many countries have issued stamps showing prehistoric cave art, spelothems, famous speleologists, religious cave sites, and bats. This program shows examples of such stamps, first day covers, postmarks, and related material.

4:00-5:30 Dick Wilkins: Bat Rescue and Rehabilitation

Abstract: The purpose of the Bat Rescue of Southern California organization is to attempt to save bats that have been injured. Rescued bats are cared for by members of the organization for later release if the bats survive and are healthy. Methods of caring for and feeding bats are described. Live bats of several species will be shown.

Evening Activities:

5:30-7:30 Pig Roast in campground

7:30-9:00 Auction of Caving Gear and Memorabilia