IKC UPDATE No. 68 PAGE 3 MARCH 2003

ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETINGSATURDAY, MARCH 22nd, 10 AM

GREENWOOD, INDIANAGREENWOOD PUBLIC LIBRARY

The annual business meeting is for the explicit purpose of elections. It is also for members andother interested persons to have an open forum for talking about cave and karst conservationand related topics. Past, present, and future IKC projects are discussed to solicit comments andinput from our members and the caving community as a whole. The meeting is informal, andeveryone is encouraged to attend and participate. The IKC Board wants your input.

Preliminary Agenda Items: Elections; Brief recaps of last quarter’s activities; Patron/Stewardannual reports; Sinkhole cleanup at the Blanton tract; Under-Earth Day at Buddha/tree plant-ing; Orangeville Rise workday; Land Acquisition Committee activities, HNF inventorying pro-ject; and more....

Following the meeting (approximately 1 PM), we will most likely socialize over lunch at a near-by Chinese restaurant.

Meeting directions: See page 17 (inside back cover) for directions and map.

ACTIVITIES CALENDAR22 MAR = IKC ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING, Greenwood (see above)29 MAR = BLANTON PROPERTY SINKHOLE CLEANUP, Orleans (see page 4)05 APR = LOST RIVER TOUR, Orleans (see page 4)05 APR = TREE RE-PLANTING AT SULLIVAN (see page 4)06 APR = PREP WORK AT BUDDHA NATURE PRESERVE (see page 4)12 APR = UNDER-EARTH DAY/BUDDHA TREE PLANTING, Bedford (see page 6)26 APR = HNF COMMITTEE MEETING/FIELD WORK, contact Kriste Lindberg26 APR = INDIANA CAVE SYMPOSIUM (evening), Taylorsville (see page 12)03 MAY = TAKE PRIDE IN AMERICA (HNF), contact Steve Lockwood17 MAY = ORANGEVILLE RISE WORK DAY, Orangeville (see page 9)17 MAY = EARTHFEST, Bloomington (contact Kriste Lindberg)31 MAY = LOST RIVER TOUR, Orleans (see page 4)14 JUN = HNF COMMITTEE MEETING/FIELD WORK, contact Kriste Lindberg19 JUL = HNF FIELD WORK DAY, contact Kriste Lindberg

For more information on the Indiana Karst Conservancy, visit our web site at http://www.caves.org/conservancy/ikc or write toour PO box. Membership to the IKC is open to anyone interested in cave and karst conservation. Annual dues are $15. Pleasesee inside back cover for the membership application form or to make a much appreciated donation.

The IKC Update, distributed for free, is published quarterly for members and other interested parties. The purpose of this news-letter is to keep the membership and caving community informed of IKC activities and other news related to cave/karst conserva-tion. Submission of original or reprinted articles for publication is encouraged.

IKC Update (ISSN 1076-3120) copyright © 2003 by the Indiana Karst Conservancy, Inc. Excluding reprinted material and indi-vidually copyrighted articles and artwork, permission is granted to National Speleological Society affiliated organizations to re-print material from this publication, with proper credit given to the author/artist and the IKC Update. Articles do not necessarilyrepresent the opinions of the Indiana Karst Conservancy, the National Speleological Society, or their respective members.

IKC UPDATE No. 68 PAGE 8 MARCH 2003

THE LOST RIVER: A DISAPPEARING ACT

by Steve Grubbs (reprinted from TNC Indiana Chapter’s newsletter)

The Nature Conservancy is protectingwhat is documented as the third largest sub-terranean system in the state. When thecomplete Lost River system is mapped, itmight well be the state’s largest. The systemcan be thought of as a three-dimensional riv-er delta. Depending upon how much wateris moving through the system, you couldhave water in all of the levels. There is noother site in Indiana that matches the LostRiver system in terms of the dynamic sub-terranean hydrology (water movement).

The unique and fragile system has globalsignificance. The cave system beneath therecent acquisition harbors at least 25 cavespecies -- three of which are new to science.Dr. Julian Lewis of the University of Louis-ville has been researching southern Indi-ana’s cave systems for the past severalyears, finding and documenting rare andpreviously unknown species. ‘‘This latestacquisition is a biological hot spot,’’ Lewissaid. ‘‘With relatively so little known aboutsubterranean systems, it’s important thatplaces like this are formally protected inorder to study them in their pristine state.’’The cave species have developed in relativeisolation. The species isolated by the geolog-ic conditions of the Lost River have devel-oped unique adaptations. Cave beetles,blind crickets, blind cavefish, and blind cray-fish populate this subterranean world.

The complex is not only fragile, but isvery dangerous because of its twisting chan-nels and vertical shafts. Flash flooding inthe passages is common, which continues thecave’s evolution. Water coursing throughthe shafts causes some to collapse, then thestream winds its way along other paths,carving new channels.

New homes and their corresponding sep-tic systems are the greatest threat to theunderground system. The Blanton tract isbounded on three sides by county roads. Therecently installed rural water system thatparallels the roads had made the propertyattractive to residential developers, and soincreased the importance to protect thisland.

The Nature Conservancy purchased theproperty from Orange Circuit Court JudgeLarry Blanton and his sister Paula Blanton-Foster. The Blanton family farm has pro-

tected the property for many years. Workingclosely with the US Forest Service and theIndiana Karst Conservancy (IKC) -- longtime Conservancy partners -- the Conser-vancy was able to secure the property. Oncethe Blanton family became aware of the sci-entific importance of what lies underneath,they were very much in favor of this disposi-tion of their property.

Members of the St Joseph Valley Grotto,a caving organization associated with theIKC, discovered the system four years ago.They have documented many of the exten-sive, multi-level passages beneath the Blan-ton tract. The Blanton tract is adjacent tothe US Forest Service’s Wesley Chapel Gulf,which was designated as a National NaturalLandmark in 1972 due to its rare geologicalfeatures. The gulf -- a 12-acre steep walledkarst feature -- provides a rare glimpse ofthe Lost River on its path through OrangeCounty. The Gulf has developed from amassive collapse of rock above the under-ground stream. The soft rock goes into solu-tion and allows the rock to be slowly re-moved. Today, waters of the Lost River riseat one end of the Gulf, flow across the floorand sink into swallow holes where the waterreturns to its subterranean flow. That waterflow continues through the network of cav-ernous routes beneath the Blanton tract.

It is anticipated that in the next year theproperty will be transferred to the US ForestService. It will then become an addition tothe Wesley Chapel Gulf and a part of theHoosier National Forest.

The Lost River is one of the largest sink-ing streams in the country. The watershedis over 200 square miles. The Lost River be-gins like a normal river in western Washing-ton County. As the stream meanders intoOrange County, the water begins to sink into‘‘swallow holes’’ in the river bed. Eventually,it disappears entirely into a vast system ofwater carved passages and caves. The LostRiver, at surface level, meanders as a drybed for 23 miles. This is about a fourth ofthe river’s 85-mile length. A few times eachyear the Lost River fills its dry bed as runoffexceeds the capacity of the many swallowholes to siphon off the river’s flow. As a sub-

Continued on page 15

IKC UPDATE No. 68 PAGE 10 MARCH 2003

EDUCATION AND OUTREACH COMMITTEE REPORT

by Kriste Lindberg

It’s time to take a break from the tradi-tional, ’ol report... Rather expand a bit moreon what I touched upon in the December2002 IKC Update -- taking the emotional as-pect of natural resources conservation intoaccount. I’ve found over the years that mostagencies, landowners, and others don’t wantto purposely harm resources, they just needto know the consequences of some of theiractions, and what they can do to help prev-ent them. Education can be a great way ofhelping them with this process as it can beseen as neutral, thoughtful, and a non-threa-tening way to get the point across.

For example, in order for a change inbehavior to take place, the following se-quence of events needs to occur:

Awareness Education Acceptance

Once someone is aware of something, theycan learn more about it and be more recep-tive to the behavioral changes that need totake place. Working with them on it is key,not against them. Time can be a big ally,too. Remember those little words of wisdomyour mother taught you? Well, there is somebasis for them. They really do work in thereal world!

Below are a few key points on what ittakes:

Get involved! Understand the hot topicssuch as water quality.

Be proactive, not reactive. Be a team player -- it adds to resources

and increases expertise in different areas.You can get more done when you’re notterritorial and work together. Be as neu-tral as possible and keep the big picture ofwhat you’re doing it for in mind -- naturalresource conservation.

Network -- you can meet all sorts of inter-esting folks with similar interests.

Align yourself with those that ‘‘can do’’and be one of them.

Be open-minded -- you’ll meet all types outthere. Realize that people are in positionsfor a variety of reasons.

Communicate effectively -- simply and in atimely manner! In all forms - electronical-ly, phone, and in person. Don’t ever ignorea communication, people will begin to mis-trust you and your ability to get thingsdone.

Be direct, open, honest, up front -- call itlike it is and cut to the chase.

Be a good listener. Be diplomatic and fair -- people will re-

spect you for it. Again, neutrality helps. Include others and give credit where it’s

due. Coordinate -- share information and help

each other out. Remember body language counts. Make

eye contact -- a knowing glance -- smile!That can go a long ways, even in roughtimes. It’s not all clear sailing.

Take time to think things through. If youhave questions, ask! Don’t make assump-tions -- ASSUME (makes an ASS out of Uand ME)

In the words of conservation media pro-ducer/director, Dave McGowan, ‘‘It’s a dif-ficult position to be in but it’s more effec-tive to prevent problems and be annoyingthan to be stoic and deal with disasters.’’

Don’t take things too personally -- mostreactions are a form of projection fromothers.

Be there for each other! We’re not all per-fect, sometimes we have bad days. How-ever, if someone is having too many, makealternate plans.

Recognize signs of dysfunction -- poorcommunication, inconsistency, ignoring,distancing, withholding, anger, makingthings up, backstabbing, passive aggres-sion.

Take time to (try to) fix the problems. Give things time - some things take lots of

it. Forgive and don’t hold grudges. People

can truly change for the better. However, realize and accept that not all

players are effective -- go around them ifnecessary.

Keep good records. You may need to referback to something.

Don’t burn bridges by being dysfunctionalyourself and/or talking poorly of anyone.Trust is key!

Overall - keep a positive attitude. It ishelpful -- you can turn something bad intosomething good.

A good sense of humor is always appreci-ated! It can help ‘‘break the ice’’.

If it’s right, it will build momentum like a

IKC UPDATE No. 68 PAGE 14 MARCH 2003

IKC WINTER QUARTERLY MEETING MINUTESSaturday, December 7, 2002

Indianapolis, Indiana

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:

Bruce Bowman, PresidentJames Adams, SecretaryKeith Dunlap, TreasurerBruce DeVore (by proxy Scott Fee)Dave Haun (by proxy Tom Rea)Don IngleKriste LindbergSteve LockwoodNick NoeBob SergesketterTom SollmanBill TozerBob VandeventerDick VernierKathy Welling

The December quarterly meeting of the IndianaKarst Conservancy was called to order at 10:02 AMat the home of Nick Noe in Indianapolis, PresidentBruce Bowman presiding. All Directors were repre-sented with two proxies accepted. The meetingminutes from the September meeting were approvedas published in the December IKC Update.

Treasurer Keith Dunlap reported on our financialcondition:

Assets $160,700Cash $52,700Unrestricted Funds $21,200

Regarding the Stewardship Endowment Fund, BillTozer reported that Dave Luckins of the NationalSpeleological Foundation is receptive to managingIKC funds into investments that will fit our goals.The NSS investments generally yield about 5% peryear. The Directors were polled on their feelings ofrisk vs return and the general opinion seemed to bethat there would be little risk to the principal andwe should look for a better return. The IKC is prob-ably not qualified to make those investment deci-sions; however, the NSF record appears to be stableand somewhat conservative. $10,800 (plus accruinginterest) has been earmarked for the StewardshipEndowment Fund. A straw vote was taken and theBoard agreed that the NSF investment optionshould be pursued. Tozer will continue to inves-tigate and hopefully have a formal motion at theMarch meeting.

Spring Mill State Park: Tom Rea reported that hehas been in contact with Mark Young of Spring MillState Park and indicated to him that the IKC iswilling to accept conservation easements. JeffCummings has also been made aware that we arewilling to renew and update our Memorandum ofUnderstanding with the Park. Spring Mill StatePark had previously expressed an interest in photo

monitoring karst features in the park. Anmar Mir-za and James Adams volunteered to assist, but noother information has been received. These issuesare in their court and we will have to wait until theyinitiate further activity.

A Greenwood resident has inquired if the IKC wouldconsider entering into an agreement whereby theywould be able to inter their pets on our property andbe assured that the area would be undisturbed. Inexchange, they will make a significant donation.There appears to be no interest on their part inmonuments or caskets. There was discussion inboth directions. The Sullivan property might be acandidate for this activity. Dunlap moved to pursuethis opportunity and the drafting of a contact forconsideration at a future board meeting. KathyWelling seconded. Adams volunteered to be the liai-son with the resident. Motion approved, 8-7-0.

There have been two complaints about our man-agement of our nature preserves. Vehicles havebeen sighted beyond the parking area at the Buddhaproperty. Dunlap reported that one instance washis own vehicle assisting an injured caver. All Ter-rain Vehicles (ATV) have also been reported on theproperty. Another person complained that therewere weeds and trash at the Orangeville Rise. Itwas revealed that this person might be expecting usto mow the property and make improvements thatare prohibited by the DNR’s Master Plan.

Dunlap also reported that we have received inqui-ries for more information on the Lost River due toour sign at the Orangeville Rise.

Treasurer Dunlap did not pay the fall installment ofthe Buddha property tax because he has been toldthat it’s already been paid.

There has been no progress on the classified wildlifehabitat designation.

The Department of Natural Resources has a newprocess for requesting Indiana Heritage Trust Ste-wardship funds. Right now, the IKC is caught inthe middle of their policy change. We’ll have towork through their process but no one has any wor-ries.

A new hole has opened up in a sinkhole at the Budd-ha property. This is being investigated.

Dunlap plans to work on the kiosks during hisChristmas break.

Kriste Lindberg reported that the city of Blooming-ton might want to gate Shirley Spring Cave at the

IKC UPDATE No. 68 PAGE 16 MARCH 2003

IKC SPRING DIRECTOR’S MEETING MINUTESSaturday, February 15, 2003

Bloomington, Indiana

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:

Bruce Bowman, PresidentJames Adams, SecretaryKeith Dunlap, TreasurerDon Ingle (by proxy Sue Vernier)Kriste LindbergSteve LockwoodNick NoeTom SollmanBob VandeventerRichard Vernier

BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT:

Bruce DeVoreDave HaunBob SergesketterBill TozerKathy Welling

The February Directors’ meeting was called to orderat 7:03 PM at the home of Kriste Lindberg in Bloo-mington, Indiana, President Bruce Bowman presid-ing. One proxy was accepted, Sue Vernier for DonIngle. The meeting minutes from the Decembermeeting were approved as published with one cor-rection changing ‘‘various county contacts’’ to ‘‘vari-ous agency contacts’’ in reference to a cave that wasdug into during road construction.

Treasurer Keith Dunlap reported $54,655 in thebank. Dunlap also noted that a bank representativeof someone trying to refinance property next to theBuddha property contacted the IKC and explainedthat we still owed $36.42 in property taxes, whichhas now been paid.

Regarding short-term investments, Dunlap movedto put $40,000 into CD investments. Seconded byJames Adams. It was clarified that this includesthe stewardship fund plus money from the generalfund, and the funds would be accessible withoutpenalty within 30 days if needed. Motion passed,10-0-0.

Richard Vernier accepted a nomination as Presi-dent. Adams accepted a nomination as Secretary.Dunlap accepted a nomination as Treasurer. Nomi-nations for six Directors positions included: JaimeWinner, Everett Pulliam, Barb Capocy, Nick Noe,Dave Haun, Bruce DeVore, Tom Sollman, KathyWelling, Patty Ruback, Sue Vernier, Carita Noe andBruce Bowman. Four of the Directors positions willcarry three-year terms and two will be for one-yearterms. Dunlap moved to accept the ballot pendingacceptance of all nominations. Steve Lockwood sec-onded. Motion passed, 10-0-0. [Post-meeting note:Kathy Welling did not accept her nomination for aDirector position, therefore her name will not appearon the ballot.]

Bill Tozer or Tom Rea will be asked to serve as elec-tion teller. Bowman will follow-up before the Marchmeeting.

Dunlap noted several land acquisition opportunities.There was discussion of these opportunities.

The Department of Natural Resources has askedhow we would like to list the Buddha property onthe DNR web site. Detailed information for ‘‘open’’sites or no listing at all for ‘‘closed’’ sites are two op-tions. A third option is to have a dot on a map andprovide contact information as a ‘‘restricted’’ site.The Directors preferred this third choice and Bow-man will follow-up with the DNR. Bowman will alsopost similar information on the IKC website.

Dunlap has been working on the kiosk project. Thefirst kiosk is scheduled to be erected at Under EarthDay at the Buddha property. Carita Noe warnedthat careful thought should be given to the messageon the kiosk. Tom Sollman suggested that a sign beplaced in the entrance room of Buddha Cave. Bow-man asked that the Education Outreach Committeeprepare a draft of possible signage options for thesummer meeting. Concern was also expressed thatthe originally-planned location (near the parkingarea) would attract too much attention. Tom Reawill be asked to check on permission from the DNRto erect the kiosk and confirm the exact location.

A cleanup at the Blanton property is planned forMarch 29. A plaque will be placed at that time.

The IKC has recently been recognized by the DNRfor Honorable Mention as Conservation Organiza-tion of the Year.

Access at Buckner Cave is still being monitored.

Adams noted that the idea of using a plot on theSullivan property as a pet cemetery is a dead issue.The pet lover has found an alternate property.

May 17 has been designated as a fence workday atthe Orangeville Rise. The adjacent landowner needsto be notified and permission obtained to access thefence area via his property.

Lindberg noted that a geo-cache has been reportedat the Orangeville Rise.

Bob Vandeventer passed out the 2003 IKC calendarto the Directors.

The March annual business meeting will be on Sat-urday, March 22 at the Greenwood Public Library at10:00 AM. Meeting adjourned at 8:54 PM.

Submitted by James Adams, Acting Secretary