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July 12, 2025
According to Courthouse News Service the National Speleological Society plans to host 1,500 cave enthusiasts for its annual convention. Environmentalists are concerned that there is a risk this may spread White-nose Syndrome to Colorado’s two species of bats theTownsend’s big-eared bat and the fringed myotis. The environmentalist fear if the federal government allows this convention it may wipe out the bat population in their state.::: Read more @
http://www.courthousenews.com/2011/07/11/38025.htm
Categories: Bats, White Nose Syndrome (WNS)
1 comment
Eco Mission
Interesting that the Courthouse News Service tells only one side of this story. I would hope they also report on the Bureau of Land Management’s reply in court.
And, for the record, the federal government has absolutely no say whatsoever as to whether the NSS or any other organization holds a convention. That’s not what is at issue in this case. The annual convention is taking place no matter what.
What the plaintiff is opposing is a permit issued by BLM for guided visits by a very small number of people to two caves under strict protocols that include dedicated local gear and full decontamination - conditions proposed by the NSS as part of its permit application. As no gear from any WNS area in the country will be used, and what will be used will be cleaned and decontaminated, there is no chance for spreading WNS.
It’s important for readers to also know that both of these caves are open to the general public without any conditions. Thus, the irony here is that the plaintiff is protesting the one group that is taking abundant precautions to prevent any spread of the disease.
The NSS has been involved in the WNS investigation since its inception in NY in 2007. It has funded critical WNS research, produced educational materials for the public, federal agencies, and commercial caves, and its members participate directly in field and laboratory research, aiding state and federal agencies and academic researchers.
The NSS, at 70 years old, is the nation’s oldest and largest organization dedicated to the he scientific study of caves and karst; protecting caves and their natural contents through conservation, ownership, stewardship, and public education; and promoting responsible cave exploration and fellowship among those interested in caves.
See what the NSS is doing on WNS at http://www.caves.org/WNS, and contribute directly to WNS research at: http://www.caves.org/WNS/Rapid_Response.shtml