| Springfield Plateau Grotto |
| SPG State of the Organization |
| January 2007 |
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by Jonathan B. Beard, SPG President 2006-2007
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Summary of 2006 SPG caving: There were 155
documented cave trip day events consisting of 25 days surveying
caves, 28 days performing cave restoration, 22 days spent on the
Missouri cave files including ridgewalking to look for (and GPS)
cave entrances and describing caves, 19 days spent on cave
management that included cave gate repair and maintenance, 17 days
spent on public outreach events that included such things as guided
educational field trips to Breakdown Cave and other gated caves for
school and scout groups, 12 days spent on cave photodocumentation
that was not otherwise reported during cave surveys or other types
of cave trips and 32 days spent on miscellaneous caving that
included recreational trips, bio inventories and such. So many
individuals working together to restore caves and increase knowledge
about caves and their features is much appreciated! To see some of
SPG's project progress, visit the cave trip section of the website
where many photos can be found.
Fund seeking in 2006 went well with over $600 derived from membership fees to 39 members, $300 donation from Talking Rocks Cavern for assisting with guided educational trips to Powell Cave, $1,000 donation from Ronald Jaeger for the SPG speleothem restoration fund, $100 donation from Dr. Doug Gouzie and hundreds of dollars worth of material donations including survey and restoration supplies and library materials. Already in 2007, there have been 14 reported cave trip day events despite a nasty ice storm that curtailed caving in the Springfield area. SPG held its first annual Winter Party on February 3rd where 28 participants brought food and donated items to be auctioned. Several Certificates of Appreciation were presented to deserving members who have helped lead the way in project work, publications and administrative excellence. The auction that followed netted $587 to help fund SPG projects for the upcoming year.
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