Why Manage Caves? Educational Information
from
Springfield Plateau Grotto
of the National Speleological Society

Cavers normally manage or assist in managing caves because landowners are unable to manage their cave resources, or are seeking help in managing their caves.  Some caves have vertical entrances that require experience in single rope techniques (SRT) such as rappelling and using mechanical rope ascending systems, and many landowners are either not experienced in vertical techniques or are not willing to do so.  Some caves have stream crawls or lengthy dry crawls landowners are unwilling or unable to negotiate.  Some landowners live far away from the caves they own and appreciate help from cavers in helping to keep watch over the property.  It may also be that landowners simply do not have the time to watch over their caves and rely on experienced cave managers to help protect the cave and their landowner rights.
Managing caves requires dedication from the individuals who volunteer to manage them.  Cave managers must have a good rapport with the landowners, and some develop long-term genuine friendships.  Managers must not only know where the caves are, but must be familiar enough with the caves to know which parts of the cave can be accessed, and which parts should be left alone due to fragile ecosystems or unstable ceilings.  Periodic checks on the caves are necessary to keep watch, and managers must be diligent in scheduling time to visit the caves.
Many of the managed caves have been gated.  Not every cave should be gated, nor are there resources that would enable the gating of all caves.  However, when a cave has been gated, there is a very good reason.  Gates are important tools in keeping out unauthorized visitors who might unknowingly cause damage and those who would intentionally damage a cave or its contents.  Some caves are gated to protect endangered species habitat; others are gated to protect the visitor from some unusual hazard such as an unstable ceiling, a deep pit or hypothermia.
 

However, gates cannot be assumed to be the last line of defense against the vandal.  The gate must be inspected on a regular basis for damage caused by vandals or by natural events or processes.  Gates must be maintained—locks cleaned and oiled, gates repainted as needed.
Please help us maintain these managed caves by respecting landowners’ rights to privacy, obeying trespassing laws or by volunteering to help us manage the caves.  
  Currently, a few volunteer members of Springfield Plateau Grotto are helping to manage Breakdown Cave and its associated caves in Christian County, Lon Odell Memorial Cave in Dade County, Watterson Cave of Wright County, Garrison Cave #2 of Christian County, Dream Cave of Ozark County as well as caves owned by the Springfield/Greene County Park Board.