Caving and the VCA
Caving is the exploration of natural underground spaces. Navigating passage from from small crawlspaces to vertical drops, a dedicated Vermont caver can explore tons of natural beauty found beneath the Earth. The VCA plans trips to different caves in the Northeast with an emphasis on safety, conservation, and fun. Regular quarterly meetings call a forum where topical issues can be addressed and discussed.
Safety First: Essential Caving Guidelines
Prioritizing safety is crucial for every caving expedition. The National Speleological Society (NSS) recommends the following practices:
- Never cave alone: Always explore with a group, ideally with at least four members. This ensures that if someone gets injured, the remaining members can split, some stay while others seek help. A larger group can also be difficult to manage [NSS Safety Techniques]
- Inform someone: Before entering a cave, let someone outside know your plans, including the cave's location and your expected return time. Make sure this is a trusted contact who understands what you are doing.
- Carry multiple light sources: Each caver should have at least three independent hands-free light sources, along with extra batteries.
- Wear appropriate gear: This includes a helmet with a mounted light(s), sturdy boots, gloves, and suitable clothing to protect against abrasions and hypothermia. Kneepads and elbow pads are generally preferred in Vermont, as well as non-cotton underlayers that are still warm when wet.
- Logistics: Research the cave trips you plan ahead of time, especially if no-one on your trip has been to that cave before. Check weather forecasts to avoid the risk of flooding, and contact the cave manager to learn about any extenuating circumstances.
Conservation Practices
Caves are delicate ecosystems that can be easily damaged. To preserve their natural beauty and ecological importance, adhere to these conservation principles:
- Leave no trace: Carry out all trash, avoid touching formations, and do not disturb wildlife. "Take nothing but photos, leave nothing but footprints, kill nothing but time."
- Stick to established paths: This minimizes the impact on cave floors and reduces the risk of damaging formations. Navigation is not generally an issue for Vermont caves, but orienting yourself while both subterranean and superterranian is critical.
- Use clean gear: To prevent the spread of contaminants and diseases like White-Nose Syndrome in bats, ensure all equipment is cleaned before entering a cave. [Minimum Impact Caving]
- Educate others: Share knowledge about cave conservation to promote responsible caving practices within the community. Join local caving events and get involved.
Learn More
For those interested in expanding their knowledge and skills in caving, consider exploring the following resources:
