Pennsylvania Cave Conservancy Meeting Minutes for May 5, 2002.

This is a summary of the minutes of the meeting.

The meeting was called to order by President, Kim Kehs, at the Rupert 
Cave Campground in McVeytown, PA at 10:00 a.m. Sunday May 5, 2002.

The following officers were present:	 

President:    Kim Kehs
V. President: Rich Rosevear
Secretary:    Karen Bange
Treasurer:    George Bange

Representatives were as follows:
Bald Eagle Grotto:		JD Lewis
Baltimore Grotto:		Craig Hindman
Bucks County Grotto:		Rich Rosevear
Central New Jersey Grotto:	---		
Commander Cody Caving Club: 	Harris Martin	
Huntingdon County Cave Hunters:	---
Nittany Grotto:			Keith Wheeland
Philadelphia Grotto:		Mike Mostardi
Pittsburgh Grotto:		Patty Taylor
York Grotto:			Dale Ibberson

There were introductions of the new officers and the current PCC grotto 
representatives.

Secretary's Report:  The minutes from the February meeting were approved 
as printed in the Breakdown.

Treasurer's Report:  There is a balance of $265.84 in the checking account 
and $2,227.20 in the savings account for a total of $2,493.04.

Web Page Report:  Dave Fricke reported the web site was recently updated 
with a new item to the Gift Store, the PCC bumper sticker.  The web site 
continues to receive inquiries and continues to increase in visibility in 
the caving community with more listings on caving-related link web sites.
 
PCC Bumper Stickers:  Keith Wheeland has printed 125 removable bumper 
stickers for $129.85 which is $1.04 a piece.  65 bumper stickers need 
be sold to cover the initial printing cost.  Stickers cost $2.00.

Breakfast Report:  The breakfast at the 2002 spring field meet brought 
in $466.  There was a general thank you to Alan Horn for donating all 
of the food items and for preparing the breakfast.   

T-shirt Report:  Dean Snyder reported one shirt was sold at the MAR field meet.

Growing Greener Grant Money:  Harris Martin reported the budget was 
cut in half for the next fiscal year.  

PCC Brochure Report:  George Bange reported brochures are available 
for any one interested.  

Old Business:

Project Reports:
1. Baker Caverns, Franklin County, PA.  The selling price has been reduced.  
2. Dragon Cave, Berks County, PA.  A new gate is waiting to be installed.
3. J4, Keith Wheeland reported there has been no dialogue with the quarry 
owners.  General census at the meeting was the objective of pursuing a 
relationship with the owners was to keep the cave open.  A sub committee 
was formed to try and develop a relationship with the owners by way of the 
local fire department/rescue personnel.  Cherie Picard and Kathryn Parks 
will work on this approach.
4. McAlisterville Cave, Juniata County, PA.  Keith Wheeland reported the 
cave has new gate on it.  The cave break in was publicized in the local 
paper complete with a reward for any information leading to an arrest.  
There has only been one call from the article.  The call was from a local 
business saying their business was vandalized about the same time as the 
gate vandalism.
5. Merkle Cave, Berks County, PA.  Bill Wentz requested that grottos email 
him an answer to these questions: 1) Why is the cave significant?  2) How 
should it be managed?  He will use the answers to put together a proposal 
to present to the landowner.  He also has the Merkle Cave video available.
6. Cleversburg Cave, Franklin County, PA.  The township has purchased the 
cave property and is developing a park there.  

New Business:
Buffalo Valley Grotto: Two members from Buffalo Valleys Grotto were at the 
PCC meeting and were introduced.  There was a unanimous vote to add the 
grotto to the membership list.

Christmas Card: Karen Bange reported sending out holiday cards to cave owners 
in 2001.  If anyone wants a cave owner added to the mailing list contact Karen.

PCC Breakfast:  Alan Horn agreed to do the Fall MAR breakfast but would 
appreciate other PCC members volunteering to coordinate the meal at future 
meets.  The PCC voted to pay Alan's registration fee at the Fall MAR.

Cave For Pay:  Kim Metzgar reported a group of individuals has been charging 
people to go into Bear Cave, Westmoreland County without permission.  The 
group is the Western Pennsylvania Field Institute and is comprised of Sean 
Brady, Jon Lucazamo, and Mike Schiller.  Cavers should be aware of this group.

Legislation:  Harris Martin reminded everyone that there may be a new 
administration voted into office with the upcoming elections.  Next year 
may a good time to try to pass a cave project.

Cave Gating:  Rich Rosevear reminded the group to utilize the large resources 
available when it comes to cave gate designs and installations.

Next Meeting:  The next meeting of the PCC will be on Sunday September 22, 2002 
10:00 a.m. at the Fall MAR Field Meet in West Virginia.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:00 a.m. May 5, 2002

Respectfully submitted,
Karen Bange, Secretary