2010 Convention - White Nose Syndrome Information

2010 NSS Convention – WNS Plans and Precautions

The 2010 NSS Convention planning committee has known for a couple of years that we have an unusual situation with this year’s convention in Vermont due to WNS. As such, we have been preparing for how to deal with the challenges of WNS both here and for those traveling from outside the WNS-affected area. Consulting with state and federal officials, we believe we have options and solutions that will ensure a convention that provides both caving opportunities and protects bats both here and across the country. As virtually every bat cave in this region has already been affected by WNS, our top priority is to ensure that no gear used in this region leaves or is used elsewhere. Bat caves will be avoided, and any gear used here will be cleaned and disinfected according to the latest USFWS protocols. What does this mean for you?

Option 1. Enjoy Vermont Above Ground. By now, you’ve probably read the NSS News articles about all that Vermont has to offer – hiking, climbing, swimming, boating fishing, museums, quarries, restaurants, microbreweries and wineries, downtown Burlington and Lake Champlain. We know Vermont is not a caving mecca, and we’ve always geared this convention to a more family-oriented affair. Besides, the USFWS still advises against any caving in the WNS region. So, you don’t have to go caving, and you will still enjoy A Cool Convention. Check out more on the Activities link on this website – and don’t let WNS keep you away!

Option 2. Leave Your Cave Gear at Home – Borrow Gear Here. For cavers coming from areas not affected by WNS, the Central Connecticut Grotto (CCG) is running a gear borrowing station. Cave gear provided by northeastern cavers will be available for borrowing at a location immediately adjacent to a gear cleaning and disinfecting station.

We expect to have a good selection of typical caving gear such as outer clothing, knee pads, helmets, headlamps, boots, cave packs, and gloves. However we cannot guarantee the selection, nor will we be able to supply vertical gear or carbide lights. Gear can be reserved at the convention the day prior to use.

If you have gear that you can loan or donate, please bring it to the convention.

Can you donate or loan gear? click here
Interested in borrowing gear? click here

Form for loaning gear: pdf
Form for borrowing gear: pdf

(If you can volunteer some time at the Caving Gear to borrow Station, please let us know by completing the form at: https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dEliR1ZZUDNEbV83VnR6WGZzMFB0T1E6MA)

Option 3. Bring Your Old Cave Gear and Leave It Here. If you’re like many long-time cavers, you’ve probably got old coveralls, helmets, pre-LED headlamps, etc. out in the shed. We encourage you to bring and use that gear, or add it to the Gear Borrowing Station. Just don’t take it away with you. Even if you’re not going to cave, we will be glad to add it to the permanent lending library.

Option 4. Use Dedicated Gear. Many of us who have lived with WNS for a few years now have separate sets of gear. Given how widespread WNS has become, this has become more and more a practical option. This gear needs to be cleaned and stored separately from gear used in un-affected areas.

Option 5. Using Your Own Gear. Cavers coming from already affected regions should bring their own gear. As guidance, we would include New England, NY, NJ, eastern PA, MD, DE, DC, WV and VA as saturated areas.

Cleaning and Disinfecting Station. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is graciously setting up and overseeing the cleaning and disinfecting station. It is located directly next to the gear borrowing station. Trips will rendezvous and return immediately outside the stations, and trip leaders will be directing people to the cleaning area immediately after trips. All cavers are responsible for cleaning and disinfecting their own and any borrowed gear. The NSS Safety and Techniques Committee is working on coordinating workshops with the USFWS on how to both properly use the protocols while protecting oneself from the chemicals used.

White Nose Syndrome Program. Vermont’s Fish and Wildlife Department’s bat specialist, Scott Darling, will be giving a special presentation on WNS open to the public, as well as convention-goers, on Tuesday evening at the waterfront ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center. Check your convention program for details.