The Colorado Cave Survey is an elected body of cavers who serve as a liaison to maintain an open and cooperative relationship between the Colorado caving community and federal, state, and private land management agencies who own and/or manage many of Colorado’s caves. The Survey has worked to secure protection for caves and karst in areas threatened by timber harvests, mines, quarries, and road development, and has actively campaigned to maintain access to Colorado’s caving resources.
A major function of the Colorado Cave Survey is the administration of controlled-access caves. At present, these include Groaning Cave and LaSunder Cave in Garfield County, and Fly and Marble Caves, in Fremont County. For more information regarding the management of these caves, please consult the Managed-Access Section or visit the the respective pages for these caves. The Survey also maintains a list of Closed & Restricted Access Caves.
The Colorado Cave Survey differs in scope and function from many other state cave surveys affiliated with the National Speleological Society. Although the Colorado Cave Survey does maintain some files on caves in the state, the Survey has not served historically as a central repository of information on the caves of Colorado, nor has the Survey historically collected survey data from cave mapping projects.
A more detailed description of the Colorado Cave Survey may be gleaned from its Constitution and Bylaws and from its Philosophy and Operations. The Colorado Cave Survey Code of Conduct and Anti-Harassment Policy applies to all CCS meetings and online postings. See also the History of the Colorado Cave Survey section (under construction). A list of current officers and representatives is given here.
White Nose Syndrome unfortunately is now spreading rapidly in Colorado and is killing many bats here. For more information, including the most recent protocols for cleaning and decontaminating cave gear and clothing, please see the White Nose Syndrome page.