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Second Management Agreement.
Appeared in “Rocky Mountain Caving” – Summer 1985
USFS Groaning Cave Management Plan
I. OBJECTIVE
The management objective for Groaning Cave is to protect the cave
resource and provide reasonable public access.
A Supervisor’s Order is currently in effect that prohibits unauthorized
entry into the cave. The reason for the closure is to protect the
pristine condition of the cave and provide a measure of public safety.
II. USER ACCESS ADMINISTRATION
A Forest Service Volunteer(s) will screen applicants desiring access to
the cave. Cave users will be required to sign a Groaning Cave Hazards
Disclosure and Waiver of Liability form prior to entering the cave.
Volunteer(s) that screen cave users will be respected members of the
caving community that are knowledgeable in all aspects of caving. At no
time will Forest Service Volunteers act as trip leaders or guides within
the cave.
In addition to screening cave users, the Volunteer(s) will maintain the
cave portal gate and locks (a USFS padlock and a combination lock will be
installed) and appropriate signs. Users will gain access by receiving the
gate lock combination.
User may gain access to the cave directly from the Eagle District
Office, however, the District will consult a Volunteer prior to granting
access.
III. USER ACCESS REQUIREMENTS.
The following items will be required prior to authorizing entry into
Groaning Cave:
A. Equipment–
1. Helmet.
2. Main source of light: helmet-mounted light (preferred) such as
carbide or electric headlamp, or rugged portable light with handle.
3. Spare power source for main light, enough to keep it running at least
30 percent longer than expected length of the trip.
4. Spare parts for main light.
5. Two portable backup sources of light, such as rugged flashlights.
6. At least one pint drinking water in a rugged container.
7. Heavy clothes with long sleeves and legs, enough for 40-degree
temperatures. Coveralls recommended.
8. Rugged footgear, such as medium weight mountain boots.
Recommended Optional Equipment–
1. Heavy gloves, such as leather work gloves.
2. Knee pads, if you have sensitive knees.
3. Snack food, carefully packaged.
4. Magnetic compass.
5. Compact first aid kit, one for every two or three people.
6. Pack for supplies and spare equipment.
B. User Qualifications
1. General User.
a. Proper Equipment.
b. In good physical condition.
c. Agrees with cave conservation principles.
d. Agrees with proper safety practices.
e. Understands potential risks involved.
f. Signs the Groaning Cave Hazards Disclosure and Waiver of Liability
form.
g. Agrees to authority of trip leader.
h. At least 18 years of age or has permission of parent or guardian to
enter the cave.
2. Qualified Trip Leader.
a. Meets all requirements of general user.
b. Experienced with cave conservation principles.
c. Experienced with proper safety practices.
d. Experienced with gate procedures at Groaning Cave.
e. Knows how to find their way out of the cave.
f. Agrees to enforce cave access rules especially cave conservation and
insuring that everyone on their trip has signed the Groaning Cave Hazards
Disclosure and Waiver of Liability form.
g. At least 21 years of age.
C. Other
1. Persons entering Groaning Cave will be accompanied by an experienced
Trip Leader.
2. Groups entering the cave will consist of at least three people
including the Trip Leader.
3. Cave users will be encouraged to prepare a Trip Plan and leave it with
a responsible relative or friend. The plan should include:
a. A list of persons by name who will be entering the cave.
b. Date of entry and estimated time and date of return.
c. Instruction to notify the Garfield County Sheriff if the caver does
not return within a reasonable time after scheduled return.
4. Trip leaders will be required to lock the entry gate upon entering the
cave and insure that it is locked upon exiting the cave.
5. All materials carried into the cave by those in the caving group must
be removed and disposed of off National Forest land.
6. No pets will be allowed entry to the cave.
IV. PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES.
Before entering the cave, users will be instructed to:
A. Leave formations untouched, even if broken.
B. Prevent spreading mud, especially on formations.
C. Remove all materials carried into the cave.
D. Not leave marks, including carbide lamp soot, that will spoil the
appearance of the cave for future visitors.
E. Not disturb cave life.
V. CAVE RESCUE PROCEDURE
If the need for a cave rescue is determined by a cave user or other
party, that individual should immediately request assistance from the
Garfield Country Sheriff, Glenwood Springs CO. (303) 945-9151.
VI. LAW ENFORCEMENT
Volunteers will not take direct action against violators. The Volunteer’s
role will be to provide information on violations to the District
Recreation Staff who will then take appropriate action.
Recommended by: Stephen K. Kelly/District Ranger
Approved by: Richard E. Woodrow/Forest Supervisor