EMS TRANSMISSION 10/18/2006
Information Bulletin No. 2006-130

 

To:                   All Field Officials

                        Attn:  Cave/Karst Resource Managers

 

From:               Division Chief, Recreation and Visitor Services

 

Subject:            Memorandum of Understanding with the National Speleological Society and the Cave Research Foundation

 

Program Area: Recreation/Visitor Services and Partnerships

 

Purpose:This directive provides notification of an updated Bureauwide Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the National Speleological Society (NSS) and the Cave Research Foundation (CRF).

 

Policy/Action:It is the policy of the BLM to develop and expand the framework for a cooperative working relationship between the BLM, NSS and CRF for planning and accomplishing mutually beneficial programs, projects, and cave and karst related activities within the BLM-managed public lands at the national, regional, and local level. The Field offices are encouraged to work with the NSS and the CRF to identify caves and karst areas and cooperate with projects on public lands within their area of jurisdiction.

Timeframe:  The MOU was updated August 11, 2006.

 

Budget Impact:  Minimal.

 

Background:  The first national MOU among the BLM, NSS, and CRF was signed in 1984.  Since that time the Federal Cave Resources Protection Act of 1988 was passed and several changes in the BLM volunteer program and MOU requirements have taken place. The recently updated MOU updates the 1984 agreement with these organizations to incorporate these changes.

 

The NSS and CRF are 501(c) (3) non-profit organizations. Their basis is the scientific study of caves and karst resources and the education of and responsible use by their members and the public.  Both organizations have active volunteer programs and conduct much of their caving and research activities on BLM managed lands.

 

Directives Affected: None.

                                      

Coordination: The BLM Washington Office, Division of Recreation and Visitor Services, prepared this MOU in coordination with the BLM State Recreation, OHV and Travel Management Leads, the National Landscape Conservation System staff, and members of the caving community.

 

Contact:Bob Ratcliffe, Chief, Recreation and Visitor Services Division, WO (250),at (202) 452-5040 or James Goodbar, Senior Cave/Karst Specialist, Recreation and Visitor Services Division, WO (250), at (505) 234-5929.

 

Disclaimer:Check the BLM Directives Website to verify that this is the current directive before use.

 

 

1 Attachment