Lost River - Karst Information Portal

pipe. Several dig trips subsequently took place
inside the cave where the passage intersected
the former pit entrance, and much clay and
rock has been relocated. A sound connection
was later made, with a caver banging on the pipe
from the surface at an established time, while
other cavers listened for the sound inside; they
felt the vibrations as well. When the physical
connection is made, the air compressor can
be relocated close to the former entrance
and the lines can be run into the cave there,
although all other equipment will continue to
be transported into the cave from the historic
entrance. In the meantime, plenty of work
remains in the Cushing Room and adjacent
areas, although we realize that there will come
a time to move on, without actually removing
all the graffiti present.
Ultimately, the Project Coordinator’s
idea of a successful job is for the future visitor
to the cave to have no clue of what has been
done. That’s not to say there will be no trace
of graffiti removal having taken place; those
persons who’ve removed it can easily pick out
spots where the surface colors of areas worked
will never blend in with the natural color of
the walls and ceilings, and anyone stopping
to observe closely will likely notice unusual
patterns, including traces of graffiti too difficult
to obliterate. However, if a visitor simply passing
through doesn’t immediately notice, that will be
a favorable result. In addition to trying to make
The Richard Blenz Nature Conservancy
the surfaces blend in to unmarked areas when
removing the graffiti, the used blast material that
wasn’t collected with tarps during sandblasting
is gradually being removed from the floor
and rocks. Some cavers have even had the rare
distinction of operating a vacuum cleaner in a
cave. At any rate, the closest approach possible
to “leave no trace” is being attempted.
The 2007 NSS National Convention
provides a unique opportunity for cavers
interested in the possibility of obtaining the
sandblasting equipment to make arrangements
to visit and to see first-hand what has been
accomplished in the cave. To arrange visitation
to the property and cave during the Convention,
please consult the cave trips area. To arrange
visitation at all other times, please visit http://
www.caves.org/grotto/big/rbnc/rbnc.htm for
specific access, property, and caving policies, as
well as any other information about the Richard
Blenz Nature Conservancy and Buckner Cave.
Lastly, the effort of each and every person
who has participated in the project in any way
up until now is greatly appreciated, as well as
continued participation and new involvement
by each person willing to help. For more
information on the Buckner Cave Graffiti
Removal Project, visit http://www.caves.org/
grotto/big/rbnc/Graffiti%20Removal.htm
or contact Project Coordinator Dave Everton
by e-mail at deverton@indiana.edu or phone
812-824-4380 (evening land line).
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