|
National Cave and Karst Research Institute
The National Cave and Karst Research Institute Act of 1998 (16 U.S.C. § 4310 note) was passed by the 105th congress to further the science of speleology, centralize and standardize speleological information, foster interdisciplinary cooperation in cave and karst research programs, promote public education, promote national and international cooperation in protecting the environment for the benefit of cave and karst landforms, and promote and develop environmentally sound and sustainable resource management practices. Through this Act, the NPS was mandated to establish the Institute. The Institute is now a functional non-profit, government-supported institute headquartered in the City of Carlsbad, New Mexico. The NPS continues to play an important role in its funding, objectives, and programs. Visit the National Cave and Karst Research Institute.
National Speleological Society 
With over 10,000 members and 250 grottos (member caving clubs &groups), the National Speleological Society (NSS) does more than any other organization to study, explore, and conserve cave and karst resources;protect access to caves;encourage responsible management of caves and their unique environments;and promote responsible caving. Both individuals within the NSS and members of grottos contribute thousands of volunteer hours every year to various NPS units to help parks understand, protect, and interpret cave and karst resources. This includes the survey and exploration, restoration and conservation, research and study, and education and interpretation of cave and karst resources within parks. Visit the National Speleological Society.
Cave Research Foundation 
The Cave Research Foundation (CRF) is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to: facilitating research, management and interpretation of caves and karst resources;forming partnerships to study, protect and preserve cave resources and karst areas;and promoting the long term conservation of caves and karst ecosystems. Members of the CRF also work with various NPS units to contribute thousands of hours each year as volunteers to accomplish similar goals including the survey and exploration, restoration and conservation, research and study, and education and interpretation of cave and karst resources with parks. Visit the Cave Research Foundation.
|
Last updated: March 1, 2016