The Kentucky Speleological Survey, Inc. The Kentucky Geological Survey, University of Kentucky, 228 Mining and Mineral Resources Building Lexington, KY 40506-0107 Phone (859) 292 - 5145 email: mr_chaos-at-hotmail.com www.ksscaves.org

February, 22nd 2002

In December of 2000, the Kentucky Speleological Survey (KSS) incorporated. This important organization was founded to gather and archive cave and karst data of the Commonwealth of Kentucky to further the study of cave and karst resources for conservation, research and scientific exploration.

Many individuals, during the course of several decades of work, in different areas of the state have gathered a tremendous wealth of karst data including amongst others: cave locations, cave surveys, biological inventories, and geological studies. The KSS is designed to serve as a statewide database and repository for these data that is safe from loss and archived for future reference. Karst resources in Kentucky have been greatly impacted through development. The establishment of the KSS is an important step toward proper planning and zoning in karst regions, implementation of best management practices for karst, and advancing our state of knowledge about karst through well-informed research.

The KSS is currently involved in several projects including a statewide sinkhole digitizing effort, a map and data archive held under a Memorandum of Understanding at the Kentucky Geological Survey, and a cave location and information database. The success of these projects is dependent upon contributions of data and time from the Kentucky caving and karst community.

As a fellow member of the Kentucky karst community, we ask that you consider us a resource and a potential place to submit your own data. We understand sensitive issues such as landowner relations, endangered species, and ongoing projects. These have been considered and included in our bylaws, and prompted various data classifications. Requests for data are handled by a committee composed of individuals who have long standing in the caving community and are equally concerned with sensitive issues.

We would like to discuss these and other issues with you at a time convenient to you. Please feel free to visit with us, attend one of our meetings, or give us a call. If desired, we can arrange to visit with you. For more information, electronic copies of Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, a calendar of activities, meeting times and dates, and membership applications please visit our website at www.ksscaves.org. We hope to hear from you!