SERA KARST TASK FORCE, INC.
CLEANUP PROCEDURE
Revised 3/4/2007
1.0 Purpose
This procedure is established to identify and specify the duties, procedures, and responsibilities of the SERA Karst Task Force, Inc. (SKTF) for cave and karst cleanup projects. Whether the SKTF is conducting the cleanup or is assisting another organization in a karst conservation project, it is responsibility of the SKTF to insure that the cleanup is performed in a safe manner and that the procedures followed do not adversely impact the hydrological, biological, or archaeological resources of the cave or karst feature.
2.0 The proposed project
Whether the proposed cleanup project is a SKTF project or one referred to a member of the committee, the committee will assign the project to a Project Leader (usually the committee member who brings/suggests the project to the committee). It is the Project Leader’s role to see that this procedure is followed. There are some important issues about the project that the proposal should include, so that the committee can make an informed decision about the feasibility of the project.
2.1 Identify the proposed cave or karst feature that is in need of a cleanup. Identify the type of karst feature and its pertinent characteristics to prepare for the cleanup logistics.
2.2 Determine what damage the cave or karst feature has sustained and what the cleanup will entail. Identify what types of trash are present and the extent of any graffiti.
2.3 Identify SKTF’s role in the cleanup.
2.4 Determine the date or potential dates for the cleanup.
2.5 Identify the landowner(s) by visitation or courthouse records. Obtain landowner name, address, phone number, and email address, which will be treated as confidential information to be used only for SKTF projects and its records and archives.
2.6 If SKTF is asked to assist another organization, ascertain the name and contact information of that organization’s representative.
2.7 Identify volunteer safety issues or concerns for each proposed project if possible before visitation.
2.8 Report to the committee for consideration. Once the project is authorized, then proceed.
3.0 Project preparation
3.1 Secure landowner permission. Make sure the landowner understands what the cleanup will entail and how any trash will be disposed of. Find out if the landowner is willing to donate any time, equipment, or money to the project. Obtain necessary permits to conduct a site visit to evaluate and/or document the cave for any significant resources, as well as the cleanup, if on state, federal or private conservancy lands.
3.2 The Project Leader should arrange a site visit with appropriate personnel to:
3.2.1 Check the project cave or karst feature for accessibility (e.g., volunteers, vehicles, dumpsters, large equipment, etc.). Mark a trail if necessary with flagging tape. Note any hazards or obstructions that must be communicated to the volunteers or eliminated or reduced.
3.2.2 Arrange volunteer parking.
3.2.3 Determine required caving and personal protection gear needed for the volunteers.
3.2.4 Determine the cleanup logistics, such as cleanup method(s), supplies or tools required, to accomplish the project.
3.2.7 Obtain GPS coordinates or a point on topographic map of the cave or karst feature as well as driving directions for volunteers.
3.3 Determine any expenses anticipated and potential funding sources.
3.4 Establish local newspaper contact(s) for the development of cave, karst, and/or karst groundwater awareness intended to educate cavers as well as the general public. Cave locations should never be publicized.
3.5 If needed, obtain location of nearest dumping station, or arrange for dumpsters to be delivered and collected to and from the site for the project. Determine if the dumping fee can be waived.
3.6 If applicable, obtain a copy of the cave’s management plan.
3.7 Prepare announcements to publicize the cleanup in the appropriate and pertinent avenues. Send all announcements to the chairman before posting.
3.8 Report your findings to the committee.
4.0 Identify any significant resources that need to be protected.
4.1 Arrange for the appropriate, trained persons to examine the project cave for geologic, historic, archeological, cultural, biological, or other significant resources well in advance of the project.
4.2 Establish the proper protection method(s) needed to preserve and protect any significant resource(s) from adverse impacts during clean up activities.
5.0 Organization during the clean up project
The Project Leader is in charge of the cleanup. He should delegate tasks or responsibilities to members of the committee, who will support the leader’s efforts and participate.
5.1 The project Leader will make sure that all required equipment and supplies arrive at the cleanup site at the appropriate time, and that it is in proper working order and is ready to use. It is recommended that any necessary rigging be done prior to the start time.
5.2 SKTF members are to supervise volunteers during the cleanup. Members are to be aware of the safety issues concerning each cleanup project and provide adequate safety supervision of all cleanup activities.
5.3 SKTF Members will brief volunteers on proper cleaning techniques and operation of equipment.
5.4 SKTF Members will help account for the volunteers, supplies, tools and equipment.
5.5 SKTF Members will obtain a signed release of liability form from each volunteer.
5.6 The SKTF Secretary or appointed committee member will sign in project volunteers.
5.7 The Secretary will compile the Volunteer Value Work Sheets for the SKTF Archives.
6.0 Post cleanup activities
The project leader should post a wrap up report for the public. It should mention the activities performed and the names of the volunteers. Send it to the chairman first.
The Project Leader will file a final written report to the committee after each cleanup project. The report should be an MS Word document and include:
1) A copy of the original CUP approved by the committee
2) A copy of any posts made prior to the event
3) A copy of the wrap up post to the caving public
4) A copy of any news releases you can get.
5) A short wrap up outlining the activities. Start with the date, the time it actually started, and the weather. Describe progress, problems encountered, and future needs. Any deviation from the CUP should be explained. This group of documents should be delivered to the SKTF Committee as soon as possible after the event. After the committee has time to read it, the final report will then be submitted to the Secretary of the SKTF for inclusion in the Archives.