ACCESS POLICY

Member Access draft 0904

The CCC does not own any part of Carroll Cave.  Our access is granted by those who do.  CCC has built and maintains an artificial entrance to the cave on land leased to us by a generous landowner.  It is our responsibility to manage that entrance in a manner that assures our good relations with area landowners, the safety of all who use our entrance, and the minimal impact to the cave and its resources.   The Access Committee has the responsibility to grant access to all qualified  applicants.

Member Access:

The CCC sponsors varied projects in the cave, which seek to satisfy the goals of the organization as stated in its Constitution and Bylaws.  CCC members who are current on dues, signed waivers and membership information are welcome to participate on these projects.  Participants are expected to actively contribute to the stated goal(s) of the trip.  Members must understand and comply with the safety requirements (see Safety Policy) and meet the physical fitness requirements for each trip as established by the Trip Leader or Project Manager.  Members can learn about scheduled trips from the CCC web site [www.carrollcave.org] or by contacting the leadership for the project of their particular interest.   All trips must include a Trip Leader who has met requirements established by the Access Committee (see Trip Leader Requirements).

Non-Member Access:

Individuals or organizations (e.g. grottoes, universities, government agencies, etc.)  who are not members of CCC may, under certain circumstances, gain access to Carroll Cave through the CCC's entrance.  Any such trip or project would need to comply with the goals and mission of CCC and be approved by the Board of Directors.  Groups desiring to begin a project outside the scope of the CCC’s own projects would be required to sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Board.  The MOA would include agreement to share data obtained, to comply with all safety and waiver of liability policies and inclusion of a CCC Trip Leader.  The CCC Board may also allow access to non-members for the purpose of education, landowner relations, or cooperative partnerships.

Minors (participants under age 18):

Minors may access the cave under the member or non-member pr

ovisions. A minor must be accompanied by a qualified adult on the trip who agrees to be the minor’s sponsor.  A minor’s waiver of liability must be signed by a parent or legal guardian.