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Carroll Cave Conservancy 
2/8/00 Update
Rick Hines

No digging to report but there has been activity.

We are close to obtaining a tax-exempt status, 501 (c) (3), for the
CCC.  I have made Duane Pemberton an offer for the natural entrance.  Ed
Simmons is looking into the cost of drilling a 3-foot diameter back door.  

Tax Exemption 

On October 6, 1999 the CCC applied for IRS recognition under Section 
501(c)(3).  The CCC paid a $150 fee with the application.  If the
exemption is granted donations to the CCC would be tax deductible.   On December
28 I provided additional information to the IRS to clarify the original 
application.  On Jan 26, 2000 the IRS asked for one additional document
by 2/9/00.  I have requested and obtained a 90-day extension.  The IRS
needs to see a lease or other document that grants the CCC the right to access
the private property before an exemption could be granted. Greg Fry and
Chris Danuser have, in principle, agreed to grant the access.  On 2/7/00 CCC 
attorney, Bill Hays, spoke to Greg to get his input on the form of the 
document.  Bill is drafting documents for Greg Fry and Chris Danuser.  

Greg called me today and we discussed the idea of drilling near the Old
Sweatt schoolhouse over the Lower Thunder River.  Greg suggested
fencing off an acre for parking.  We could even renovate the schoolhouse and
convert it to a bunkhouse.  

Natural Entrance

After the December dig I called Duane Pemberton, the owner of the
natural entrance to Carroll.  He stated that he was trying to sell the cave to
the state and should know by mid January.  

On January 24 I called Mr. Pemberton and was told a realtor had earnest
money for the cave and Mr. Pemberton said he did not know who the potential
buyer was.  He said the price was $75,000 for forty acres and the entrance. 
I pointed out the land he owned on the cave side of the road was only 25
acres.  He agreed.  He also complained that the realtor would get 10%.  He
expected the deal to close by the next weekend.  

On February 1, I called Mr. Pemberton.  He has not sold the entrance
yet.  I offered him $67,500 (75,000-10%).  He said he would think about the
offer.  We agreed that I should call him at 9:00 pm on Sunday 2/6/00.  I called
at 9:00pm and left a message.  He has not returned my call.   I called
again tonight (2/8/00) - no answer.  I assume he is not really interested in 
selling. 

If I could purchase the entrance I would offer it to the CCC for the price I 
paid.   

Let's Drill

Ed Simmons has been contacting drilling companies to determine the cost
of drilling a 3-foot diameter shaft into Carroll.  

The first estimates were for $35,000 to $45,000.   Two possible
drilling locations have been considered.   The T-Junction and a location near
the Old Sweatt schoolhouse over the Lower Thunder River.   

                        T-Junction              Schoolhouse
Elevation                   940                     895 
Stream elev.                800                     795
Ceiling height          35 - 40                 25 -35
Drill depth needed      100 to 105              65 to 75
                        .25 miles from road         On road

The Schoolhouse location should be less expensive to drill, has better
access and would result in less disturbance to the land owner's cattle
operation.  The Schoolhouse is more centrally located in terms of the mapped cave. 


Save your $$$ for your tax deductible donation to the CCC. 

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