Resource Inventory: a Tool for Cave Science, Management, and Restoration Harvey R

Part 2-Conservation, Management, Ethics: DuChene-Resource Inventory 19 Section A-Identifying and Protecting Cave Resources Resource Inventory: A Tool for Cave Science, Management, and Restoration Harvey R. DuChene

The exploration and study of caves has steadily increased in popularity over the last 50 years. This interest is shown by growth in the membership of the National Speleological Society and similar organizations around the To manage caves world. The growing number of cavers results in increased pressure on known caves. Damage to fragile resources is an almost inevitable conse- effectively, their quence of visitation. It is now recognized that we must take care or caves extent, contents, and find new ways to conserve, protect, study, and enjoy them. and significance In 1988, Congress enacted the Federal Cave Resources Protection Act. must be assessed. (See Appendix I, page 507, for the complete text of the Act. AIso see cave laws, page 220.) This Act mandates the identification of significant caves on federal lands and prohibits:

... the willful disturbance, altering. remuval, sale, receipt, and possession of ... cave resources obtained illegally on Federal lands.

The Federal Cave Resources Protection Act of 1988 instmcts that significant caves are to be considered in the preparation or implementation of any land-management plan. Through this Act, federal agencies, including the Bureau of Land Management, US Fish and Wildlife Service, USDA Forest Service, National Park Service, and US Geological Survey, are mandated to manage and protect caves. To manage caves effectively, their extent, contents, and significance must be assessed. This evaluation requires the methodical gathering, sorting, and interpreting of cave data. The first cave inventory projects led to development of methods for acquiring this information. Inventory projects are active on both private and federal lands. Many Cave inventory is caves managed by the Bureau of Land Management, the National Park the systematic Service, or the USDA Forest Service, as well as independent cave projects or conservancies, have active inventory programs. The information observation and presented in this chapter is based on the LechuguiIIa Cave Mineral Inven- recording of tory, a project that has been collecting and analyzing geological data in significant features Carlsbad Caverns National Park since 1990. found within a cave.

What Is Cave Inventory?

Cave inventory is the systematic observation and recording of significant features found within a cave. An inventory may include many types of data on the archaeology, biology, chemistry, hydrology, geology, history, mineralogy, paleontology, speleogenesis, and impacts of modern human use. The amount and type of information collected depends on several factors: the purpose of the project; the nature and complexity of the cave; and technical, financial, personnel, and temporal limitations. 20 Cave Conservation and Restoration

Cave inventory is not a new concept. Scientists have been cataloging biota, archaeological sites, and fossil deposits in caves since at least the 17005. These systematic studies are essential for understanding processes, geological history, and biological communities in caves. Since the adoption of the Federal Cave Resources Protection Act of 1988, inventories have expanded to include the cataloging of all significant attributes in a cave. Cave mapping is a popular, systematic method for collecting data from caves. Early cave maps were simple, commonly showing passage walls but little or no internal detail. Over time, cave maps have evolved to Cave inventory is include other information such as streams, breakdown, formations, bedrock not a new concept. geology, and other characteristics deemed significant by the survey crew Scientists have been and cartographer. The amount of detail included on a map often depends on the observational skills, drawing ability, and patience of the survey cataloging biota, sketcher. archaeological sites, The term cave survey usually refers to linear and angular measurements and fossil deposits made inside of cave passages. This mathematical data is used to describe in caves since at the location, fonn, and extent of a cave. Typically, a cave survey is used to least the 1700s. make a map of a cave. A cave resource inventOlY lists the contents of a cave. Cave cartography-making maps of caves-has become an art form with cartographers striving to include as much inventory information as possible while making maps that are faithful depictions of the cave.

Why Do Inventory?

Information is the key to appreciating and understanding caves and their contents-understanding cave systems is the key to managing and protecting resources. The amount of detail and specific type of information required depends on the reasons for conducting an inventory. For some projects, a reconnaissance inventory is adequate. Inventory for scientific studies, restoration projects, and management oflarge systems requires more detailed data collection. The depth and breadth of knowledge about various aspects of the cave environment varies widely among map sketchers. Thus, the data included on maps, especially of large and complex systems, is inherently inconsis- tent. This is particularly true where many sketchers are responsible for mapping a large cave. The cave inventory process utilizes checklists that help survey teams and sketchers gather consistent information. These lists itemize the features found in the cave and provide a mechanism for documenting attributes that arc rare or significant. The objectives for a cave inventory project should be well defined to determine the type of information and the amount of detail to be included. Most cave inventories do not require specialists in geology, biology, or other sciences, but they do require a basic understanding of the features likely to be encountered in a cave. Some inventories of a highly technical or scientific nature may require active involvement of specialists.

Inventories as Tools The following examples describe how cavers, managers, and scientists use inventories as tools for project design.

Cave Scicncc. Basic cave inventories are used by scientists and other researchers to locate areas tor study. Once inventory data is stored in a database, information can be accessed quickly. The use of inventory data can lessen human impact on caves. By providing a reference to recorded information, researchers may not need to enter the cave to learn about the resources. For example, a researcher interested in water sampling can use Part 2-Conservation, Management, Ethics: DuChene-Resource Inventory 21

inventory data to locate cave pools. Without a good cave inventory, the researcher would probably have to visit multiple sites to determine if any were suitable for study.

I\lanagement. Cave inventories provide infonnation for making educated management decisions about cave resources. When making choices about access through cave passages, cave managers can use inventory databases to locate sensitive archaeological or biological resources (for example, historical artifacts, bat roosts, aquatic troglobites, or habitat for threatened species). Managers can use inventory data to protect important resources by The objectives for designating travel routes or surface activities that mitigate negative impact. a cave inventory project should be Restoration. Cave inventories can pinpoint infonnation on areas or well defined to passages that have been negatively impacted and need restoration. Using determine the type inventory data, managers can locate these areas quickly and can also compare the potential impacts of proposed restoration tasks to the potential of information and benefits of restoration. the amount of detail For example, restoration is proposed for an area that was muddied by to be included. traffic and then closed to visitation. Cave managers can use inventory data to help evaluate the sensitivity or fragility of the area. The data can provide information for detennining the size of restoration teams-perhaps only two or three skilled individuals should take on the task or the job may require caver groups working in multi-day shifts. Or it might be decided the damaged area should be left as it is and no restoration effort should be initiated. Databases can also be used to identify multiple restoration objectives that can be accomplished by one team to maximize productivity and minimize additional human impact.

Resources for Inventory

Many information sources exist that can help project managers design inventory programs. Primary sources include published literature specific to the topic or area covered by the inventory. (See Appendix 2, listings of resources and agencies for archaeological, biological, geological, and speleological information, page 515.) Information may also be gathered from local experts, libraries, colleges, universities, and from local, state, and federal government agencies. Information on scientific aspects of a specific cave or cave region may be available within the caving community. Members of the National Speleo- logical Society (NSS) have foroled special interest groups within the Society called Sections. Members of the various NSS Sections (geology/ geography, history, biology, paleontology, conservation/management and others) can provide helpful information for the design of inventory projects. Other information sources include the National Speleological Society Library, Cave Research Foundation, American Cave Conservation Associa- tion, Karst Waters Institute, and the National Cave and Karst Research Institute. (See Appendix 2.) Geological maps and reports are available for many locations and may be obtained from state geological surveys or the US Geological Survey. Maps provide information on the geology of the area surrounding the cave as we)) as information on topography, surface drainage, rock types, geologic formations, minerals, and fossils. Information about archaeology may be obtained from the state offices of archaeology. At the national level, the Society for American Archaeology has contact information for local experts. Biological information is available through professional wildlife biolo- gists at state, federal, and private agencies (for example, Karst Waters 22 Cave Conservation and Restoration

Institute, Missouri Department of Conservation, Illinois Natural History Survey, and Bat Conservation International, Inc). Hands-on training familiarizes nonspecialists with the features of cave inventory. This may be accomplished "on the job" by mixing new personnel with experienced leaders on inventory teams. It is also helpful for the person or group managing the inventory to prepare a photographic guide to specific features found in a cave, especially those features that are uncommon or unique to the region.

Types of Inventory

Qualitative or Quantitative Inventory can be either qualitative or quantitative. Qualitative data are easier to obtain, and provide information on the geographic distribution of features without specific details on rarity, abundance, density, or other measurable attributes within a given cave. Qualitative inventory information from several survey stations can be compiled onto one notebook page as shown in Figure I. When these data are combined with abundance estimates indicating whether a feature is rare, common, or abundant, as shown in Figure 2. the project is a quantitative inventory.

Levels of Detail The amount of detail incorporated into an inventory depends on the Hands-on training objectives oCthe project. In order of increasing detail, inventory projects familiarizes may be classified in the following categories: nonspecialists with the features of cave Reconnaissance General-purpose inventory. Project-specific

Reconnaissance Inventory. The purpose of a reconnaissance inventory is to gather general infonnation about a cave to detennine ifmore detailed study is warranted. Reconnaissance may be a simple compilation of features without specific information on distribution or abundance. Quantitative data on features may be included in a reconnaissance inventory, but usually only for a small portion of the cave. A reconnaissance project should be conducted with care because it is the foundation for more comprehensive projects and it may be the only summary of scientific information for a cave.

General-Purpose Inventory. During a general-purpose inventory. the team collects infonnation on the identity, condition, and distribution of all the significant attributes' of a cave. This is the most common type of inventory and is applicable to most caves. A general-purpose project may' follow a reconnaissance project if the cave merits additional study.

Project-Specific Inventory. A project-specific inventory involves collecting detailed information on a cave or a specific part of a cave, It may be qualitative, hut more often is quantitative because the investigator is interested not only in the identity and distribution of features, but also in the abundance, intensity. or frequency. Project-specific inventories may focus on certain features of a cave, such as archaeological artifacts or cave biota. This type of data collection usually supports a larger project. such as restoration, biological or geological studies, archaeological excavation, or the design of a management or development plan. Part 2-Conservation, Management, Ethics: DuChene-Resource Inventory 23

Performing an Inventory

Gathering good inventory infonnation requires careful preparation and use of the correct tools. Essential items include prepared inventory forms for recording data, a notebook to hold the fonns, a map of the cave, pencils, and other sopplies. (See tool list at end of chapter.)

Preparing the Notebook The basic inventory tool is a notebook with forms designed for recording data from a specific cave or project. To prepare the inventory forms, it may be necessary to perform a reconnaissance trip to create a list of the features. If the investigators are familiar with the cave, this list may be constructed from memory. (See inventory list at end of chapteL) Once the list offeatores is made it should be sorted by category, with To prepare the items in each category listed alphabetically for quick reference (Figurc I). inventory forms, it The form is printed on pages designed to fit in a standard surveyors loose- may be necessary to perform a reconnaissance trip to create a Imaginary Cave Team: Date: list of the features. If the investigators are Speleothems: Calcite familiar with the Columns cave, this list may Draperies be constructed from Flowstone memory. Helictites Soda straws Stalactites Stalagmites

Cave Fill: Breakdown Gravel Guano Mud Sand Silt

Fossils: Bones Skull

Archaeology: Torch fragments

Biota: Bats Beetles Isopods Fish Crayfish Spiders Figure 1. This is an example of a simple inventory fonn. 24 Cave Conservation and Restoration

leaf notebook. For some caves, the tist may be long enough to require several notebook pages. In wet caves, special water-resistant paper may be appropriate. Each category includes several related features. For example. the category for Calcite Speleothems includes tlowstone, helictites, soda straws, stalactites, and stalagmites. Several blank lines are left at the end of each category so that additional features can be added to the tist. Blank pages should also be included for verbal descriptions, drawings of unusual Once the list of features, documentation of photographs, site-specific directions, and other features is made it information that does not fit the structure of the inventory form. should be sorted by category, with items Collecting the Data in each category In most cases, the cave to be inventoried has been surveyed. Ifno survey and map of the cave exists, inventory data may be collected in conjunction listed alphabetically with the cave mapping data (the cave survey). In caves that have been for quick reference. previously surveyed, the inventory team should have a copy of the map with the names and locations of the survey stations clearly marked. Referring to the map will speed the process of locating survey stations

ImaginaryCave Team: IDe t-to~ag, sattfj caver, lae~ Kar

Speleothems: Rare Common Abundant Comments Calcite Columns 0 0 0 Draperies 0 0 Flowstone 0 ~ brow~h-rtt;l Helietites ~ 0 0 trQ.-.spClrtl'l-t. 1.-6 CI\\. Lov.g Soda straws 0 0 Stalactites 0 ~ 0 ert/ll\\. to ~elt.ow, .5-1I\\.lor.o. Stalagmites 0 ~ 0 ereClI\\.to Hellow, 15 eWo.tQlt

Cave Fill: Breakdown 0 [!f 0 blccR.s 30Cl\\. to 11\\. Gravel 0 0 0 Guano 0 0 0 Mud 0 0 0 Sand 0 0 0 Silt 0 0 0

Fossils: Bones 0 0 0 Skull 0 0 0 Archaeology: Torchfragments 0 0 0 Biota: Figure 2. This Bats 0 0 0 example of an inven- Beetles 0 0 0 tory form is designed Isopods 0 0 0 for collecting data on Fish 0 0 0 the type and abun- Crayfish 0 0 0 dance of cave features. Spiders 0 0 0 Note that one copy of the form is needed for each survey station. Part 2-Conservation, Management, Ethics: DuChene-Resource Inventory 2S

and collecting data. It is helpful if the cave contains either permanent or temporary survey station markers. (See station markers, page 189.) Ifsta- tions are not marked, surveying tools may be used to relocate and tempo- rarily mark the stations. Normally, the area to be examined at a station extends from the midpoint between stations A and B to the midpoint between stations Band C. This midpoint rule works well where the distance between stations is 12 meters (about 40 feet) or less. Where the distance is greater than 12 meters, it may be necessary to add supplemental survey stations, especially if the cave has an abundance of features that should be included in the inventory. It may be appropriate in quantitative inventories to divide cave passage into equal-length segments so that the collected data is statistically valid. However, equally spaced inventory sites must be added to the survey data if the inventory information is to be displayed on computer-generated maps.

Data Collecting Scenario To systematically collcct data, (assuming the survey stations in the cave If no survey and are labeled) the inventory team goes to station A-I and carefully examines map of the cave walls, ceiling, and floor while discussing what each person is seeing. Once exists, inventory all of the significant features have becn identified, the bookkeeper records dala may be the data on the inventory form. collected at the same At station A-I, the passage is decorated with calcite speleothems, time the cave is including stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, and helictites. The floor of the passage is covered with breakdown blocks and mud, and the remains of a surveyed. torch are found next to one of the walls. The bookkeeper finds the name of each feature on the inventory form and writes the name of the station next to the feature as shown in Figure 3. When all of the features near Station A-I have been identified and recorded in the notebook, the team moves to station A-2 and repeats the process. At station A-2, there are columns, draperies, flowstone, stalactites, and stalagmites, and the floor is covered with mud and breakdown blocks. A small red beetle is seen on the floor of the passage. The bookkeeper makes the appropriate entries as shown in Figure 4, and adds notes regarding color and size of the insect. Short notes can be included directly on the inventory page. Longer notes are written on blank pages with a reference to the appropriate survey station. When the team is satisfied that everything of significance at this site has been recorded, it moves to the next survey station. At station A-3, the walls are covered with flowstone, helictites, and popcorn. The floor consists of breakdown and mud. Notice that popcorn does not appear on the prepared form so it is necessary to add it to the speleothem category as shown in Figure S. The bookkeeper writes in popcorn on one of the blank lines under the heading for speleothems and makes an entry showing that popcorn is present at station A-3. At station A-4, features include flowstone, helictites, soda straws, and some unusual crystals next to a small pool. The pool is in a flowstone basin, is partly filled with water, and has a thin layer of silt on the bottom. A photograph is made of the crystals and the pool using a metric ruler for scale. The bookkeeper adds a category for crystals and records the name of the survey station next to the appropriate categories on the inventory form as shown in Figure 6. A note next to the line for crystals indicates that a photo-graph of the pool and crystals was taken. At the bottom of the page, a short note describes thc pool, gives the dimensions and depth, and notes that the bottom of the pool is covered with silt. Any time extraordinary, rare, or unusual features are found, written descriptions and sketches should be made or photographs should be taken. 26 Cave Conservation and Restoration

(See photodocumentation, page 204.) A blank page in the notebook is used to record these descriptions. Written descriptions should include the direction and distance of the feature relative to the nearest survey station. Descriptions and directions should be clear and concise so that the site can be easily relocated. If the feature is particularly significant, it is advisable to add a survey station for the site. An inventory team quickly becomes familiar with these techniques and with the attributes of the cave. Typically, cave attributes are similar from Any time one station to the next, with only one or two items dropped off as others are extraordinary, rare, added. Once the basic attributes are identified, which usually occurs at the or unusual features first two or three stations, the inventory process becomes smooth and are found, written efficient and the team is able to move rapidly through the cave to complete descriptions and the project. When inventory data are not proprietary, the field forms should be copied sketches should be for all members of the inventory team and for the cave owner or manager. made or This helps ensure that data are not lost and provides team members with a photographs should sense of accomplishment. be taken.

Imaginary Cave Team: Joe !-tod.g, S.lltl c.vey, JOCR. K.ystVII.."" Date: g/260.'J

Speleothems: Calcite Columns Draperies Flowstone A1. Helictites A1. Soda straws Stalactites A1. Stalagmites A1.

Cave Fill: Breakdown A1. Gravel Guano Mud A1. Sand Silt

Fossils: Bones Skull

Archaeology: Torch fragments A1. Biota: Bats Beelles Isopods Fish Crayfish Spiders Figure 3. A sample inventory form showing data entered for station A-I. Part 2-Conservation, Management, Ethics: DuChene-Resource Inventory 27

Transcribing Inventory Data

Accurately transcribing inventory results into a computer database is as important as gathering the basic information. Entering survey information and inventory data into a computer database simplifies duplication and distribution, eases sorting and analysis, and enables automatic plotting of inventoried features on multiple versions of the cave map. The database will become the working repository for the inventory data and can be linked to computer mapping software to create displays. Computer formats tend to be ephemeral and storage media often fail. It is Computer formats wise to print a paper copy of the entire database and to save the database as tend to be ephemeral a delimited raw text (ASCII) file. Hard copies of original inventory sheets need to be archived to ensure future access. Because an original database and storage media can eventually become unreadable, computer records should be copied into often fail, so it is newer programs every few years. wise to print a paper Many database programs for home computers are adequate for storing copy of the entire and manipulating inventory data. It is advisable to check with the owner or database and to save the database as a delimited raw text Imaginary Cave Team: Joe I-IOl>.g, S.lll::l c.ver, J.c~ Karst",-.", Date:gn"'03 (ASCII) file.

Speleothems: Calcite Columns A::< Draperies A::< Flowstone A1., A::< Helictites A1. Soda straws Stalactites A1., A::< Stalagmites A1., A::<

Cave Fill: Breakdown A1., A::< Gravel Guano Mud A1., A::< Sand Silt

Fossils: Bones Skull

Archaeology: Torch fragments A1.

Biota: Bats Beetles A::< (reel-brow'" 41'11.1'11. loVl:Cj) Isopods Fish Crayfish Spiders Figure 4. This sample inventory form contains data for station A-2. 28 Cave Conservation and Restoration

manager of the cave to see if specific software and formats are required.

Database Formatting In the simplest case, a table with a record for each survey station is created. The record is labeled with the name of the station (A-l is used in this chapter). Each record includes the X, Y, and Z coordinates of the station as computed from the raw survey data, as well as a list of all the features at that location. A data-entry screen that allows clicking on feature names can help to A data-entry screen avoid typing identical entries for every station where they occur. To make that allows clicking data entry easier and less error-prone, the data-entry screen should be on feature names similar in arrangement to the inventory forms. While notes from the can help to avoid inventory forms will not usually be useful in computer processing, provi- typing identical sion should be made to copy them into the record in order to archive all data in onc place. entries for every If the database is relational, it is possible to separate the data into two station where they or more tables. Well-developed inventory databases contain many tables occur. that specify types of data, such as biological inventory, mineralogical

Imaginary Cave Team: Joe tto~ag, saLLJ:1cavey, Jac~ KaYSt""a" O.te: ./:

Speleothems: Calcite Columns A::< Draperies A::< Flowstone A1., A::2, A3 Helictites A1., A3 Soda straws Stalactites A1., A::< Stalagmites A1., A::< PopCOy" A3

Cave Fill: Breakdown A1., A::2, A3 Gravel Guano Mud A1., A::2, A3 Sand Silt

Fossils: Bones Skull

Archaeology: Torch fragments A1.

Biota: Bats Beetles Figure 5. This sample A::< (yea-brow" 4"""" LOl'\.llJ Isopods inventory form contains data entered Fish Crayfish for station A-3. Note that a new category for Spiders popcorn has been added to the list of speleothems. Part 2-Conservation, Management, Ethics: DuChene-Resource Inventory 29 inventory, and so on. The first table contains a record for each station name and contains only the geographical coordinates. Other tables contain records for each inventory feature and include a list of the stations at which that feature occurs. The station names in the inventory data table must be identical to those in the survey data table. The program can then find the coordinates of feature locations by relating the two tables using the station names recorded in each. Properly designed, either the single table or related tables can be emcient and easy to use. The map drawing or geographical information systems (GIS) software used to display the data may dictate whether more tables are appropriate. If the database is relational, it is Displaying the Data possible to separate the data into two or Creating multiple versions of a cave map by hand is tedious and time- consuming. Personal computers have simplified this process, facilitating more tables. Well. developed inventory databases contain Imaginary Cave Team: Joe l-toolQg, SQlll;j CQvey, JQcl< K.£lystVl

Fossils: Bones Skull

Archaeology: Torchfragments A1.

Biota: Figure 6. This Bats sample inventory Beetles A~ (yea.brow", -tVIA.VIA.lO":0) form has data entered Isopods for station A.4. A new Fish category for crystals Crayfish has been added, with Spiders a note indicating that Nott: At A4 tViUt ts pool M,Xt to Ltf1:watt (gotv..g tl'\.) a photograph of the dtVo-\.tV'.SwV'.Sart 1.5 eli'ot.X 41S' ew.. X 5 eli'ot.dee-po Batt-ow.. crystals was taken. eovertd wtt~t~tl'\.ta~cr of browI'\. sttt. (see "p~oto#1.) 30 Cave Conservation and Restoration

the production of a series of maps with different features. Layers of information can be created and superimposed with digital technology. Putting all the available data on a single map usually results in a cluttered presentation that is difficult to understand and interpret. Thus, it is useful to create several versions of a cave map with each version featuring different attributes. For example, one map may display bedrock geology, another might show speleothems, and yet anothcr could show the distribution of biota. Cave mapping programs have evolved to include specialized GIS tools that can store and display both survey and inventory data. Geographic data systems are design'cd to work with databases and computer aided design (CAD) programs. GIS software relates inventory data, photographs, and other documentation tools to specific locations in the cave. A wide variety of Importantly, the software also relates inventory data to other layers in the software is available GIS database, potentially identifying relationships and patterns previously for cave mapping unrecognized. There are a number ofeAD and cave mapping sol1ware and for displaying packages available. Selection of mapping software depends on the needs and financial resources of the user, and on the requirements of the cave and managing owner or manager. inventory data. A wide variety of software is available tor cave mapping and for displaying and managing inventory data. These include specialized cave survey programs as well as commercial CAD and GIS software. Many include capabilities to incorporate various database and geographic data formats. Increasingly. GIS is being used to query and manage cave inventory data, to understand the spatial relationships within the cave, and also to identify relationships with the external environment.

Additional Reading General Northup DE, Mobley ED, Ingham, KL Ill, Mixon Ww. 1998. A Guide to the Speleological Litera/llre of the English Language 1794-1996. St. Louis (MO): Cave Books. 539 p.

Mineralogy Hill CA, Forti P. 1997. Cave Minerals of the World. 2nd ed. Huntsville (AL): National Speleological Society. 463 p.

Speleulogy Klimchouk AB, Ford DC, Palmer AN, Dreybrodt W, editors. 2000. Speleogenesis: Evolution of Karst Aquifers. Huntsville (AL): National Speleological Society. 527 p.

Surveying Dasher GR. 1994. On Station: A Complete Handbookfor Surveying and Mapping Caves. Huntsville (AL): National Speleological Society. 242 p. Part 2-Conservation, Management, Ethics: DuChene-Cave Inventories 31

Potential Items for Cave Inventory Lists Speleothems: Fill Material: Aragonite Clay Stream slols Projectile points Anthodites Gravel Water lines Petroglyphs Bushes Guano Pictographs Frostwork Ice Biota: Sandals Mud Vertebrates Tools Calcite Sand Amphibians Torch fragments Bell canopies Loess Bats Human Remains Coatings Topsoil Birds Bones Crusts Fish Burials Cryslals Bedrock Mammals Coprolites Nailhead spar Features: Reptiles Dogtooth spar Bedding planes Scat Draperies Breccia Invertebrates Drip pit linings Limestone beds Amphipods Historical Flowstone Sandstone beds Isopods Features: Helictites Shale beds Beetles Habitation Mammillaries Strike and dip of beds Centipedes Historical signatures Rafts Faults Crayiish Mining equipment Rims Joints Earthworms Nitrate leaching tools Rimstone dams Flies Stills Shelfstone Paleontological Leeches Shields Features: Millipedes Damage: Soda straws Bedrock Fossils Moths (Restoration Targels) Splash rings Algal deposits Psuedoscorpions Batteries Stalactites Brachiopods Scorpions Broken formations Stalagmites Bryozoans Snails Carbide dumps Trays Cephalopods Spiders Chalk marks Coral Contemporary graffiti Sulfate Crinoids Microbiota Flagging material Barile Echinoids Coatings Human waste Crystals Gastropods Filaments Mold blooms Massive Pelecypods Mud tracks Stalaclites Scaphopods Water: Off-trail footprints Celeslite Sponges Dripping water Trail markers needed Coating Pools Soiled formations Crystals Secondary Seeps Fossil Deposits Trails Gypsum Streams Contemporary trash Crust Pleistocene bones Pools Raceways Crystals Trace fossils Riffles Needles Footprints Springs Flowers Scratch marks Swallels Scat Wet surfaces Moonmilk: Nests Dens Archaeological Balloons Features: Coatings Speleogenetic Cultural Artifacts Features: Minerals: Carbon blackened Boxwork Walls Aragonite Drip pits Ceilings Barite Karren Ceremonial items Calcite Pothole karren Chips and "akes Gypsum Rillenkarren Hearths Nitrates Spitzkarren Pottery Quartz Scallops Pottery sherds 32 Cave Conservation and Restoration

Tools for Cave Inventory

Map of the cave

• Inventory notebook (surveyorsbook)

• Custom-designed waterproof pages listing

features to be inventoried

• Pencils

Eraser

• Magnifying glass (nota loupeor handlens)

• Scale (metric)

• Camera and film

• Compass

• Clinometer

• Surveyors tape

Indelible marking pencil

Surveyors flagging tape (fortemporarystationmarkers)