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Don Lancaster's Guru's Lair ARA 2005 Winter Paper Regional |
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(this is an internal working "pass thru" document. The actual ARA website
is found at http://members.cox.net/azregion/ara.shtml but may be a few day's
behind this latest info. The ARA site also includes aerial photos and maps
and considerable additional info not found here.)
The 2005 ARA Winter Paper Regional will be held on January
22 from 9am to 4pm at the TFD Thatcher Fire Department,
1150 North College Avenue (behind and NE of City Hall on
US 70) in Thatcher, Arizona.
ARA paper regionals are open for free attendance by anyone
having an interest in Arizona caving.
Thatcher is an hour east of Globe on US 70 or half an hour north
of Willcox on US 191.
Or west of Lordsburg on US70 via Duncan. Or Glenwood via
Mule Creek and Three Way.
Besides the usual cave oriented papers on cleanups, safety,
rescue, lamp technology, etc.. we have tentatively lined up
speakers from BLM and Phelps Dodge on Eagle Creek
Bat Cave related topics. There is still room for your paper.
Contact Don Lancaster (928) 428-4073 for details.
There will also be an opportunity for MAJOR input to the
BLM management plan for Eagle Creek Bat Cave.
We are also expecting a John Lyles paper on Recent Survey
Progress in Lechugilla Cave Mapping. Plus other SWR participation.
Possible events include...
Friday Night -- 20 inch telescope and planetary tour simulator
access at Discovery Park. Self-organized visits. Discovery
Park is 3 miles SW of Safford via 20th Avenue south from
US 70 or by way of Discovery Park Blvd west from US 191.
Narrow Gauge train rides and riparian hikes during daylight.
Saturday 9-12 am -- ARA Winter Paper Regional Morning
Session, TFD 1150 North College Avenue in Thatcher.
Saturday 12-1 -- Professionally Catered Lunch at TFD.
$7.50 suggested donation.
Saturday 1-4 pm -- ARA Winter Paper Regional Afternoon
Session, TFD 1150 North College Avenue in Thatcher.
Saturday 4-5 pm -- ARA elections and business meeting.
Saturday 7-? pm -- Party at Don & Bee Lancaster's 3860
West First Street, Thatcher AZ (928) 428-4073. Two blocks
north of TFD and two blocks west. Last house on north before
cotton field. New hot tub.
Sunday -- Trips to Safford Shafts Pseudokarst (aka red knolls pits),
local hot springs, Frey Mesa Waterfalls rock scramble, Morenci
Crystal Cave, 3ent5ent Cave, Gila Box Riparian Area, Roper
Lake State Park, El Capitan Canyon, Mt Graham Aerial Tramway, etc...
****************************************************************
TENATIVE PAPER LISTING:
(Abstracts are being added when and as received)
Brian Musser - Phelps-Dodge Environmental Policies and Projects
A generally discussion of the environmental programs at Phelps
Dodge Morenci. The presentation will include a slide show with
a summary of recent activities that PDMI has been involved in.
John Lyles - Recent Survey Progress in Lechuigilla Cave
In the past year, exploration continued at a moderate pace in
Lechuguilla Cave. Work concentrated on surveys in the West, the
Far East and the Rift. By focusing on specific regions in the cave,
and carefully checking all leads and non-obvious holes, fissures,
climbs, boneyards, layers, and breakdown, cavers have extended
the known length to just over 114 miles (183.6 km).
Resurvey in the western branch continues to improve the Chandelier
Graveyard/Manifest Destiny Quads. Blunder corrections have been
made to old data and significant improvements to the survey quality
have resulted. Paris Texas continues to meander in the horrendous
boneyard under the Haupache Highway, with more finds of Tyuyamunite.
It is close to connecting to Frostworks at the eastern edge.
There are 2200 surveys on record, and about 27,000 stations in the cave.
After 18 years since its discovery, Lechuguilla Cave is far from finished.
Diane Drobka - BLM Eagle Creek Bat Cave Management Plans
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Safford Field Office designated 40 acres of public lands surrounding the Eagle Creek Bat Cave as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern to protect the cave and its maternity roost of Mexican free-tailed (MFT) bats. With assistance from Bat Conservation International, the BLM is currently working with the Morenci Water and Electric Company, a subsidiary of Phelps Dodge Corporation (PD), which owns the majority of the land along Eagle Creek including the entrance to the cave. The partners are nearing completion of a Cooperative Management Agreement for the cave and access. That will set the stage for the preparation of an ACEC Management Plan and construction of a gate to control access to the cave, which was impacted due to a guano fire in 2000. Fund-raising has begun, and volunteers will be needed for trail stabilization and gate construction in the future. The goal is to protect the cave so that it will hopefully recover its prior potential as a MFT roost site. Eventually, a permit system will be initiated by the BLM and PD for those wanting to do research on the cave and/or bats. Environmental education through interpretive signs and brochures is a long-term goal. Input to the Management Plan is welcomed.
Debby Buecher - Acoustic Sampling for Bats
Ronnie Sidner - Recording Bat Calls with Anabat and Pettersson Detectors
Henry Schneiker - Advances in LED Caving Lamp Technology
The color temperature of a white LED will drift due to both
junction temperature and power. The lumen output efficiency
also changes with respect to junction and power. The combination
can have special implications in the method chosen to drive an
LED with the highest efficiency and the lowest color drift.
Ray Keeler - New Cave Radio Communication Proposals
During the summer of 2004 the U.S. Army placed a request
for proposals for development of a subterranean wireless electronic
communications (SWEC) network as part of the ongoing Small
Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program. A proposal was
submitted for Phase 1 development by Kutta Consulting, a small
business located in Phoenix, Arizona. Kutta was selected along
with one other small business from the 21 proposals submitted.
There are search and rescue advantages in the technologies being
developed for cave, abandoned mine and extreme urban incidents.
The developed networked system will be able to transmit and receive
voice, data, and images. This paper discusses the aspects of system
being developed.
Paul Jorgensen - Modulation Schemes for Digital Cave Radio
Ray Keeler - Restoration/Conservation topics TBA.
Bob Buecher - 55 years of Dying to Go Cavingl
Steve Smith - Climate Signal from Colossal Cave Mountain Park
Arkenstone Cave is a "wet" cave developed in Paleozoic-era carbonate
lithologies in Colossal Cave Mountain Park. Its location at 1110
meters above MSL makes it one of the "lowest" caves known to maintain
permanent water in the U.S. portion of the Sonoran Desert. We conclude
that the cave is hydrologically isolated, with the only incoming water meteoric.
The largest of these perched pools is the Turquoise Pool. In July of 1996,
an analog pool water level gauge devised by SLS was installed that allows
water level readings to the nearest millimeter. Coupled with data from
automated rain gauges on the surface above the cave and other
immediate locations within CCMP, a record of surface rainfall and
ceiling-drip input into the Pool has been gathered and analyzed.
The paper will present our data and offer our conclusions on how various
meteological, hydrological and geological factors combine to explain how
Arkenstone receives and maintains its water content.
Tom Strong - Vertebrate Species using Chihuahuan Desert Caves
Caves are known to provide habitat for bats and other vertebrate
species that spend all or significant portions of their life cycles in the
totally dark areas. Caves also provide important resources for a wide
variety of other species, particularly in entrance areas. In arid regions,
caves provide temporary relief from extreme temperature or humidity
conditions. In addition, they may provide hiding places to escape
predators, den sites, and nest substrates.
While many individual observations of vertebrate species in caves have
been reported, there have been few attempts to compile this information
in any systematic way. Agency files, literature sources, internet sources,
and site visits were used to compile records of species using caves in the
Chihuahuan Desert of New Mexico. At least 104 vertebrate species are
now documented to use these caves. The importance of caves as wildlife
habitat should be considered in any resource management plan.
Don Lancaster - The Mount Graham Aerial Tramway
The Mount Graham Aerial Tramway was one of the most astounding
early engineering feats in Southern Arizona, being 7.5 miles long and
dropping over a mile in terrain that would make a Marine Drill
Seargent blanch. A number of cavers have made dozens of trips to
reestablish the exact tramway route, its remaining artifacts, and the
elements of its spectacular (but ultimately failed) engineering.
Jerry Nelson - Graham County Search & Rescue intro
The Graham County Search and Rescue organization serves
Southeastern Arizona with (mostly) above ground services. This
is a summary of their organization, capabilities, training, ongoing
programs, meetings, and contact info.
Lively Discussions of Chirachaua Crystal Management Issues are
also anticipated.
There will also be the usual poster, map, and exhibit area. Including
expected items from BLM, Joanne Staley, and Black Range Lodge.
YES! We still have room for your paper! Contact Don Lancaster
(928) 428-4073 or don@tinaja.com for confirmation.
Please keep checking here for latest update info.
****************************************************************
GETTING THERE:
Flagstaff to Thatcher -- Clints Well to Payson to Jakes Corner to
Punkin Center to Roosevelt to Globe. Road construction possible.
Then east an hour on US 70 to Thatcher.
Phoenix to Thatcher -- Superstition Thruway to Florence Junction
to Superior to Globe. Then east on US 70.
Tucson to Thatcher -- I-10 east to Willcox. Then 191 north to
Safford. Then 4 miles west on US70.
Other Southern AZ to Thatcher -- Go to Willcox, then 191 north
to Safford. Then 4 miles West on US70.
New Mexico to Thatcher -- Lordsburg then US 70 west through
Duncan. Or Glenwood --> Mule Creek --> 3 Way --> Safford.
Thatcher Fire Department - In center of downtown Thatcher, turn
north on College Avenue. Just east of city hall and EAC red LED sign.
Lots of parking in front and rear, but do NOT block main doors!!!!
Please use West Entrance at rear.
( Yes, you can play with the fire trucks!!! )
Don & Bee Lancaster Party - From TFD, two blocks north and two
blocks west to 3860 West First Street. Last house before cotton field.
Otherwise, somewhat north and west of middle of Thatcher.
Roper Lake State Park - six miles south of Safford on US 191.
Museum of Discovery - three miles southwest of Safford. Go west
from Discovery Park Blvd off 191 or south from US 70 on Safford
20th Avenue. Discovery Park Blvd is also 32nd street. Possible
detour on 20th Avenue via 14th Avenue -- follow signs.
Watson Wash Hot Spring - Reay Lane is a north south street at the
west end of Thatcher by the city park and U-Haul. Go all the way
north across the bridge to Safford-Bryce road. Go west a hundred
yards to a wash. Go north in the wash, bearing left in a quarter mile
and heading for the large trees.
Other area hot springs -- Thatcher hot spring is no more having been
inadvertently dynamited shut seven times. There is a nice hot spring
at Roper Lake State Park, clothing manditory. Hot Well Dunes are an
hour south, starting from Haekel Road east of San Jose on US 70 and
following recently paved road.
Commercial hot spring therapy sites include Katchina Hot Springs
(928) 428-7272 on 1155 West Cactus Road and Essence of Tranquility
(928) 428-9312 just around the corner on Lebanon Loop Road.
These are just west of US 191 near Roper Lake.
Frey Mesa Waterfalls -- Go south on Reay Lane a mile or so till
just before a junkyard, then turn right (west). Go seven or eight
miles then climb Frey Mesa. Continue uphill PAST the turnoff
to Frey Lake. Best falls are 3/4 of a mile further. Hike horizontally
just below the (second) gate then scramble to get to the mid falls
area. The road has recently been improved to the lake turnoff but
is minimal beyond. Smaller passenger cars not recommended.
Safford Shafts -- Go west from Thatcher on US 70 about 11 miles
till you come to a machine shop cleverly disguised as an abandoned
cotton gin. Then turn left (west) onto dirt extension of Eden Road
and travel 3/4 of a mile to "the rampart". Best pits are in the NW
amphitheater area and around the back up on top. The pits are very
easy to rig - just push the bolts in with your thumb!
Gila Box -- Go east on US 70 to Solomon, then north across the
bridge. Continue to the end of the pavement, then a little beyond,
watching for an obvious and marked sharp left turn. Do NOT
continue to the end of the main road! After turning, proceed a few
miles to Bonita Creek and other Gila Box areas of interest.
Fishooks Wilderness, secret springs, Mt Graham Tramway --
ask Don for details.
Area Caves -- Mt Graham Ice Caves are below Soldier Creek
campground, but vehicle access is limited in the winter. Morenci
Crystal is half an hour north of Morenci on US191 - ask Don or
another caver for directions. 3ent5ent is six miles or so up the
San Francisco River from Clifton. Possible high water. Ask Don for
directions. Sphinx cave is an hour to the south. Bramahan Spring
cave is an hour west and a long hike on the res - permit required.
See Henry Schneiker or Don for directions. Grantham Cave and El
Capitan Canyon (MUST visit!) are an hour west. Eagle Creek Bat
Cave - contact Diane Drobka (928) 348-4403 for details.
****************************************************************
ACCOMODATIONS:
Best and simplest camping would be at Roper Lake State Park,
six miles south of Safford on US 191. A limited amount of
sleeping bag space and camper parking is available at Don and
Bee Lancaster's, 3860 West First Street in Thatcher. (928)
428-4073. There is also a campground in the Gila Box above
the Flying W picnic area at Bonita Creek. An hour away.
For primitive close-in camping, go all the way north on
Thatcher First Avenue, then jog right then left into the river
bottom. Or go a mile or two out the Frey Mesa road and pick
any of a number of dirt side tracks. Or go south to Freeman
Flat from the south end of Thatcher First Avenue at
Golf Course Road. Or go right and further north up the road
leading to Watson Wash hot springs.
Our finest valley hostelry is the Olney House bed and breakfast.
Closest in and cheap but somewhat sleazy is the Pioneer Lodge
(928) 428-0733. in Thatcher. Better choices in Safford would be
Motel Western 428-7850, Desert Inn 428-0521, Econo Lodge
348-0011, Comfort Inn 428-5851, or the Quality Inn 428-3200.
These are all along US 70 in Safford. All (928) area code.
****************************************************************
CHOW:
A catered lunch is planned onsite for ARA Saturday at TFD.
Suggested donation is $7.50.
Recommended: Toni's Kitchen NE corner of US70 and
Safford 20th Avenue. Or Golden Corral SW of the same
intersection.
Fancier: Branding Iron north on Safford 8th Avenue, cross
bridge, left at airport "Y". Great view. Dinners only, closed
Sundays. Or Bricks four miles or so south on 191. But the
Alamo aka Manure House is overrated.
Junk: Long John Silvers/A&W/Donuts/JippyMart at Stadium and
US 70 in Thatcher just west of TFD. Dozens of the usual suspects
strung out along US 70 east through Safford. Sleeper: The AutoSpa
carwash has outstanding sandwiches. Best economy Mexican: Casa
Manana at junction of US70 and US 191.
****************************************************************
SHOPPING ETC:
Bashas and Wal-Mart halfway between Thatcher and Safford.
Safeway and Walgreens at US 70 and Safford 20th Avenue.
Several overnight gas stations. Gas may be hard to find between
here and Globe or Willcox, especially after hours.
****************************************************************
WEATHER:
Thatcher is in Basin and Range Upper Sonoran at 2900 feet
Temperature is usually four to five degrees cooler than Tucson.
Snow is possible but exceptionally unlikley.
****************************************************************
PHONE NUMBERS:
Don and Bee Lancaster (928) 428-4073 (home) (928) 965-4073
(cell) email: don@tinaja.com
Thatcher Fire Department Club Room (928) 428-1200.
Emergency 911.
Websites: http://members.cox.net/azregion/ara.shtml
http://www.tinaja.com/ara01.asp
Please be sure to bring your own projector and other presentation
items. We may also need some coffee and tea gear.
NOTE: Winter road closures restrict access to Mt. Graham ice
caves and MGIO observatory tours.
For more details, contact Don Lancaster at (928) 428-4073.
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