Apendice B: To enter Lechugilla Cave
Preamble
The reason that motivates the development of Lechuguilla directices to enter is to allow limited access to scientific research, exploration, always associated with the topography and description - since the raids related to the tasks of managing the NPS (National Parks Service), all while minimizing the impact on the cave. Of central importance are
(1) the safety of all visitors to the cave,
(2) minimize impacts on the cave and
(3) conduct research, surveying / research and management tasks of high quality.
There have been many problems with lack of care and even deliberate actions designed to cause damage to Lechuguilla Cave. There have been cave pearls (pisolithic). Has been made and abandoned human stools. Batteries have been deliberately buried in the camps. Is smudged, unthinkingly, with immaculate cast corrosive wastes. Certain individuals have not complied with the regulations on human waste liquids. These problems and many others, have led to the creation of these guidelines. The oversights and premeditated actions with negative impact on Lechuguilla Cave will not be tolerated. Individuals or groups who do not caving safely, not to minimize environmental impacts on the cave and do not follow the advice in these guidelines will not be allowed to enter Lechuguilla Cave.
entry permits Lechuguilla Cave
Any entry into caves in the park, except for public tours organized by the Department of Education and Interpretation will require a permit for the cave. Applications for permits can be obtained by contacting the Speleological Resources Office (CRO) the park.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
3225 National Parks Highway
Carlsbad, NM 88220
Guidelines to enter caves or caves specific sectors can be found at
Appendix A - Entering Carlsbad Cavern Off-trail areas and Other Caves Park
Appendix B - Entering Lechuguilla Cave
Appendix F - Recreational Permit Caving
Appendix G - Ranger-Guided Trips for the Public to
Unimproved Areas Exceptions to any of the guidelines to enter the caves the park will be outlined in advance and reflected in the permit obtained for the cave.
Lechuguilla requirements to enter Cave
Everybody has to apply for a permit.
Everyone has to attend before entering Lechuguilla, an orientation course taught by staff Speleological Resources Office (CRO).
Ultimately expedition leaders are responsible for the staff of his expeditions.
Expedition leaders should do everything possible to form a group with cavers willing to follow the guidelines. Expedition leaders should select cavers who are physically fit, mentally prepared and having the right skills for caving.
All team entering the cave will have a designated leader. Team leaders have tremendous responsibilities. Are responsible for the security of your computer and the actions of members of his team. If a team member is acting in an unsafe manner or not being careful, and causing damage to the cave, is the responsibility of the head to correct the actions of that person. If problems persist the team leader must cancel entry and remove the group from the cave. A team leader should guide the activities of the group taking into account the less experienced member of the group. This applies to the group velocity, as the climbs and delicate steps. A team must stay together unless an emergency requires different actions.
Each person entering the cave is responsible for his actions while in it. It is also responsible for notifying the team leader unsafe actions unnecessarily shocking to the cave or against Guidelines Lechuguilla Cave Entrance. It is the responsibility of each Lechuguilla Cave sure is preserved as virgin as possible and that each team member to work safely while in the cave.
Everyone who enters the cave must be an experienced caver single rope techniques (SRT). SRT minimum skills include: knowledge of basic knots, rope climb and descend to 300 feet (100 meters approx.) Promotion to shift down, shift down to climb, passage of knots and splits, all carrying a bag so heavy. Team leaders will be familiar with basic rescue techniques. In various sectors of the cave are subdivisions, changes of direction strings, handrails and knots.
Any person entering the cave should be fit and psychologically prepared for the raid and tasks. Should not be entered into the cave if you have insomnia or are sick.
Lechuguilla Cave The entrance is at an altitude of 4640 feet (1400 meters approx.) Cavers not used to this altitude should spend a couple of days at this stage before entering the cave. The cave is 68 º F (20 º C approx) and 100% humidity. Heat exhaustion and dehydration can be a serious problem .. Should drink plenty of water even if not thirsty, and eat every few hours. Those who enter in the cave for the first time are advised to discuss the clothing with others who have experience.
Clothing, footwear and equipment used in caving to the cave must be clean to minimize the introduction of foreign biological material to this unique ecosystem. The cleaning of all equipment and signals also prevents leaving surfaces clean stains on the cave.
Boots should have soles that leave marks. If in doubt, rub the soles of white or limestone soil outside the cave. The boots will leave marks, no doubt, marks on the cave. The boots may have black or white soles but what matters is that they leave marks.
The porter backpacks are not allowed. We recommend the use of nylon or PVC bags designed specifically for caving. The usual backpacks are designed with clamps and have plenty of tapes and additions can be caught on the delicate formations.
electric lighting is required. Lechuguilla is not allowed in the use of carbide or any lighting a flame. Delicate flowers of plaster, heat sensitive, flammable sulphide deposits remains carbide droppings contribute to the need for electric lights. The Candles can be used in the camping areas as long as all the remains are collected and taken out of the cavity. All
Lechuguilla person entering should be aware that histoplasmosis is present in the pit entry.
All teams entering Lechuguilla notice must stop their "time limit" on the CRO. For any group to be delayed six hours or longer initiate a search process. In the case of multi-input Expeditions group leaders must give notice of entry and exit for each of the incursions into the cave.
Moving around Lechuguilla
teams entering Lechuguilla will comprise a total of three to six people. Teams will not superararn topograph four people. Exceptions to these amounts must be approved before entering the cavity experts. All movements of the cave must adhere to the established paths and trails. All members of the group and all items of equipment must remain within the marked trails. You can not place bags, tripods or flashes off the beaten path. Do not run off orange beacons unless one has a CRO permission. If globalization needs repairs, must be resolved immediately, or notify the CRO. The globalization has traditionally been the following: Bright Orange to mark the trails White with red stripes to warn of sensitive areas such as gypsum, aragonite, crust, etc., and Blue for surveying stations. When you mark a path, using all the necessary tape and mark out both sides of the path. This helps to design a path as narrow as possible (see Appendix M: Caves Conservation and Restoration Activities) Failure to establish a new trail in an area that already has it. This would create two impacted areas.
not create new paths for convenience. Use only existing trails.
When entering a designated area for pouring urine should fit the shoe covers provided by the park to prevent contamination of other wilderness areas. We must be careful removing shoe covers before leaving the area discharge of urine. All disposal areas are clearly marked from the points which should be used boot covers.
The use of snuff or the like is prohibited. The consumption of alcohol in the cave is not allowed.
Lechuguilla has many clay and corrosion residues. Research indicates that residues of corrosion-related microbes that fix iron and manganese from bedrock. Restrict the impact on these important biological corrosion residues, limiting the paths for-a-single-walk crossing these areas. Be careful to avoid leaving traces of corrosion on the waste and clay throughout the cave. The use of gloves is recommended, but there are many areas in the cave marked with "Do Not Use Gloves" Gloves are very dirty, especially in the areas of corrosion residues. Corrosion residues should not stain areas or sensitive areas clean. Surgical gloves Latex-free zones can be used in "Do Not Use Gloves" to prevent skin oils from staining the walls
Crossing cast must use clean socks or other footwear that leaves no marks. Wear boots or walking barefoot in these areas is not allowed. Before entering an area of \u200b\u200blava must be changed or cleaned all the dirty clothes, the bags, helmets and all equipment. Be careful when there is a transition of clothes, shoes and socks to dirty equipment to prevent contamination with dirt. Check frequently cleaning the soles of boots and cleaning of the treads. The use of socks and comfortable shoes on camps makes them useless for use in areas of casting.
No material (minerals, crystals, bones, etc) can be removed from the cave without a valid permit for an existing scientific collection. Pick something supposed to have a permit to collect valid, the appropriate authority, and an expert in the cavity.
deposits of food, water or other items are not permitted unless granted an exception by an Expert in the cavity.
As it eats (both moving through the cave or the camps) or food preparation must take great care to avoid dropping crumbs, food particles or dust to make drinks in the cave. The food must be made on a plastic or canvas camp.
raids aimed sightseeing caving are not allowed.
Human Waste
All solid stool should be removed from the cave. Incursions into the cave of two or fewer days' duration involving removing the liquid waste too. For longer expeditions are encouraged to take all cavers also all liquid waste. Any excess liquid wastes may be discharged only at designated locations for disposal of urine for the camp to be used. Liquid waste can not be deposited in any other place in the cave . Make sure that enough has contenedors for urine.
Designated Places Urine spills The following places can be used for raids on two or more days:
EASTERN SECTOR
Rusticles and Guadalupe Grand Junction
SOUTHWEST SECTOR
Big Sky
WESTERN SECTOR
Deep Seas
Photo
caving photography is an important tool that can be used to document the richness of the cave, assist in investigations and sharing the beauty of Lechuguilla Cave. However, there has been little impact unnecessary on the hole by photographers who have assessed the importance of photo preservation of the cave.
The shooting will not interfere with the main objectives of the expeditions. There will be visits to areas that are not on the trip scheduled for the issue without specific permission from the Experts in the cavity.
Cameras, tripods, flashes and models remain within the limits of the marked trails unless those skilled in the cavity has authorized otherwise.
not be placed in ponds models, flashes, lights or any element of photographic equipment.
all are encouraged photographers to enrich the database Lechuguilla Cave sending copies of their images would be appreciated including the location, date, and use models that can be given to the image.
Ponds and Water
is proven lechugilla gaps are incredibly rich in microbial life. These microbes are easily impacted by humans and their microbes. We must take extreme care in Lechuguilla to reduce human impact on the microbes of the lakes.
wading not be made, or swim galleries or passages to achieve without the preliminary consent of an expert in the cavity. This includes the area of \u200b\u200bLake Castrovalva
gaps will continue to remain virgins for microbiological research. Any contamination compromises the undiscovered microbes. You should try to be as far away as possible from the lakes to prevent accidental contamination.
Water quality can change in the places of supply. It is recommended purifier filters or treatment before drinking the water from the cave.
Supplies Designated Water
Drinking water should be collected from the lakes designated using faucets or pipes that have been located. Under no circumstances should anyone dipping their canteens, hands or any object in the lagoon itself .
must always keep the container in areas designated filling. Keep it away from water where it could carry pollutants into the lakes. Do not touch the faucet or the pipe with the bottle to fill. The following gaps can be used for drinking water:
EASTERN SECTOR GA7
pool (trough)
Lost Pecos River (trough)
Ghost Town (boots, watering)
SOUTHWEST SECTOR
Chandalar Lake (trough)
Big Sky (tube)
Lake Marguerite (trough)
Underground Atlanta (trough)
Atlantis (boots, watering)
WEST SECTOR
Lake Louise (trough)
can not collect water any pond containing helictitas underwater or in the Dilithium Crystal Pool in the area southwest of the cave. Neither may be collected from the Pink Dot Pool in the western sector of the cave. Please take a few minutes to read and memorize the water meters in the gaps between the input and Boulder Falls and elsewhere. Do not touch the data records.
Fixings & Climbing
Throughout the entire cavity handrails and ropes we find insurance to help in certain passages. All the world must make sure the strings. There have been several accidents due to negligence in making sure those strings. Any caver visitor is responsible for the inspection, care and protection of all the ropes and anchors found in the raid. The wear and any problems should be made known to the leader, who must solve the problem immediately, if necessary, or notify the CRO. The strings will not be reused without the permission of the CRO unless an urgent need to make this necessary. Notice is to CRO for any change or potential problem has been observed. If possible leave a warning to other groups explaining the change of fixations and why it has become necessary. Strings and ribbons will be left permanently installed white. Strings and ribbons of color can stain the surface of the cave.
aluminum carabiners must not ever be used in permanent installations due to loss of corrosion resistance. May only use stainless steel maillons permanent installations. The spits and sheets to be left in situ have to be stainless steel. The spits are permanent, at least, 3 / 8 "diameter and 2" long.
There are numerous climbs in the cave. Many have been performed and others are not. Those who wishing to stop must be clear about the scale suggested by the Expert in the cavity before making any attempt. The
parabolts / spits be used sparingly. Lechuguilla Cave is in a wild environment and are not allowed to explore the battery-powered drills.
If possible, withdraw the spits that are not going to use after a first ascent.
All climbs need to be surveyed.
If escalation is complete and continuous not leave a notice on the tape marked out warning that the escalation was performed. The strings are removed or not depending security, need for future research / exploration and topography, and easy to repeat the climbing lane.
If an escalation that has been completed provides continuity, completing a form detailing used on the string length, age, condition, adding further information on the attachments (you can see a detailed questionnaire to fill in Appendix O - Standard Operating Procedures, protocols and other supporting documents.) Changes in the attachments must be submitted to the CRO.
must be approved the use of crampons or other devices a technology expert in the cavity before attempting its use in the cavity.
Among consecutive innings scan strings left in the camping area unless otherwise approved by the Expert on the cavity. In the past many strings were stored throughout the cavity without any documentation about their location and history.
Protection Areas ( Resource Protection Zone)
research areas microbial process have been buoyed and marked throughout the cave. Do not spend beyond the limits signposted or disturb these areas.
The following areas due to the particularly sensitive nature or scientific work in progress is beyond the limits of any issue in Lechuguilla Cave unless advance have a permission from an expert in the cavity.
INPUT A
EF
Junction Pool in Sugarlands - microbial studies in progress. This lake is well marked.
WESTERN SECTOR
Pellucidar / Barsoom areas - This area is very fragile, with helictitas underwater. Any escalation in the area above Barsoom damage the helictitas Pellucidar.
Little Lake of the Clouds - Study of microbes in the process. Lagunas.
Part of the White Christmas Room - The area boundaries are well marked. Also, all the lakes in the area should be isolated. You can not take drinking water from any of these gaps.
Pink Dot Pool - Laguna biohazardous. Do not drink water from this pond.
Pool Hall - Laguna with microbial research.
Tree House and Neverland - coladas virgin areas.
Hudson Bay - Lagunas .
Lake Okeechobee - Laguna virgin.
Boomtown Pool - Laguna virgin.
Red Lakes Passage - Very fragile soda straws immersed to the level of the lake. Should not attempt to obtain water from this pond.
Chocolate Lake in the Chocolate Factory - Another shortcoming with microbiological studies.
Oasis Pool - Gaps and virgin coladas.
Nativity Chamber and Promised Land - Lagunas, and numerous cast changes from clean to dirty clothes, and equipment.
SOUTHWEST SECTOR
Darktown - Long plaster and fragile hair hanging in this room. Are difficult to see and easy to destroy.
Lake Castrovalva - unique and fragile area. No one can swim in the lake or into the lagoon.
Dilithium Crystal Pool - Laguna especially fragile and selenite crystals grow under water. It is a very rare case.
I Acres - Located beyond Pearlsian Gulf and contains large quantities of waste corrosion. Should take special care to avoid contamination of the Gulf area Pearlsian
Temple of Dagon - Located Pearlsian over Gulf and potentially the risk of releasing debris over parts of pearls.
Sulfur Void Area - Special this very fragile geological and microbiological field.
Sulfur Shores - Rare, fragile sheets are in this area.
Tower Place - Research in an area of \u200b\u200bmicrobiological gaps. Casting area.
west wing Sewing Room - Needles exterme fragile plaster.
Ultra Primo - This area has a baroque and very fragile.
Vesuvius - Baroque is also a very fragile area.
EASTERN SECTOR
Ghost Town - (1) The area with sulfur in a small passage to the NE of the room is fragile and scientifically important. (2) The balcony of the room is very fragile. Will cause damage if it gets any.
Ghostbusters Hall - contains large deposits of sulfur.
H Survey - Very delicate and very fragile. Damage will result if either goes in this area.
Bryce Canyon - lapiaz There acalaladuras of fragile and delicate. There is a spectacular bush aragonite, in danger every time someone enters this area.
Boundary Waters - This is the area upstream of the drinking fountain Lost Pecos River. It is also a fragile and delicate area.
Wet Dreams - The lagoon swimming required.
Lake of the Loose Marbles - The lagoon requires wading to get through.
Happy Hunting Grounds - Requires wading through water and is fragile.
Lake White Roses - Rare and fragile sheets in a vertical of 100 feet.
Burning Lakes - An undeveloped area lakes.
Quasimoto's Lair - decorated area is very fragile.
Stud Lake - are in a study microbial process in a pond.
lower section Grapes of Wrath Maze - fragile aragonite bushes.
Kachina Lake - Laguna.
Areas of Special
The following areas but are not strictly "off limits" require special attention. If not given due attention and unacceptable damage occurs then would become part of the Protection Areas.
INPUT A EF JUNCTION - have to move carefully! Especially in areas of Rim City and Windy City.
SECTOR WEST - Land of the Lost, Pearlsian Gulf (be clean clothing and boots required.) Gulf Pearlsian was contaminated in the past by careless cavers and was subsequently restored. If there are more hits the area will be closed. Underground Atlanta.
EASTERN SECTOR - China Shop, Firefall Hall.
All areas of the cave must be traversed carefully. However should be given SPECIAL ATTENTION when we move by Land of the Lost . Moving slowly, with careful gestures, being aware of the hair plaster, wire, and beards in the area. Also, when we move through China Shop the portering bags should be removed from the back and be passed carefully through the bushes of aragonite.
Camping and Leisure
camping is allowed only in designated sites for this. Not be bivouac without permission from an Expert in the Cave. Groups entering the cave to report to the CRO where they plan to camp. Designated camps, and the highest numbers of people who may be in them are:
SECTOR ORIENTAL
Rusticles - 6
Guadalupe Grand Junction - 9
SOUTHWEST SECTOR
Big Sky - 6
WESTERN SECTOR
Deep Seas - 12
Camping on a clear plastic cover. After the camping, folding the cover to catch any particles left on it. Do not shake the cover in the cave at the end of the camp.
The Infernillo be used exclusively in the camping areas. Recommended fuels are propane / isobutane / butane and alcohol, but also allowed the use of white gas. The Infernillo be used in other areas only with the permission of an expert in the cavity.
By eating or preparing food should be extremely careful to avoid falling crumbs, food particles or powder beverage in the cave. The food must be carried out on plastic or on the cover of the camp.
The toothpaste, soap, and other similar materials can not be discharged into the cave. Cleaned and allow contaminated water to drain into the cavity is not acceptable. The hygienic wipes that can be removed from the cave, are the only option for cleaning staff.
All groups must leave a note on a clear site of the camp with the following information: What day is it, who form the team, and in that area hope to be.
before leaving to inspect the entire camp area to remove any foreign objects into the cave, organic or inorganic, that may accidentally have been forgotten.
Exploration and Surveying
exploration without topography is strictly prohibited. Those who violate this rule can not obtain in the future no permission to visit the caves in the park. The guidelines for survey can be found in Appendix E and must be followed at work. Without a preliminary permit an expert in the cavity is not allowed to dig, throw sand, macear, move or break formations, rocks, sand, etc.
Exploration teams may identify new areas, but the names that are deemed inappropriate, in bad taste or naming living persons will not be accepted.
Exploring should make every effort to minimize the impact. Changes to shoes, clean clothes and clean bags may be necessary and time consuming. Explore the cave thoroughly and topography is more important to explore and topography quickly.
By moving through uncharted areas, must be established trails to minimize damage to the cave. People who spearhead the exploration / topography (tape) should evaluate carefully the passage and choose the path that do minimal damage to the cavity. The trails will be marked immediately, so that those who come do not have to decide where to walk and have established the way forward. In sensitive areas, such as aragonite bushes blocking the way (as in China Shop), or other significant formations that make it difficult progression will stop and not continue. Be notified to the CRO who shall decide on how to proceed.
After leaving the cave
Any accident of some importance should be reported to NPS staff as soon as possible. Will have completed an incident form and other documentation related thereto, all available on the CRO.
Any team that enters a cave in the park will present an overview of the issue within a month after his departure. The record shall include the date, members, los lugares visitados, y el trabajo realizado, incluyendo especificaciones sobre el tipo de información recopilada o las muestras recogidas. Si el objetivo era topografiar deberá entregarse la lista de estaciones (datos) que fueron establecidas. Los jefes de expedición son responsables de que toda la documentación se entrege en el plazo fijado.