Bogley

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From the timp grotto site

Quote: March 14-17 2008 - Lehman Caves Lint Cave
Location: Great Basin National Park, Nevada
2008 Lehman Caves Lint Camp
Great Basin National Park
March 14-17, 21-24
Overview
Lehman Caves is a developed cave operated by the National Park Service at Great Basin National Park. The cave
receives nearly 40,000 visitors on an annual basis. Due to heavy visitation, lint accumulates along the tour route in the
cave. A formal lint camp has not been conducted at Lehman Caves since 2000, so there is currently a great deal of lint
that needs to be removed. Lint camps are a great way to spend time with other cavers and a rewarding experience that
provides a real service for the cave. The lint camp will be conducted on two consecutive weekends in March.
Volunteers are encouraged to be present for as much of the weekend as possible. Based on the fragile nature of the cave
(highly decorated, constricted passages) the lint camp will be limited to 12 participants per day. Each day will begin
with an orientation to provide instruction on proper techniques for reducing impact on cave features and cave biota.
Techniques
“Lint picking” can be done in a variety of ways. The simplest method involves the use of a paintbrush or tweezers to
remove visible patches of lint from cave surfaces. The lint is then transferred from the brush to a small plastic bag. This
is a tedious process that requires patience. Often a lint picker will work in a small area for a long period of time,
sometimes employing awkward postures to reach into cracks and alcoves. One must be prepared to stand, sit, or kneel
in the same position for extended intervals while cleaning a particular area. There may also be opportunities to clean
larger ceiling areas or flowstone sections using sponges and spray bottles. Restoration instruction will be provided
during orientation sessions and throughout the work periods. Lehman Caves is home to a variety of invertebrates, and
care must be taken to avoid disturbing or harming cave biota. Work areas will be examined for invertebrates prior to
each session, and restoration activities may be moved or suspended if cave biota cannot reasonably be avoided.
Gear
The park will provide brushes, tweezers, collection bags, sponges, spray bottles, and nitrile gloves. The park will also
coordinate use of ladders and tarps when needed. Individuals are expected to bring personal caving gear, including
helmet with light source, gloves, kneepads, elbow pads, and cave pack with extra gear. While most of the work will
be performed along the tour route, helmets will be required whenever stepping off the trail. Headlamps are necessary
for viewing the work area and seeing the lint. Pads can be used as needed, but are recommended as work requires
kneeling and using elbows for support. Water may be consumed in work areas, but all food must be eaten outside the
cave. Restrooms are available a short distance from the cave at the Lehman Caves Visitor Center.
Evening trips
As a reward to volunteers for their time and effort, we will offer two “after hours” evening trips in Lehman Caves. Park
staff will lead off-trail caving trips to undeveloped portions of the cave. These trips will be strenuous with crawling
and climbing and will involve some tight passages. Another option is a photography tour along the tour route, in which
tripods, flashes, and other camera gear will be allowed. Each trip will be limited to 5 cavers, so be sure to indicate a
preference.
Accomodations
The park has a limited amount of housing available to volunteers. Priority will be given based on order of response
received and availability. In general, housing consists of private bedrooms with twin size bed, shared bathroom, shared
kitchen area, etc. Basic cookware items are present in limited quantity. If park housing is full, rooms may be reserved
at The Border Inn (775/234-7300), located approximately 13 miles from the park boundary. 2
Schedule
The following schedule applies to both weekends, March 14-17 and March 21-24. A more detailed itinerary will be
available upon arrival.
Friday evening: Check in
Saturday morning: Orientation, lint picking
Saturday afternoon: Lint picking
Saturday evening: Lehman Cave after hours trip
Sunday morning: Orientation, lint picking
Sunday afternoon: Lint picking
Sunday evening: Lehman Cave after hours trip
Monday morning: Orientation, lint picking
Monday afternoon: Check out
Contact us
To confirm that you would like to join the lint camp, please respond with the following information:
1. Name, home address, phone number
2. Grotto affiliation
3. Dates available, including arrival/departure times
4. Preferred weekend if available for both set of dates
5. Housing needs – indicate special requests (share bedroom with spouse, etc.)
6. Lint picking experience (none required)
7. Questions?
Please respond to:
Shawn Thomas
Resource Management, Great Basin National Park
shawn_thomas@nps.gov
775/234-7331 ext. 228