Summary
The National Speleological Society (NSS) is an organization formed in 1941 to advance the exploration, conservation, study, and understanding of caves in the United States. Originally headquartered in Washington D.C., its current offices are in Huntsville, Alabama. The organization engages in the research and scientific study, restoration, exploration, and protection of caves. It has more than 10,000 members in more than 250 grottos.[2]
 | |
| Abbreviation | NSS |
|---|---|
| Formation | Bill Stephenson, January 1, 1941 |
| Purpose | Dedicated to the scientific study of caves and karst; protecting caves and their natural contents through conservation, ownership, stewardship, and public education; and promoting responsible cave exploration and fellowship among those interested in caves.[1] |
| Location | |
Area served | 210 Grottos 12 Geographical Regions 15 Specialty Sections 11 Cave Surveys |
| Membership | 10,000 |
President | Kristine Ebrey |
Main organ | Board of Governors |
| Affiliations | American Association for the Advancement of Science, International Union of Speleology |
| Website | caves.org |
Since 1974 there has been a cave diving section of the society.[3][4]
History
editThe Speleological Society of the District of Columbia (SSDC) was formed on May 6, 1939 by Bill Stephenson. In the fall of 1940, the officers of the SSDC drafted a proposed constitution that would transform the SSDC into the National Speleological Society. On January 24, 1941, Stephenson sent a letter to all members of the SSDC announcing that "on January 1 the Society was reorganized as a national organization."[5] The New England Grotto was the first NSS Grotto. It was chartered in 1941 with Clay Perry as president and Ned Anderson as vice president.[6]
On February 6, 1974, a pioneering cave diver named Sheck Exley became the first chairman of the Cave Diving Section of the National Speleological Society.[4][3] The new section began with 21 members in 10 different states.[4]
Publications
editThe NSS produces a number of publications, including:
- NSS News, monthly
- Journal of Cave and Karst Studies (quarterly), formerly NSS Bulletin (from 1940 to 1995).
- Membership Manual, yearly
- American Caving Accidents, every few years
The NSS's list of long and deep caves was kept until 2022 by surveyor and cartographer Robert Gulden.
Organization
editThe organization is currently divided into 11 regions:
- Arizona Regional Association (ARA)
- Mid-Appalachian Region (MAR)
- Mississippi Valley-Ozark Region (MVOR)
- Northeastern Regional Organization (NRO)
- Northwest Caving Association (NCA)
- Rocky Mountain Region
- Southeastern Regional Association (SERA)
- Southwestern Region (SWR)
- Texas Speleological Association (TSA)
- Virginia Region (VAR)
- Western Region
Within these regions are local chapters known as grottos. The grottos carry out the local-level recreational and conservation-related business of the NSS. They generally function as the local NSS chapter/club. Many Grottos however operate in areas outside of their local area, with many operating in several states.[7] Most Grottos also participate in Regions that are loose associations of Grottos.[7] Regions are also an internal organization of the National Speleological Society.[7]
Grottos are required to meet certain organizational requirements as outlined by the National Speleological Society. These include:[8]
- A constitution and bylaws that are submitted to, and approved by, the NSS.
- A minimum of at least five members of the Society.
- It is NSS policy that full membership in a Grotto requires NSS membership. However, in practice, this is often not the case.
Convention
editThe NSS hosts a yearly convention, which is generally held in June. Grottos take turns hosting the convention.
Awards
editThe Society makes a series of awards, presented during its annual convention:[12]
- William J. Stephenson Award for outstanding service
- Honorary member award
- Lew Bicking award
- Victor A. Schmidt conservation award
- Science award
- Spelean arts and letters award
- Certificate of merit
- Fellow of the society
- Peter M. Hauer spelean history award
- James G. Mitchell award
- NCA best paper on a show cave award
- Certificate of appreciation
Photos
edit-
2018 banquet -
2018 open board meeting -
2018 "Speleolympics" competition
See also
edit- Caving – Recreational pastime of exploring cave systems
- Speleology – Science of cave and karst systems
- Cave diving – Diving in water-filled caves
References
edit- ^ "National Speleological Society : Organization". National Speleological Society. Retrieved January 24, 2013.
- ^ "The National Speleological Society". caves.org.
- ^ a b Kendrick, DF. Pollock, NW (ed.). Science of the National Association for Cave Diving (NACD): Water Quality, Hydrogeology, Biology and Psychology. Diving for Science 2009. Proceedings of the American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) 28th Symposium (Report). Dauphin Island, AL.
- ^ a b c Staff. "Cave Diving Section of the National Speleological Society was founded". cavedivinghistory.com. Archived from the original on 2013-12-02. Retrieved 2013-04-20.
- ^ Caving in America, National Speleological Society, Huntsville, AL. 1991. ISBN 0-9615093-7-6
- ^ Caving in America. Huntsville, AL: National Speleological Society. 1991. ISBN 0-9615093-7-6.
- ^ a b c Weberg, Meredith Hall (2010). NSS News Members Manual. National Speleological Society. pp. 2, 53–65.
- ^ "Policy for Internal Organizations" (PDF). National Speleological Society. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2010-12-27.
- ^ "NSS Convention 2019". National Speleological Society. Retrieved 2020-01-31.
- ^ a b "NSS Conventions". Retrieved 1 May 2023.
- ^ "Join us for the 2023 NSS Convention in Elkins, WV!". Retrieved 1 May 2023.
- ^ "Welcome to the NSS Awards Committee". National Speleological Society. Retrieved 11 July 2021.
External links
edit- The National Speleological Society
- Journal of Cave and Karst Studies (National Speleological Society)