Landowner Relations

The Dayton Underground Grotto
of the National Speleological Society

THE HUMAN SIDE
(CAVE OWNER RELATIONSHIPS)
Caving Information Series - PRC 7201
by Mike Feltz edited by Michael H. Camilletti

So you are interested in caving. This is good. You will soon discover that there are many more aspects to caving than just driving up to the entrance and going into the cave. After you have visited a few caves in an area, it will soon become obvious that most caves are on private property. Your visit to the cave depends on the cooperation and permission of the landowner. Since most of our caving depends on good caver-landowner relationships, we need to understand the lifestyles and attitudes of ranchers and farmers. You should fully realize that caving is much more than just a "nuts and bolts" activity; there is a certain degree of finesse necessary to get into the cave and keep it open for further trips.

Many beautiful caves have already been closed and regretfully, are still being closed because some of the points in this paper have not been understood or practiced by enough cavers.

A difficult thing for us "city folk" to understand is the rancher's or farmer's deep attachment to the land. What is to us merely scenery is to them a source of livelihood. While we may be relatively insensitive to any strong feelings about ranchland, their sentiments and respect for the land are almost religious. Our stay on their land will be relatively short--probably just a few hours at most. This is in striking contrast to the years they have spent tilling the soil and looking after the cattle.

This brings us to the following point: Our caving depends on the landowner's permission to let us on his property. He is extending to us the privilege of visiting his cave and this should never be taken for granted. Many landowners are fascinated with our hobby and willingly cooperate. Many others regard caves, cavers, and caving as being little more than a nuisance. In this latter group, there has probably been some confrontation in the past with spelunkers that has soured their attitude towards all other future cavers.

Many caves that we visit involve several hours of driving. There is frequently a time element involved and we are usually in a hurry to get back. This means there will be a strong tendency to keep the meetings with the landowner short, sweet, and to the point. Our lifestyle is conducted at a more rapid pace than theirs is and unless we slow down to accommodate them, our brief conversation may appear to be rude. So take your time and talk to them. A casual remark on your part about the weather or the land may lead to an animated conversation--possibly more cave leads. Show some genuine interest in them as persons and not just as cave owners. You should always give them an opening to talk about themselves, their farm or ranch, or their occupation. This seemingly minor indulgence goes a long way towards promoting good relationships.

As you leave, it is a good idea to give the rancher something more than just a handshake and a hearty 'Thank you"--although this is usually enough. Caving entails some give and take between you and the owner. You have just had a rather pleasant day of caving at his expense. So you should try to return the favor with some small token of gratitude--a letter of appreciation or some pictures at a later date. The general idea is to make sure they get something from your activities--a verbal or written report, a map.

Try to convey the impression that you are doing this for more than just "sport" or "fun." Although science and technology are not held in as high esteem as they were several years ago, you can still make yourself look pretty good by expressing your interest as being at least partly scientific.

An advance notice to the landowner in the form of a letter, phone call, or self-addressed stamped post card is a good practice. This shows that you do not take his permission for granted and it might spare you the agony of not finding the owner at home when you do go to the property. It will only take one or two frustrated cave trips to drive home the benefits of advance notification. This administrative activity is one of the least appealing aspects of caving, but it is really one of the most important.

If you would like a return trip to the cave, drop a few hints about it. These hints might be one of the following:

You noticed some passages that weren't on the map.
You saw some virgin leads that should be checked further.
You want to "photographically" document the cave, i.e., take some pictures. (You'll give him some.)
You didn't finish the map. (You'll give him one.)
You just ran out of time.
You can use your own imagination to think up other reasons. The best time to drop hints about future trips is when you talk to the rancher as you leave the cave.

Many things have been unsaid because they are so obvious that they are hardly worth mentioning. For one thing, close all gates to and from the cave that were closed to begin with. If there's brush or a pile of rocks over the cave entrance, make sure you put it back on when you leave. Avoid trashing or littering up the area in or out of the cave. If there is garbage already there, remove it. Make sure you talk to the rancher both before and after you leave the cave. If the hour is late, leave a note to the effect you have left the cave. Operate on the assumption that he will check up on you after you leave and proceed accordingly.

In your dealings with the landowner, be businesslike and professional without being aloof. Be friendly, but don't keep him from his work. ABOVE ALL, BE GRATEFUL.......