[Nmcaver] Sandia Grotto Proposes a 2011 NM NSS Convention

[linda starr]

Dear SWR Cavers,
    The Sandia Grotto is planning to introduce a Grotto proposal for a Sandia Grotto-hosted 2011 NSS Convention in New Mexico at the Spring SWR and opening discussion to the Southwestern Region.  The SG has decided to make a preliminary proposal noting SWR endorsement, support and participation has been requested.  We are still in the draft stages of the Grotto proposal as some of the details have been delayed from our proposed site, NM Tech in Socorro.
    We feel, however, that it has become important to "jump the gun" slightly and to present a preliminary Sandia Grotto proposal at the NSS Board of Governors meeting in Tucson on March 17.  Some of you may be aware that a Colorado NSS convention proposal will also be presented at this meeting.  In order to have our proposal received for consideration on equal footing, rather than be "Johnny come lately," we feel it is necessary to present the Sandia Grotto NM NSS Convention 2011 proposal at the same time.
    At an October 2006 Sandia Grotto meeting, the idea for a New Mexico convention was proposed by a Sandia Grotto member.  It was announced as being a Sandia Grotto proposal, with SWR endorsement and support requested.  The Sandia Grotto believes that it is the oldest and largest NSS internal organization in the region and we maintain that we are a strong organization, with an active membership large enough to host an NSS convention.  At this meeting, the grotto authorized a planning committee to meet and explore options.  Therefore, a convention planning committee agreed to meet in early November; this committee proposed Linda Starr as chairperson and settled on NM Tech in Socorro as a site because of its centrality to cave, historical and natural history resources and its notoriety as a scientific institution and facilitator of the National Cave and Karst Research Institute.  Blake Jordan offered to be treasurer as he is bonded and has financial and accounting background and experience.  In the meantime, several of us had reviewed the NSS Convention Planning Manual and worked with the NSS Convention Planning Committee to have our proposal placed on the agenda of the next NSS Board meeting, Mar. 17 in Tucson.  We decided to announce our plan to the region at the Spring SWR after we had more information to round out the proposal.
     During e-mails with the NSS Convention Planning Committee, it was also determined that Colorado cavers are gathering resources for a Colorado convention proposal at the March 17 meeting in Tucson.  The Sandia Grotto planning committee was reluctant to wait until 2013 or later to make a convention proposal because it was felt that six years is a long time to wait.  If our proposal is not favored by the board over a Colorado convention, we will try again for a later time.  Because of the necessity of presenting our proposal at the March BOG, it was necessary to bypass regional approval of the Sandia Grotto convention proposal until it can be discussed.
    To continue, in late January, a Sandia Grotto convention leadership team met with a convention services representative at NM Tech to present a list of convention facility needs and we toured possible facility sites.  We also talked about possible dates and such delicate subjects as use of alcohol.  Then we agreed that the week of July 4-8, 2011 would be an opportune time since student population at Tech is low.  Also, since Socorro and NM Tech host a huge 4th of July celebration, we thought this would make a fabulous Howdy Party arrangement.   After touring Tech facilities, we agreed that it meets convention needs and the NM Tech representative seemed welcoming and enthusiastic about having a Caves and Karst Convention, even to the degree of setting up a one-time photo of the marquee at the Macey Center announcing "Welcome, National Speleological Society Cavers" for use with our proposal.
    At the January 29th Sandia Grotto meeting, a motion to authorize the Sandia Grotto convention proposal be made to the BOG passed by a solid majority.  The Sandia Grotto is on the March 17 BOG agenda to present our convention proposal.  Several of us are journeying to Tucson to present it.
     Incidentally, the NSS does not vote to accept or reject convention bids at the same meeting as the initial proposal.  We will be refining our proposal for a presentation at the 2007 Convention in Indiana and the BOG will vote at this time if no other proposals are forthcoming.
     Members of our Sandia Grotto NM NSS Convention planning committee are eager to make a presentation of our proposal at local caver gatherings throughout the region to better acquaint you with our plans.  We can travel to a few caver locations prior to the BOG meeting in March during the week.  Please let us know when we can arrange for this to happen.  You can e-mail Linda Starr, lstarr at hubwest.com or call 505-255-6037.

    We would like to have time devoted at the Spring SWR to present the Sandia Grotto-hosted 2011 NSS Convention proposal to the Region and ask for Region endorsement.

Convention Pros:
* It has been 20 years since there was a convention in New Mexico.
* NM Tech is a large college campus with plenty of meeting room and lecture hall capacity, a large performing arts center, informal gathering space, food service, 2 gymnasiums, campground (athletic field), dormitories and it is a center of science.  Tech also facilitates the National Cave and Karst Research Institute.
* Socorro is in the heart of New Mexico caving country with accessible caves within a 200-mile radius in almost any direction.
* Socorro is a place of history and abundant natural resources and scientific attraction.
* Socorro is a thriving community with widely available resources - hospital, hotel & motel, restaurants.
* NM Tech is enthusiastic about having a cave and karst convention at this state university.
* We do not expect a hundred-year flood (like in '86) in Socorro!  Earthquake ?
* The Sandia Grotto will be celebrating it's 50th anniversary in 2008 as an affiliated organization of the NSS.  We have a strong, viable and moving-ahead membership to draw upon for convention staffing.  The NSS website award has gone to the Sandia Grotto for the last 2 years in a row.  Many active members from our grotto have attended numerous NSS conventions in the past and been recognized by the NSS for their contributions to caves and caving.  The 2011 NM Convention Chairwoman has been attending NSS conventions since 1971 and was involved in the 1986 NM NSS Convention planning and operations.  For the past 2 years she has directed a local music festival with ~3000 attendees and >30 committee managers; she coordinated with city government officials and private agencies to further the goals of the festival, which is going into its ninth year in 2007. 

Convention Cons:
* Cave Impact:  The Convention planning committee will be notifying federal, state and private land managers of the proposed event.  We will be requesting the land managers to make NO special adjustments to their existing cave management policies.  Caving on Native American lands is trespassing without pueblo or tribal government approval.  The convention planning committee expects to make pre- and post-convention cave trips available as well as caving opportunities during convention week.  Sandia Grotto will certainly be requesting regional support in leading and monitoring cave trips.

Cave Softly,
Linda Starr 
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