Cave Exploration, Cave Conservation

by Thomas Sweeney

One of the most striking aspects of the organized, or ‘card carrying,’ caving community is the diversity of people who choose to belong -- to call themselves cavers. We include the sedentary newsletter reader, the twice-a-year cave visitor, the deep explorer dragging a camp duffel, and the cave diver. The unifying force in this mixture is a curiosity about caves, both existing and unknown. Together we wait expectantly for new discoveries. Whether directly or vicariously we are all explorers, accepting and enjoying the proceeds as one of the last terrestrial frontiers is pushed back. The caves are never the same, because as we explore we also destroy. Frontier is not a renewable resource. The recognition that we wield a double-edged sword has resulted in a kind of group schizophrenia. Some argue for totalitarian control; caves are sacred and must be completely preserved from the boots of all cavers. Others rebel and become outlaws at the slightest attempt to regulate or even influence their behavior. The majority stand between these two extremes, painfully aware that we are in danger of loving our caves to death.1 Is this perception correct? When and where is the damage taking place, and can we minimize it? In this essay I analyze our behavior and beliefs in exploring and knowing caves, making an important distinction between individuals who accept caves as given and those who actively reveal caves to us. I will suggest that cave damage is both subtle and poorly understood, and explore the role of technology and the limits that we must impose on our use of it through individual ethics.

26 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 12, 2024

About the author

Having found success through music with a number one hit on MP3.com, beating Alanis Morissette and Blink 182 in 2000, Thomas has been a singer, songwriter and musician for over 25 years. His music has appeared on major radio stations nationally and internationally and Thomas has performed with several internationally acclaimed artists.

Wanting to expand his creativity and storytelling skills beyond music, Thomas has now added being an indie author to his repertoire. His first novel is entitled "The Harem" and he's a contributing author to the upcoming "Because Beards" anthology benefiting The Movember Foundation. Thomas is now a Amazon Best-Selling and is currently working on two new stories that he's excited to share with readers.

Thomas has read a lot of great and inspiring books over the years. From training and experience in this wonderful thing we call life, he was inspired to become an author.

Thomas is also proud of this wife Martha Sweeney who is an Amazon Best Selling Author of the "Just Breathe" series, Bookish: Adult Coloring Book, "One Kiss" of the "Because Beards" anthology, and the soon to be released "Killmore."