Southeastern Cave Conservancy, Inc. acquires entrance to Mammoth Cave system protecting a vital portal for study and exploration.

CHATTANOOGA, TN, UNITED STATES, April 21, 2017 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Southeastern Cave Conservancy, Inc. (SCCi) announces the purchase of the Daleo Entrance to the Roppel section of Mammoth Cave, the longest cave system in the world. The land surrounding the entrance, now named the Elroy and Marilyn Daleo Cave Preserve, is one mile east of Mammoth Cave National Park and protects 88 acres of classic karst on the Mammoth Cave Plateau. The Daleo Entrance is now the only entrance to the Mammoth Cave outside the national park owned by a conservation organization.

The preserve includes a number of caves, most notably the Daleo Entrance to the Roppel section of Mammoth Cave. The Daleo entrance is a significant portal into much of the cave system, and its acquisition is important in the overall goal of protecting the unique resources of the longest cave on earth.

"With this acquisition, SCCi continues its mission of protecting significant caves in the southeast US. Now, the Daleo Entrance to the Roppel section of Mammoth Cave will be protected forever and accessible for recreational caving and scientific exploration. It is with great pride we announce this purchase and look forward to working with the broader cave conservation community of Kentucky," said SCCi Board Chair, Brian Krebs.

SCCi would like to recognize the National Speleological Society (NSS) for its gift of $5,000 toward the purchase of the Elroy and Marilyn Daleo Cave Preserve. The NSS is a non-profit organization dedicated to the exploration, study, and protection of caves and their environments, and fostering fellowship among cavers.

Those interested in supporting the Elroy and Marilyn Daleo Cave Preserve acquisition and stewardship, can do so at http://scci.org/daleo.

On Friday, April 21, 2017, as part of National Park Week, SCCi held a formal announcement at the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor’s Center. The Cave Research Foundation (CRF) hosted a reception and meet & greet with SCCi following the announcement.

SCCi currently protects 171 caves on 31 preserves in 6 states. Founded in 1991, SCCi is the world’s largest land conservancy dedicated solely to cave conservation. SCCi conserves some of the Southeast’s most significant wild caves, while protecting the habitat of many endangered animals, preserving historic artifacts, and providing some of the best recreational caving anywhere. For more information visit http://scci.org/daleo.

Ray Knott
Southeastern Cave Conservancy, Inc
423-771-9671
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