Location: Arco, ID
Strenuous. 5-7 miles daily on rugged, volcanic terrain
Front country: tent camping in a designated campground
This project would start a systematic approach to gridding pre-determined areas to find & document potential caves for further exploration and study.
Service Project Details
Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve (CRMO) is home to thousands of caves. Many of these caves contain important resources that are currently unknown to CRMO staff (water sources, cultural resources, unique geology, endemic invertebrates, and important habitats for bats (hibernation sites, maternity colonies, and day roosts). However, only a fraction of CRMO has ever been systematically searched for caves. Nearly all currently known caves (over 500) have been found by chance. This project would start a systematic approach to gridding pre-determined areas of CRMO to find and document potential caves for further exploration and study. No actual caving is involved beyond entering the light zone of any opening to gather information. Volunteers would simply GPS openings and provide basic information on the opening for future exploration by biologists, cave cartographers, and potentially cultural resource specialists.
Project Leaders: Karen Zietlow and Linda Zarzana
Agency Website
Itinerary:
Sunday, July 20th. The Volunteer group meets at midday at a time/place TBD. The group will go through check-in, introductions, orientation, and will help set up camp in preparation for the work week ahead.
Monday, July 21st. Workday.
Tuesday, July 22nd. Workday.
Wednesday, July 23rd. Day off.
Thursday, July 24th. Workday.
Friday, July 25th. Workday.
Saturday, July 26th. Break down camp, good-byes, depart.
Nearest Cities
Carey, ID
Arco, ID
Nearest Airports
Magic Valley Regional Airport (TWF) – ~96 miles
Boise International Airport (BOI) – ~167 miles
Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) – ~195 miles
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) – ~287 miles
Free Time Details
Viewing wildlife, exploring, hiking, photography, relaxing, etc.
Accommodations
Front country: tent camping in a designated campground
Difficulty
Strenuous. 5-7 miles daily on rugged, volcanic terrain
Task Details
Hiking, walking, uneven terrain, volcanic terrain, bending, crouching, kneeling, etc.
Equipment List
View Equipment List