Organizational

The Missouri Speleological Survey is made up of affiliate organizations, cooperators and members.  

Most affiliate organizations are grottos of the National Speleological Society while others are cave conservancies.  

The MSS Board of Directors is made up representatives from affiliate organizations who are appointed by their respective organizations. 

The foundation of the MSS is cooperation.  Individuals and organizations who work with the MSS are considered cooperators.    

One is considered a cooperator by simply turning in data or contributing to project caving for which data goes to the MSS.  

One of the best ways to get involved in the MSS is through one of our affiliate organizations, contacting a project manager or showing up at an MSS event.  

Getting involved in caving can be difficult at times as cavers tend to be secretive until trust has been built.  So one typically has to start out by showing up to meetings and making their presence and interest known.

Proper training on techniques, gear, safety, conservation and ethics in caving are important steps to getting involved, as well as showing an interest in the cause.  

With the emergence of White Nose Sydrome (WNS) in Missouri in 2010 many publicly owned caves were closed, creating difficulties to cave access and hindering opportunities for new cavers.

However, responsible project cavers have been able to continue working in many closed caves.  

All it takes to get involved is some reliability, a willingness to learn and the ability to cooperate and contribute.

Photo by Josh Hafner