A New Era for Windeler Cave:
WCC Signs an MOU with Stanislaus National Forest
Published: Spring/Summer 2007

by Joel Despain

Good News! The WCC has taken over management of Windeler Cave under a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Stanislaus National Forest, Mi-Wuk Ranger District. Work to re-gate the cave and reopen it has begun. This is going to be a significant and challenging project for the WCC and we look forward to the assistance and support of Western cavers.

Windeler is a delicate and sensitive cave with a unique species, outstanding cave formations, and an underground stream that has been carefully protected for decades by dedicated Diablo Grotto cavers to whom we all owe a debt of thanks. The WCC will continue with and build upon the history of protecting this resource, while allowing experienced and cautious cavers opportunities to see and enjoy this very special place. There is restoration work to do, and we expect all future trips to be work trips, where volunteers clean the cave while enjoying its sights.

To accomplish protection of the cave the WCC has a great deal of work to do and funds to raise! First and foremost, it is imperative that the cave be protected by a strong and secure cave gate system. Luckily for the WCC and the cave, Diablo Grotto cavers have had a significant head start on this challenge, and they are actively working on the project now. Funds have been raised for a surveillance system for the gate and the WCC is working with United States Forest Service (USFS) staff on the management of the selected system. Also on the list of Windeler tasks is beefing-up the existing road gate. The Forest Service has taken this on, and new locks and a promise to reset the gate have come forth. Also to be done by the USFS will be the construction of a dirt and rock road barricade at the end of the construction work. This work will likely take place on a series of weekends over the next year. We may need your help. This could be your chance to do work on something very positive for cave conservation and management!

Administrative measures also must be taken to protect the cave. These include recruiting local cavers to check on the security systems regularly, creating a fair but strict plan for access, and developing a good working relationship with the Stanislaus National Forest to encourage their assistance with the work ahead and with the long-term monitoring of the cave. This will all come together with the WCC Stewardship Committee's development of a management plan for the cave. In addition, a stewardship subcommittee has been created to manage the cave into the future. This subcommittee will include a cave steward for the property, people who have experience with the cave and its protection, local cavers, and WCC members and staff.

Watch for announcements of work weekends and chances to visit Windeler Cave in the future.