"M2" Cave Update
Published: Summer, 2004

Note that previous newsletters referred to M2 cave by a different name. WCC's editorial policy, which already disallowed publishing specific cave locations, now also discourages using overly location-specific names.

Nearly a year ago WCC launched a campaign to secure permanent protection for an important cave in southern Oregon, arguably the most significant and threatened cave remaining on private land in that state. As part of ongoing negotiations to protect the cave, in early September the owners invited WCC representatives to inspect it. M2 cave was last opened to organized cavers in 1997, and we wanted to determine whether the vandals and rock hounds that plagued it in the 1980s and early ‘90s had regained access in the intervening years.

During our short visit, we found that the cave has indeed suffered damage since 1997. Trash and blankets sullied the pools and passages, and at least one prominent stalagmite has been removed. It is possible the vandals entered with the permission of the owner, as he had secured the property and buried the cave entrance under many tons of rocks and boulders. Despite the old and new damage, M2's surprisingly spacious passages contained many intact formations including fragile soda straws, stalagmites, and delicately terraced flowstone. Often they were vividly colored and contrasted beautifully against dark bedrock. We saw only half the cave and none of the lower level, but we did have time to take the accompanying photograph (more available in the gallery.) Also visible are vestiges of the 1937 commercialization attempt.

We left with renewed determination to see M2 Cave properly managed, cleaned up, and, to the extent possible, restored. Most of the cave will never again appear pristine, but it remains and can continue to be beautiful. We are optimistic that with time, effort, and sincere negotiations, WCC will be able to save this important Oregon cave.

 ADD YOUR VOICE OF SUPPORT FOR SAVING M2 CAVE! 
Join others who have, to date, pledged a total of more than $10,000 to
give WCC financial leverage in its negotiations.
A downloadable form is available by clicking here!   [31k ]