A couple of people have asked about the selection process. Having served on the UIS Bureau for 11 years, and just reelected to another four, I've learned a lot of its inner workings. In this case, it's nothing complicated or mysterious, just not well publicized (we're trying to fix that).
The UIS awards procedures are similar to those of NSS but less formal. Also, It all happens at the ICS instead of with advance nominations and voting. During the ICS week, the awards chair approaches people from around the world who are knowledgeable about exploration or other award topics in order to collect a good list of nominees. An international panel then reviews the nominees and makes their selection. As with the NSS, the nomination details and discussions are confidential. I think an excellent choice was made this year with the exploration prize, and I send my congratulations to the FSCSP. George P.S.: The next ICS was selected and it will be in Sydney, Australia, in 2017, mostly likely at the end of July. That is the cheapest time of the year for airfare there and if you put away only a couple dollars a day between now and then you'll have likely saved more than enough to cover that cost plus registration. It should be a great time. The 17th in '17 should be a great time. ******************** George Veni, Ph.D. Executive Director National Cave and Karst Research Institute 400-1 Cascades Avenue Carlsbad, New Mexico 88220-6215 USA Office: 575-887-5517 Mobile: 210-863-5919 Fax: 575-887-5523 [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> www.nckri.org<http://www.nckri.org> From: Steve Peerman [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Saturday, July 27, 2013 5:43 PM To: Aaron Stavens; Dick Venters; Bob Straub; Linda Starr; David Winnett; David Worthington; Evelyn Townsend; Graham Schindel; Wayne Walker; Robert Wood; Bernard Szukalski; Pete Tschannen; Dan Wray; Anne Withrow; Jacque LaRue Thomas; Mary Thiesse; Henry Schneiker; Kenny Stabinsky; Abby Tobin; Dennis Worthington; Adam Zipkin; Peg Sorensen; Patricia Sawyer; Norm Thompson; Jim Werker; Aaron Stockton (home); Shawn Thomas; Kyle Uckert; Allen Wright; Grady Viramontes; David Voelz; Ed Woten; Bruce White; Patricia Seiser; Diana Tomchick; Lee Skinner; Phil Thommes; Adam Weaver; Janice Tucker; Kel Thomas; Lynda Sanchez; Karla Wheeler; George Veni; Paul Unger; Bob Stucklen; Mike Spilde Subject: Exciting News! All, As many of you know, the 16th International Congress of Speleology (the international version of the National Speleological Society -- NSS) just concluded today in Brno, Czech Republic. FSCSP Board Member John Moses is also the International Secretary of the NSS and attended the Congress. After the closing banquet of the Congress, he sent us this message: At the 16th International Congress of Speleology in Brno, Czech Republic, the International Union of Speleology named the Fort Stanton Cave Study Project Team as the winner of the 2013 prize in exploration. A plaque will be sent to the team and the award includes a cash prize of 100 Euros. "Excellent exploration is conducted with excellent science and follows top standards for cave protection. The Fort Stanton Cave Study Project stands as a shining example for all members of UIS to follow." FSCSP board member and US national delegate, John Moses, accepted the award on behalf of the team. Other Fort Stanton project participants present were asked to stand and be recognized. Citing the most significant cave exploration projects which have taken place between the 15th ICS in 2009 and this year, the honorable mentions included the Hang Son Doong Cave project in Vietnam (world's largest cave passage) and the K'oox Baal, Mexico underwater cave (4th longest underwater cave in the world). This is indeed, an honor, and a tribute to all the hard work that all the participants have put into the Fort Stanton Cave Study Project in the last few years, and since work started at the cave 50 years ago. Everyone who has contributed in any way should be proud of this achievement and merits a "Thank you!" from myself and from all the directors of the FSCSP! Steve Peerman Project Director, Fort Stanton Cave Study Project [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>
