Chattanooga Grotto logoChattanooga Grotto

Policies

Safety, conduct, and cave stewardship

Every trip is run with a safety-first and conservation-first standard. Participation requires compliance with these policies.

Core Safety Rules

  • Follow trip leader instructions at all times.
  • Never cave alone; use appropriately sized groups.
  • Use required equipment: helmet with chinstrap, gloves, primary lamp, and backup lights.
  • Report relevant health limitations before participating in a trip.
  • Understand that many caves are remote with delayed emergency response.

Leave No Trace (Cave Edition)

  • Pack out everything you bring in, including micro-trash.
  • Stay on durable travel lines; avoid damaging formations and biota.
  • Do not mark, carve, or alter cave walls, ceilings, or floors.
  • Use clean-caving practices to reduce disease/pathogen spread.
  • Leave gates, access controls, and sensitive areas exactly as found.
  • Respect wildlife and seasonal closures without exception.

Reference guidance: saveyourcaves.org/cavesafely

Conduct, Privacy, and Permit Compliance

  • Respect participants, property owners, and partner organizations.
  • Ask consent before sharing identifiable participant photos or contact data.
  • Trip roster information is private and must not be redistributed.
  • Participants must acknowledge the trip permit/release terms before signup.
  • Some trips also require owner-specific forms (for example, SCCI access releases).
Read Participant Permit & Release summary

White-nose Syndrome (WNS)

White-nose Syndrome is a fungal disease affecting cave-dwelling bats. To help reduce spread and protect bat populations, all participants must:

  • Follow current cave closures and seasonal bat restrictions.
  • Use clean-caving/decontamination procedures for gear and clothing.
  • Avoid disturbing bats, especially during hibernation periods.