I find myself in agreement with a lot of the points raised on this (and previous threads relating to the same subject) and I also find myself saying FFS to others....
I think the our friend across the pond has the right idea, but maybe not the right approach, it is difficult from the written word and I believe his heart is in the right place so let's give him the benefit of the doubt and applaud him for raising this very serious issue..
As a certain Mr Spock once said ?Logic clearly dictates that the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.?
So EVERYBODY has an EQUAL right to visit ANY cave/mine, in the same way that EVERYBODY has an EQUAL right to walk through a valley, paddle along a river, climb a mountain, dive a lake etc..?
Whilst I agree that some systems do warrant protection in the form of limited access via permit to minimise traffic therefore wear and tear, I do NOT believe that they should be exclusive - if we take the stance that overuse now will reduce the pleasure of future generations, we wouldn't step outside of our front door...and what a waste that would be..
we do not know how things will change in years to come anyway, caving might die out as a sport/hobby, especially as the current generation seem to be more at ease living a virtual existence via their laptops/tablets/smartphones (though Pok?mon Go seems to fly in the face of that thought!), and Nature might well take this decision out of our hands, what with the "extreme" conditions we have witnessed in recent years.
Nothing stands still - "The sands of time were eroded by the river of constant change." (Banks/Rutherford) seems apt.
The problem with conservation is where to draw the line, some parties maintain that we should limit activities such that they will still be available for "our grandchildren's children" and others are more inclined to "enjoy it while it is there",mountains are to be climbed, lakes to be swum, caves to be erm....caved
Should we leave nature to "get on with it"???
lyrics by N Peart
"There is unrest in the forest
There is trouble with the trees
For the Maples want more sunlight
And the Oaks ignore their pleas
The trouble with the maples
(And they're quite convinced they're right)
They say the oaks are just too lofty
And they grab up all the light
But the oaks can't help their feelings
If they like the way they're made
And they wonder why the maples
Can't be happy in their shade?
There is trouble in the forest
And the creatures all have fled
As the maples scream 'Oppression!'
And the oaks, just shake their heads
So the maples formed a union
And demanded equal rights
'The oaks are just too greedy
We will make them give us light'
Now there's no more oak oppression
For they passed a noble law
And the trees are all kept equal
By hatchet,
Axe,
And saw"
And somewhat worryingly, I subscribe to both WWF and RSPB, can't do right for doing wrong...