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CCP has a staggering amount of trash nestled snugly in some of Indiana’s finest mud. Three trips are planned to excavate and stage the trash for removal at a later date. CCP has a 71-foot entrance drop. All participants on these 3 prep trips must have appropriate vertical (SRT) skills and possess their own climbing equipment. A signed liability waiver (available on site) will be required. Tools needed include shovels, pry bars, and a pickaxe. Sturdy clothing and leather work gloves are recommended. 5 to 10 volunteers are needed on each of these prep trips. The dates are on the following Saturdays; June 28, July 26 and August 23.
Each trip will depart from the McDonalds restaurant at the intersection of SR37 and SR60 on the southwest side of Mitchell, Indiana at 10AM local time. To find Mitchell on a road map, look about 30 miles south of Bloomington on SR37 and 20 miles northwest of Salem on SR60. If you plan to attend one or more of these trips please contact Brian Leavell in advance (see contact info below).
One or two additional trips (not yet scheduled) will be needed to install and test the haul system prior to the final project date on September 20/21. Activities on this last weekend will include removal of trash from the pit and its transportation by hand to a nearby dumpster, some removal of brush and small trees and construction of a fence with a hinged gate around the entrance sink. SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE! Primitive camping will be allowed on site Saturday night and food-n-stuff is only a couple miles away in Mitchell. More detailed information will be made available at a later date.
Please come help us repay a fine pit cave for the indignities it has suffered in the past and to reward the landowners for their friendliness toward cavers and their diligence in seeing no further damage has been done to CCP during their stewardship of the cave.
Respectfully;
BRIAN LEAVELL, Project coordinator
1627 SOUTH M STREET
ELWOOD, IN 46036
PH (evening) 765-552-7619
EMAIL bleavell@indy.netCarcass Crypt Pit Cave has long been a popular drop for vertical cavers. The cave was mapped in 1968 then in 1969 a nearly complete bear skeleton was removed, a rare find in Indiana. The pits large sloping entrance has, in the past, been a natural trap for both wild and domestic animals leading to the possibility of more significant discoveries. Of course this feature also led to the caves given name.
Until the early 70s the pit was also a popular dumping spot for local residents. Everything from small farming equipment to household garbage can be found littering the pit floor. This is no small trash heap. The approximately 40 by 50 foot floor is estimated to be 6 to 10 feet deep in refuse. The current owner has cleaned up the sink and surrounding surface area and has put a stop to any further dumping. Once the cave has been relieved of its unnatural burden it should remain so for future generations.
Logistically, the cleanup will be a considerable challenge. The entrance sink is about 40 feet across at the surface, funneling down to about 15 feet at the drip line. The 71 foot drop is situated on the east wall of the pit but can be rigged free down the center. Fortunately there is nearly 200 feet of large canyon passage to serve as a safe zone during haul ups. In addition to trash removal, we would like to remove the remnants of old rusty fence from around the sink and replace it with new fence rendering the pit safer for both human visitors and visiting critters.
The owner has always welcomed responsible cavers and has graciously granted permission for project participants to camp on site. A large open pasture only a few yards from the pit and adjoining the road provides convenient access to the site. Food, last minute supplies and lodging can be found at the nearby city of Mitchell.
Pictures by Elza Marvin
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