Cave and karst resource management spans a wide array of scientific and recreational disciplines. In the arid west, management of these fragile ecosystems seems forever locked in the delicate interplay between surface geology and the precious but dwindling resource of groundwater.
Since 1975, the National Cave & Karst Management Symposium has been the preeminent forum for promoting, advancing and sharing concepts in effective management of cave and karst resources. Our conference is a gathering of inquisitive minds and passionate experts who share a common ethic for the responsible management of these rare environments.
The Western Cave Conservancy invites you to join us at the National Cave & Karst Management Symposium in Ely, Nevada from October 6-10, 2025!
Ely, Nevada is an old-west mining town located in the eastern county of White Pine. Its first inhabitants were attracted by the grassy meadows, spring & surface water, and towering mountains - as well as the lure of potential fortunes to be made mining gold and silver. Great Basin National Park is located here and will be heavily featured in our NCKMS schedule.
Explore Ely!White Pine County was established by the Nevada legislature in 1869 and named after the heavy growth of limber pine trees in the area. Hamilton, the first county seat (and now a ghost town) was sometimes called Cave City because early miners dug holes in the nearby hills for shelter.
We invite you to join our newsletter list to stay informed about our plans for NCKMS 2025 in Nevada. We won't endlessly spam you and we promise not to be annoying! Feel free to leave any questions or comments in the text box. As always, we'd like to learn how we might make the event better for our friends in the professional caving community.
Get the NewsletterOur NCKMS Steering Committee was formed in 1990 to ensure that a NCKMS is held biennially. The committee selects a group to host each symposium from bids presented, and provides guidance for developing the event. It also offers scholarships to enable attendance to symposia. The committee comprises a representative from each of the organizations and agencies that have a formal interest in, or responsibility for, managing cave and karst resources on a nationwide basis. The committee offers a structure for these influential groups to share ideas and experiences, and to work together to address issues arising in managing caves and karst.
