Volunteers play a crucial role in the success of NCKMS operations. The transformation of a symposium from vision to reality requires months of dedication, passion, and commitment to our mission. The team's task is to create a solid platform for our participants to network with other industry professionals while gaining modern insights into cave and karst management.
Our 2025 production team will grow in the next several months and multiple roles still need to be filled. If you think you might be interested in joining the 2025 NCKMS team, please check out our volunteer page. The Western Cave Conservancy welcomes your participation!
Co-Chair
Co-Chair
Financial Auditor
Treasurer
Hospitality Director
Project Director
Marketing Coordinator
Marketing Coordinator
Field Trip Logistics
Field Trip Logistics
In July of 1986, Life magazine labeled Ely, Nevada's Highway 50 as "The Loneliest Road in America" and suggested drivers should have 'survival skills' for the trip. The name was intended as a pejorative, but Nevada officials seized it as a marketing slogan. The name originates from large desolate areas traversed by the route, with few or no signs of civilization. The highway crosses several large desert valleys separated by numerous mountain ranges towering over the valley floors, in what is known as the Basin and Range province of the Great Basin. Photo by Matt Bowers, Third Media.
Registration for the 2025 symposium is now open! Early registration discounts end at midnight on September 15. After that, registration packages increase by $50.
After registering, be sure to book your hotel room soon. Our hotel discounts will expire in mid-September. See our host hotel page for more details.
Cave Gators is the pre-eminent company in the United States specializing in bat-friendly closures on caves and abandoned mines.
No job too tough, no site too remote! We do the jobs that scare away everyone else.
The ghost town of Berlin, Nevada, was established in 1897 as part of the Union Mining District after the opening of the Berlin Mine. At its peak, the town had about 75 buildings and 300 residents. It never prospered to the same extent as other boom towns like Tonopah and Goldfield, and declined following the Panic of 1907. The site was largely abandoned by 1911.
The site was acquired by the state of Nevada as part of Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park in 1970.
Scattered snow showers before 4pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 39. North northwest wind 15 to 30 mph, with gusts as high as 50 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.
Partly cloudy, with a low around 17. North northwest wind 15 to 25 mph.
Mostly sunny, with a high near 42. North northwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.