Management of Subterranean Ecosystems in Extreme Environments
Lehman Cave photo by Dave Bunnell
NCKMS 2025 Team
Hosted by the Western Cave Conservancy

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!

NCKMS 2025 Team


team-image
Matt Bowers

Co-Chair

team-image
Pat Kambesis

Co-Chair

team-image
Mike Spiess

Financial Auditor

team-image
Teresa Greissel

Treasurer

team-image
Joel Despain

Publications Director

team-image
Kirsten Bahr

Project Director

team-image
Lindsey Thayer

Marketing Coordinator

team-image
Chelsea Ballard

Marketing Coordinator

team-image
C.J. McKinley

Field Trip Logistics

team-image
Kit McKinley

Field Trip Logistics

Highway 50, Nevada

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.