Dear friends, fellow cavers, and stewards of the underground: As we step into the fall season, I find myself reflecting on the extraordinary role caves and karst play in shaping not just our landscapes, but our entire way of life. We know that beneath the soil lies the blueprint of our region’s resilience. The caves, fractures, and aquifers of Texas aren’t just geological features — they are the living infrastructure of our ecology, our communities, and our economy. Every drop of water, every spring, every thriving habitat depends on the health of the karst. It’s time we treat it that way. The Texas Cave Management Association has always been about more than just managing caves. We are community builders, connectors, and problem solvers. We bring together scientists, explorers, landowners, and citizens who understand that protecting what’s beneath the surface ensures everything above it can thrive. Every one of us — whether you’re mapping passages, leading a tour, restoring habitat, or connecting with community — has a role to play. This is an all-hands-on-deck moment. Our collective knowledge, passion, and collaboration are exactly what this region needs right now. Together, we can ensure that what flows beneath us continues to nourish everything we love about life aboveground. Let’s keep exploring, connecting, and building the kind of future that just makes sense — one grounded in common ground, common sense, and the enduring logic of life itself. Yours in karst, Rachael Lindsey |
