Photo by Alan Hicks This bat displays the telltale symptoms of “white nose syndrome,” with a white ring of fungus around its nose. It is unknown whether the fungus is the cause of the illness, or a symptom. Its transmission is uncertain as well, but caves are being closed to prevent the possibility that human activities such as cave exploration could help to spread the fungus, which thrives in cold damp environments such as caves and abandoned mines.

Cave closures

Even as the U. S. Forest Service (USFS) prepares to close caves and former mines in national forests to human trespass in 33 states, officials in Pennsylvania are encouraging property owners with caves to close them as well. The USFS closures are an attempt to minimize the potential spread of the fungus associated with white nose syndrome (WNS), which is causing devastating losses in bat populations across the Northeast.

The sites will be closed for up to a year. Those trespassing in closed caves face up to six months in jail and fines of up to $10,000.

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Perseverance

Some days a river can give the appearance of being dead. When the Graham brothers and I arrived at the East Branch of the Delaware, Sunday, May 3, this seemed one of those days. I decided that rather than gearing up I would lie down in the van and take a nap. The Grahams went off downstream to seek their fortune.

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Master gardeners hold plant sale

HONESDALE, PA—The Penn State Master Gardeners in Wayne County will hold a plant sale on Saturday, May 16 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Fred Miller Pavilion on Main Street. Master gardeners will be on hand to answer your spring planting questions. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have any questions about the physical access provided, call 570/253-5970, ext. 4110 in advance of your participation.

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