On September 1, 1997, members of the Huntingdon County Cave Hunters (NSS) installed a gate on Seawra Cave. Located in central Pennsylvania, this excommercial cave was in great need of protection due to prior years of vandalism and to protect the large colony of bats (some on the endangered list) using the cave as a hibernaculum. It was also the wish of the cave owner that this cave be gated because of liability concerns. Cave access is permitted to responsible Pennsylvania NSS Grottos that have applied to the HCCH for a gate key. Cave access is considered a priviledge and not a right for visitation. The HCCH reserves management rights and can reject or deny key priviledge when deemed necessary. Visitation is only allowed from May 1st to September 1st of each year. Trips to the cave should be scheduled at least 2 weeks in advance so proper notification and permission can be given to the property owner and the HCCH.
