Official Announcements

President Enzo Monfre spoke about the existential threat facing the Brackenridge Field Laboratory (“BFL”). The BFL and the Lions Municipal Golf Course (“Muny”) are part of the Brackenridge Tract owned by UT. On November 19, 2026, the Austin City Council will give its approval to UT’s transfer of Muny to the City of Austin; in exchange, the City would agree to amend the Brackenridge Development Agreement, loosening development requirements on the remainder of the Brackenridge Tract. The proposed amendments to the Development Agreement, which will be considered by City Council on November 19, 2026, do not protect (or even mention) the BFL. Instead, the BFL’s 82 acres are designated within a “Development Area” permitting higher density and impervious cover. The BFL is an invaluable resource, and it has become our home. As it stands, this may be the last chance to oppose this change and support BFL’s future; the next step would be approval by the same UT Board of Regents that pushed for the loosening of development restrictions, and which is thus unlikely to change their approach given their current makeup. All members are encouraged to support BFL by appearing in force and speaking at the November 19, 2026 City Council meeting. Details to follow on Facebook.

Nico Hauwert provided an update about the Environmental Commission’s meeting concerning the amendments to the Development Agreement.

Unofficial Announcements

Andrea Croskrey noted that nominations for 2027 NSS awards (to be given at the 2027 Del Rio convention) will close on November 15. She encouraged members to nominate their fellow Texas cavers whom they deem worthy of recognition. Please contact Andrea if you need assistance in submitting your nominations.

Jim “Crash” Kennedy spoke of the success of the 2026 Texas Cavers Reunion, including its raising of money for The Gauntlet. Next year will be Crash’s last as head of TCR; persons interested in taking over this role are invited to shadow him during his preparations for the 2027 TCR.

Terry Raines noted the pending completion of a mural in South Austin honoring the Armadillo World Headquarters.

Eléonore Le Corvaisier noted that the November 14 Robber Baron open house still needs volunteers.

Eléonore announced that the Godwin Ranch cricket count would be scheduled for the evening of Saturday November 21. Volunteers are needed and interested members should contact Eléonore.

Registration for the National Cave Rescue Commission (NCRC) South Central Regional will open on Monday November 9 at 8:00 am (Level 1, Level 2, Small Party Assisted Rescue). Registration and details may be found here: 2027 NCRC South Central Regional. It was noted that registration typically fills within a minute or two, so interested participants should be ready to fill out the registration form as soon as registration opens.

Upcoming Trips

The next Colorado Bend Project weekend will be November 13-15. All levels of experience are welcome. For more information or to join, visit this link.

Eléonore announced that Peter Sprouse is organizing a December 19th trip to the rebelay course set up on a 700 foot cliff overlooking the Pecos. This trip can accommodate 10-12 cavers and camping areas are available. This is a strenuous activity and is intended for cavers with intermediate vertical skills. Contact Peter Sprouse for details or to join.

Crash is planning a trip to Mexico November 24-28. The trip, which will include non-caver scientists, offers the opportunity to explore virgin caves and survey. Contact Crash for details or to join.

Crash is setting up a work trip to the TCMA’s Deep & Punkin preserve in late December 2026 to mark trails in Punkin in advance of the 2027 NSS convention. Cavers interested in joining should contact Crash.

New Attendees

Several new attendees introduced themselves, including Stephen, Noah, and three scientists who work with Dr. Moretti in his cave-based paleontology studies.

Formal Presentation

Dr. John A. Moretti gave an interesting and well-received presentation entitled “Exploring the Natural History of Austin, Texas, at Kitchen Door: Fossil Vertebrates, Geochronology, Paleoenvironments, and Landscape Change.” The presentation focused on a Middle Pleistocene site in Central Austin. Dr. Moretti offered to take Grotto members on a tour of this site on a coming Sunday.

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The meeting concluded at approximately 9:40 pm. Members met up afterwards at the Hold Out Brewery.

The UTG’s next meeting will be a trip report meeting. This meeting will take place at 7:30 pm on November 18 at the UT Brackenridge Field Laboratory. Members are encouraged to present on their recent (and long-past) caving trips and caving-related topics. Presenters may email their photos or presentations to London Darce at vicepresident@utgrotto.org or can just bring their presentation to the meeting on a USB drive or laptop.