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We received two new articles on lampenflora from our member Alexander Chrapko. One shorter - Lampenflora - What you need to know and one more detailed - Lampenflora in show caves. You can find them in our Resources section or link from the headline of this news.

Dear show cave friends - wishing you all the best for the New Year.

The Congress organizers are calling for papers to be presented orally or as posters at the 8th International Show Caves Association’s Congress. Papers should align with the theme of the Congress, “Innovation in Show Cave Management” and/or subjects of particular interest to show cave managers. See the details.

"Pearl" of Russia. The current 2018 became significant for Russia. Holding the FIFA World Cup positively influenced economy of many regions of our country. Eleven cities of the Russian Federation accepting athletes and fans from around the world. Majority of them want not only to visit football matches, but also to get acquainted with nearby sights. Doesn't stand aside, the mislaid in Perm Krai, small and cosy city Kungur and the well-known Kungur Ice cave. Located in 300 km from Yekaterinburg, the city Kungur joined the cities-participants of the World Cup. From it tourists go to the Ice cave, having brought so various geography in visits statistics. It is possible indefinitely to list the countries residents which visited for these days the kingdom of eternal winter: Mexico, Peru, Australia, Spain, Lebanon, Brazil, China, USA, India, Denmark, Netherlands, Portugal, France … Foreign tourists and citizens of Russia, having visited the Kungur ice cave, often can't express that delight which covers them after the excursion on the fantastic underground world. What is surprising and unique in the Kungur Ice cave? In what it is one and only? First, in variety of forms of ice which are presented in the cave in more than 100 kinds. Secondly, an availability of long-term ices, which age is several hundreds of years, in spite of the fact that the cave is on an insignificant elevation mark. Thirdly, the cave length, it takes the fifth place on extent among caves of a plaster karst. Fourthly, there are several long and volume grottoes, that isn't characteristic of plaster caves. Fifthly, exotic contrast, during the summer period, from a heat in + 30 degrees outside to the subzero temperature of underground halls. This list of factors which characterize fantastic space can be listed infinitely, but as the popular Russian wisdom says "A picture is worth a thousand words". Welcome to the Kungur Ice cave!!! Ekaterina Noskova

We need to inform you that ISO voted in favor of creating the commission on karst. There is 1 more vote coming up on 23 June where ISO will decide if they want to change the proposal as they create a karst standardization committee. This is likely the last chance to deal with the matter. See the attached document on voting.

The early bird registration deadline was extended to the 30th of June 2018. See the updated form following the link.

The international show cave community organizes special events and offers during the International Day of Caves and Subterranean World, which is scheduled to the 6th of June. This idea and the date is gradually being accepted by increasing number of show caves around the world, many of them also being ISCA members. All those who haven't yet done so are welcome to join. The plan is to make this day also officially supported by UNESCO and first steps have already been done in this respect. (Press release linked to the headline)

The EuroSpeleo Forum (ESF), Europe’s premier speleological event, is rapidly approaching. For those still to register for the Congress, we hope the information provided in this 3rd Circular (PDF) will encourage you to join the event in Ebensee, Austria, 23rd-26th August 2018. We would like to remember that early bird registration on our website will be open only until the end of May.