Powells Cave, Menard County, Texas

June 2016

Gate Type: CUPOLA

On a couple of grim 107°F days we gathered at the second-longest cave in Texas to gate this private cave at the owner’s request. Shortly before our visit, neighbor “kids” hopped a fence, trespassed into the cave, ans spray painted walls and left copious litter and string. Organized cavers have long had an excellent relationship with the owner, but this was intolerable. So a gate had to be constructed. Since the cave is summer home for thousands of cave myotis and the entrance was a vertical shaft installed to keep the artificial opening from collapsing, a large cupola was needed. Many thanks go out to the volunteers from the Aggie Grotto who provided all the heavy lifting. All photos © Jim Kennedy.

The overgrown entrance when we arrived. Not particularly bat friendly. First task: remove vegetation and rocks.
First task completed. Now the all-important shade tarp was hung, and the expanded metal skirting put in place.
We kept the grating closed over the entrance culvert as a safety precaution. The sills were cut to fit, columns welded, and hangers installed. Progress was rapid, despite the oppressive heat.
Even handling sun-heated steel with gloves became difficult. No shade anywhere, except what we provided.
Eventually the culvert opening was cut from the grating, a ladder was installed in the culvert, and we began closing in the cupola.
Lydia makes the final welds on the cupola top.
The final product. MUCH more bat friendly!