What do the acronyms NCA and MSS represent?

The acronyms NCA and MSS stand for the National Caves Association and the Minnesota Speleological Survey, respectively. The National Caves Association is an organization that represents the interests of commercial caves in the United States, focusing on preservation, education, and promotion of cave systems as natural attractions. This organization plays a crucial role in advocating for cave conservation and sustainable tourism practices.

On the other hand, the Minnesota Speleological Survey is a local entity dedicated to the research and conservation of caves in Minnesota. This survey contributes to the documentation and understanding of the cave systems within the state, often working on mapping, research initiatives, and promoting awareness of the geological and ecological significance of caves.

The combination of these two acronyms indicates a focus on both national cave advocacy as well as state-level survey efforts, emphasizing the importance of both broader and localized approaches to cave preservation and study.