ISC Newsletter - Vol 01 No 2 - 1982

Magazine Overview

This issue of The ISC Newsletter, published by the International Society of Cryptozoology in Summer 1982, focuses on several prominent cryptozoological cases and the society's organizational development.

Lake Champlain Monster Draws Worldwide Attention

The lead article details the recent surge of interest in the Lake Champlain Monster, or "Champ." This attention was fueled by analyses of the Mansi photograph, a special symposium held in Burlington, Vermont, a resolution passed by the Vermont House of Representatives, and new sighting reports. The Mansi photograph, taken in July 1977, was examined by ISC Vice President Roy Mackal, an authority on the Loch Ness Monster. Convinced of its authenticity, he sent it to ISC Secretary J. Richard Greenwell at the University of Arizona, who collaborated with Dr. B. Roy Frieden in the Optical Sciences Center. Dr. Frieden initially determined the photo was not a montage and that the wave patterns suggested a vertical disturbance, supporting the witness's report. Using the Interactive Picture Processing System (IPPS) at Kitt Peak National Observatory, they enhanced the image. While the enhancements confirmed the object's presence in the water and the connection between its "back" and "head," they did not conclusively prove it was a living animal, nor did they resolve facial features due to shadowing. Dr. Frieden also considered the possibility of a hoax, noting a streak that might indicate the object was near a sandbar, allowing for easier wading with a model. Dr. Mackal, however, saw this as positive, relating it to how Loch Ness monsters are often reported wading.

Further analysis of the Mansi photo was conducted by Dr. Paul H. LeBlond and Mr. Forrest G. Wood. The article notes that the Mansi photo's morphology aligns with general descriptions of Champ and other "lake monsters." Over 150 reports of Champ exist, with the first dating back to Samuel de Champlain in 1609. Joseph Zarzynski's ongoing diving and surveillance program, the Lake Champlain Phenomena Investigation, has used sophisticated sonar but has not yet tracked unidentified targets, attributing this partly to the lake's immense size.

A special symposium on Champ was held in Burlington, Vermont, on August 29, 1981, sponsored by the Lake Champlain Committee. It brought together researchers like Mackal, Greenwell, Zarzynski, and ISC Board member George R. Zug. The symposium included presentations on eyewitness interviews, image processing, and the late Pleistocene geology of the lake, with Dr. Mackal proposing a "plesiosaur hypothesis" or a relative of the zeuglodon.

Following the symposium, Mr. Zarzynski worked with Vermont House Representative Millie Small to draft protective legislation for Champ. In February 1981, a hearing was held before the Vermont House Natural Resources Committee. In March 1982, the Committee passed Representative Small's Resolution (H.R. 19) by an 11-0 vote, which was later approved by the full House. The resolution, though not legally binding, expresses the sentiment that an unidentified aquatic animal may exist in Lake Champlain and encourages scientific inquiry.

The full text of H.R. 19 is included, citing documented reports, historical accounts, folklore, and the potential contribution to human knowledge as reasons for investigation, while also noting the absence of violence towards humans and the need to protect the animal.

Sasquatch in Washington State: New Reports Involve Footprints

This section details two significant Sasquatch "events" in Washington State. The first involved four series of footprints found over two months in the Gray's Harbor area, investigated by the Sheriff's Department. Footprint casts and photos were obtained from sites including Abbott Hill, Worman's Bar, Elma Gate, and Porter Creek. Deputy Sheriff Dennis E. Heryford submitted two hair samples associated with Abbott Hill footprints; one was human, the other unidentified but not primate.

ISC Board member Grover Krantz, an expert in biomechanical analysis of Sasquatch footprints, was visiting China and Europe during these incidents and was to examine the casts. The second "event" involved a sighting report by U.S. Forest Service employee Paul Freeman in the Blue Mountains of Southeastern Washington State. Freeman reported encountering a hairy biped animal, about eight feet tall, with reddish-brown hair. He described a "foul stench" in the air and noted the creature's muscular build. Freeman, who had never believed in Sasquatch before, stated he was deeply scared and that the tracks were real.

Following Freeman's report, a group returned to the area and found 21 additional footprints. Art Snow, a Milton-Freewater, Oregon, businessman who led a search-and-rescue team, followed the tracks for three-quarters of a mile and made a cast of a "good" footprint. Snow stated that faking such tracks would be impossible without a helicopter and that all evidence verified Freeman's story.

However, Joel Hardin, a U.S. Border Patrol tracking expert, concluded that new tracks found in the Mill Creek Watershed were hoaxed, citing consistent spacing, minimal sinking into moist ground, and brushed-aside debris. Freeman disagreed with Hardin, asserting his own tracking expertise. Fire Management Officer Wayne Long expressed confidence in Freeman's integrity but was skeptical of the second set of footprints, suggesting they might have been a hoax unrelated to Freeman.

Chesapeake Bay Monster Filmed on Videotape

This article reports on the filming of the Chesapeake Bay Monster, "Chessie," on videotape. Chessie sightings are not new to cryptozoologists and have been reported for decades, similar to other "lake monster" reports. Witnesses generally describe a long animal, up to 35 feet, with a round, smooth body. In 1978, multiple sightings were reported in the Potomac River. Bob White described seeing "bulging eyes" and skin like a dolphin. G.F. Green III described Chessie as 25 feet long, 6 inches in diameter, with smooth, rapid swimming, and noted "three or four humps." The Greens were water-skiing when they observed the animal.

The videotaping incident occurred on May 21, 1982, when Robert and Karen Frew and guests observed the animal from their home at Love Point. The animal was first seen in shallow water, about five feet deep, with clear visibility. Frew filmed it for about three minutes through his bedroom window. The animal repeatedly broke the surface. Frew estimates the animal was 30 to 35 feet long and a little under one foot in diameter. He noted humps and a head, but doubted it was a snake. The Frews drove around Love Point hoping to see the animal again but found nothing.

A panel of scientists, including a marine mammalogist and an ichthyologist, will gather at the Smithsonian Institution in late August to study the film. ISC Vice President Roy Mackal believes Chessie is the same type of animal reported in other "monster lakes" worldwide, possibly a relative of the zeuglodon. Forrest G. Wood, a U.S. Navy marine biologist, expressed certainty that Chessie was not a cetacean. ISC President Bernard Heuvelmans' research on "sea serpent" reports identified nine types of unknown aquatic animals, two of which, the "long-necked" (a large pinniped) and "many-humped," could potentially explain Chessie. Dr. George Zug notes that the largest known eels and water snakes in the Chesapeake Bay area are only about four feet long. John Meriner proposed the possibility of a large snake, like an anaconda, transplanted into the bay, though surviving in a cold marine environment would be a mystery.

Canadian "Monster Lakes" in the News

This section provides a list of 29 "monster lakes" across six Canadian provinces, suggesting Canada has more such locations than Loch Ness and its Scottish counterparts. The list includes lakes in New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, and British Columbia, with specific mentions of Lake Okanagan (home of Ogopogo), Lake Champlain (home of Champ), Lake Dauphin (home of Manipogo), and Lake Simcoe (home of Igopogo). No references were found for monster lakes in Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, Alberta, Yukon, or the Northwest Territories. The article notes that Canadian monster lakes have been in the news due to recent sighting reports and investigations.

Message From the Editor

J. Richard Greenwell, the Editor, reports on the positive membership response to the Newsletter, with membership at 250 as of July, aiming for 500 for the Society's viability. Funds are sufficient for the Fall and Winter 1982 Newsletters and one journal, but future publications depend on new memberships. The cost of membership ($25) reflects a serious interest in cryptozoology. Memberships are renewable in early 1983. The Society plans to publish four newsletters and one journal in 1982, with the fourth newsletter and journal to be mailed in January 1983 to avoid Christmas mail.

Subscription rates have been reduced from $50.00 to $35.00 while only one journal is published annually. Subscribers receive $15 credit vouchers. Institutional and library subscriptions are also $35.00. International members receive the Newsletter by air mail due to available funds and lightweight envelopes, a change from surface mail.

The Editor urges international members to send news items from their respective countries for publication, as he is dependent on external contributions for the Newsletter, especially regarding international cryptozoology events.

Legal Status of The Society

This section details the International Society of Cryptozoology's progress in becoming a legal, corporate entity. Board member George Zug has drafted the Articles of Incorporation, submitted to the Commissioner of Corporations in the District of Columbia. Board member Joseph Gennaro is working on changes to the Society's Constitution and Bylaws. An application is being made to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service for tax-exempt status as a scientific and educational organization, which would allow U.S. members to deduct donations.

Alan Neigher, a Westport, Connecticut lawyer, has volunteered his legal services as Legal Counsel to the Society, focusing on formalizing the IRS application and reviewing corporate documents. The next Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for Spring 1983 at New York University.

Goodyear Blimp Joins Search for Nessie

In June 1982, a Goodyear blimp, "Europa," conducted airborne surveillance over Loch Ness for about a week. The blimp, equipped with an infrared camera, cruised at 35 miles per hour with a crew of 25. Tim Dinsdale, author and Nessie researcher, participated in the project. Three flights were conducted at altitudes between 500 and 1,000 feet, but strong winds and poor visibility due to mist made return trips difficult. The article suggests that while expensive, airships could offer a practical method for scanning large lake areas, complementing surface and sub-surface surveillance.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The ISC Newsletter consistently covers a range of cryptozoological phenomena, including lake monsters, Sasquatch, and other unexplained creatures. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging rigorous scientific investigation and objective assessment of evidence, while acknowledging the possibility of unknown animals. The society is actively working to establish itself as a legitimate scientific organization, seeking tax-exempt status and legal counsel. The newsletter also highlights the global nature of cryptozoology, with reports from Canada and discussions of international members' contributions. There is a clear emphasis on detailed reporting of sightings, photographic evidence, and scientific analysis, balanced with an awareness of potential hoaxes and alternative explanations.

Title: The ISC Newsletter
Issue: Summer, 1982, Vol. 1, No. 2
Publisher: International Society of Cryptozoology
Country: U.S.A.
Language: English

Cryptotrips

The "Cryptotrips" section details recent expeditions and investigations by ISC members. Grover Krantz and Dianne Horton traveled to the People's Republic of China in June, meeting with Zhou Guo-xing at the Beijing Natural History Museum. They were briefed on "Wildman" research in China. Following this, they visited Europe, including Sweden to investigate Lake Storsjo, a reputed "monster lake," and spent time at Bernard Heuvelmans' Center for Cryptozoology in Le Bugue, France. Dr. Heuvelmans, President of ISC, updated them on his research, and ISC business was discussed.

Ron Westrum investigated "monster" reports at Lake Payette in western Idaho in mid-August. Several recent reports were uncovered and are to be written up for ISC.

Meaney and Pat left for Scotland in early August for visits to Loch Ness, Loch Assynt, Loch Oich, Loch Lochy, Loch Shiel, and Loch Morar. Their activities included lakeside surveillance and promoting ISC membership. This trip followed a summer of monster hunting at Lake Champlain, New York.

George Zug conducted field work in Fiji in April and May.

The editor requests that ISC members who conduct interesting fieldwork or take interesting trips send information for inclusion in this column.

Cryptoletters

The "Cryptoletters" section features a letter from F.G. Wood of the U.S. Naval Ocean Systems Center, San Diego, California, addressing a suggestion in a previous issue (Spring, 1982) that the "Olentangy Monster" sighted in Columbus, Ohio, might have been a male northern elephant seal. Wood presents a detailed argument against this possibility.

Wood's primary objection is the geographical distribution of northern elephant seals, which are found only in the northern Pacific Ocean, off the coasts of California and Baja California. He notes that southern elephant seals are restricted to the sub-Antarctic islands, and thus, there are no elephant seals in the North Atlantic.

He further argues that for a northern elephant seal to reach US Midwest river systems via the Mississippi, it would have to navigate the Panama Canal into the Gulf of Mexico. The alternative would involve traversing thousands of miles of desert, mountain, and plain, which he deems highly improbable.

While acknowledging the possibility of an escaped zoo or oceanarium animal, Wood dismisses this for several reasons. Adult male elephant seals are maintained in many zoos and oceanariums. He explains that seals progress on land in an "inchworm fashion" and that zoo enclosures are designed to prevent escape. Even if an escape occurred, the animal would need to find its way to a river, which would be a considerable distance from any likely Midwest or Southern zoo. Wood concludes that the escape of a 16-18 foot elephant seal and its subsequent journey to a Midwest river would be "eminently newsworthy," yet he and his readers have never heard of such an event.

Cryptoquote

This section features a quote from Phil Robinson, originally published in "Saunterings" in Harper's Monthly Magazine, Vol. 67, October, 1883. The quote discusses the "Bear Lake Monster" in Utah, citing abundant testimony from credible individuals and suggesting that the evidence points to a "very possible monster" that "sufficiently substantiates the Indian legends."

Robinson contrasts credulity arising from ignorance with that arising from intelligent recognition of possibilities. He states that while an ignoramus might believe in any shape of monster, a scientist like Professor Owen would only accept testimony for a monster of "hitherto unrecorded dimensions" if it were a seal or a cuttle-fish. Robinson concludes by stating his belief in the Bear Lake Monster, based on the testimony of men he considers trustworthy and whose facts point to a very possible monster.

Announcement

Initial plans are being made for the Second (1983) Annual Meeting of the ISC Board of Directors in New York City. The meeting will be hosted by Dr. Joseph Gennaro, Department of Biology, New York University. It is hoped that the afternoon of the second day (a Saturday) will include a meeting for all ISC members interested in attending, featuring informal presentations on cryptozoology and a reception.

Cartoon

A cartoon by R. Quinn depicts a man (presumably Henry) looking dejected while observing a setup with "LOCH NESS" written on a sign. The caption reads: "DON'T TAKE IT SO BAD, HENRY, HUNDREDS OF BIOLOGISTS HAVE FAILED TO SEE THE LOCH NESS MONSTER, AND HAVE GONE ON TO LEAD HAPPY AND PRODUCTIVE LIVES."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are cryptozoological expeditions and investigations, the scientific debate surrounding potential cryptid identifications (specifically elephant seals as river monsters), and the promotion of ISC activities and membership. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging member participation in fieldwork and reporting, while also fostering critical scientific discussion and skepticism, as exemplified by F.G. Wood's letter.