ISC Newsletter - Vol 01 No 3 - 1982

Magazine Overview

This issue of The ISC Newsletter, Volume 1, Number 3, dated Autumn 1982, is published by the International Society of Cryptozoology. It focuses heavily on new evidence related to cryptid investigations, particularly the Walla Walla Sasquatch incidents and the Lake Champlain Monster.

Walla Walla Casts Show Dermal Ridges

The lead article details significant new evidence concerning the Walla Walla incidents, which were previously reported in the Summer 1982 issue. U.S. Forest Service patrolman Paul Freeman reported encountering a Sasquatch on June 10, 1982, near Tiger Creek in Oregon's Blue Mountains, leaving 21 footprints. Casts were made by the Forest Service and Oregon search-and-rescue. Additional tracks were found on June 16, 1982, in the Mill Creek Watershed in Washington. These sites are supervised by the Walla Walla Ranger District Office, which is collaborating with the ISC.

Grover S. Krantz, an ISC Board member specializing in Sasquatch footprint casts, analyzed the casts. Despite being in Beijing discussing Wildman investigations at the time of the initial sighting, Dr. Krantz, upon his return, examined the casts. He concluded that the event involved a large, unknown, bipedal primate. The analysis revealed that two Sasquatches were likely involved. The left foot of one individual showed a peculiar splayed-out second toe, a deformity also noted on a cast from the Mill Creek Watershed. Tracks from a second, unobserved individual were also found at Mill Creek, with casts of both right and left feet available.

The most crucial evidence presented is that all casts show dermal ridges, the individual lines found in human fingerprints or toeprints. This is the first time such 'toe-prints' have clearly appeared on Sasquatch casts. Dr. Krantz believes he has seen slight indications on other casts previously. The reason for the clear ridges is attributed to the extremely fine soil of eastern Washington, favorable climatic conditions, and the casts being made soon after the tracks were deposited. The ridges are detailed, and what appear to be sweat glands are visible under magnification. The patterns on the left and right feet are mirror images, as expected.

Joel Hardin, a U.S. Border Patrol tracker, initially dismissed the tracks as hoaxes, reasoning that only humans have fingerprints. However, he later acknowledged the sophistication of the hoax, noting the careful engineering of the track-making implement and the detailed knowledge of the area and legends required. Dr. Krantz's examination also revealed that the feet are functional for bipedal walking and can sustain a weight of perhaps 600 pounds. He calls this the strongest Sasquatch case on record, describing the creature as a higher primate of hominid locomotor design, though he anticipates resistance from the anthropological community.

Further forensic study is being undertaken by Benny Kling, a dermatology specialist. Kling found that parts of the dermal ridge patterns are reversed on the left and right feet, and that there is evidence of incipient development of an extra toe. The wear patterns suggest the individuals have walked barefoot for a long time. The failure to develop proper dermal ridges in certain areas, and the irregular pattern of ridges, are also noted as conditions found in humans and other primates, but difficult to hoax.

Dr. Krantz is communicating with specialists to organize an in-depth study of the casts and eventually publish the data.

Champ Photo Analysis Supports Animal Hypothesis

Paul H. LeBlond, an ISC Board member and physical oceanographer, has analyzed the Mansi photograph of the Lake Champlain Monster ('Champ') to determine its size. Previous attempts to calculate size were unsuccessful. LeBlond studied the waves in the photograph, correlating them with Beaufort 3 wind speed (12-19 km/hr) and a maximum wave speed of 4 m/sec. Through calculations, he established upper and lower bounds for the object's waterline size.

Initially, the upper bound was estimated at 24 meters (78 feet) and the lower bound at 7.5 meters (25 feet). Refined calculations placed the upper bound at 17.2 meters (56 feet) and the lower bound at 4.8 meters (16 feet). LeBlond emphasizes that these are waterline dimensions, and more of the animal's body was likely submerged.

LeBlond presented these preliminary findings at an ISC press conference on October 22nd, coinciding with a Board of Directors meeting. He stated that the analysis shows the object is not small and is difficult to create as a hoax. Forrest G. Wood, a marine biologist and ISC Board member, tentatively accepted the possibility of a living animal, resembling a plesiosaur.

LeBlond's final results are documented in a Research Report for the first issue of the Society's journal, Cryptozoology.

Board of Directors Meets in Vancouver

A special meeting of the ISC Board of Directors was held in Vancouver, British Columbia, on October 22, 1982. Key decisions made included:

1. Discontinuation of individual subscriptions to Society publications, with membership becoming the sole way to receive them starting in 1983.
2. Extension of the 1982 membership period to March 1, 1983, to ensure members receive all newsletters and the 1982 journal.
3. Establishment of individual selling prices for publications: $2.50 per Newsletter and $15 per journal for individuals, and $3.50 per Newsletter and $21 per journal for institutions and libraries.
4. Approval of the Okapi as the Society's symbol, with a logo design by artist Ron Quinn.
5. Establishment of a mechanism for the Society to sponsor expeditions or field work.
6. Support for ISC member Robert Downing's Eastern Cougar Newsletter.
7. Production of pamphlets on procedures for handling unknown biological specimens.

The Board expressed satisfaction with the Society's successful beginning and positive reception from the scientific community. They also hoped for an increase in news items from outside North America.

The Board sponsored a press conference where Dr. LeBlond and Dr. Krantz announced their findings on the Champ photo and Walla Walla casts. That evening, a public forum featured Dr. Roy Mackal discussing the 1981 Congo expedition and Dr. Krantz presenting the Walla Walla casts publicly for the first time.

Preparations are underway for the Second Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors in New York City on June 10, 1983, followed by a membership meeting on June 11.

Cryptozoology Editorial Board Established

Appointments to the Editorial Board of the Society's journal, Cryptozoology, have been completed. The board includes Walter H. Birkly (forensic anthropology), Eugene Clark (marine biology), David Heppell (mollusca), Nicholas Hotton III (paleobiology), John T. Robinson (paleoanthropology, evolution), Myra Shackley (archaeology), C. Levett Smith (ichthyology), and Pascal Tassy (paleontology and taxonomy). Their role is to review and referee articles.

Honorary Members Elected

Eight individuals have been elected as Honorary Members of the ISC: Andre Capart, Marjorie Courtenay-Latimer, David James, Marie-Jean Koffmann, Ingo Krumbiegel, Theodore Monod, John R. Napier, and Sir Peter Scott. Brief biographies are provided for each, highlighting their contributions to cryptozoology and related fields.

• Andre Capart: Retired Director of the Royal Institute of Natural Sciences of Belgium, zoologist and marine biologist.
• Marjorie Courtenay-Latimer: Former Curator of the East London Museum, South Africa, credited with finding the coelacanth.
• David James: Former British MP, instrumental in the Loch Ness Investigation Bureau.
• Marie-Jean Koffmann: Medical doctor, captain in the Red Army, and researcher of the Almas in the Caucasus.
• Ingo Krumbiegel: Distinguished mammalogist and ecologist, former Director of the Dresden Zoological Park.
• Theodore Monod: Professor Emeritus of Ichthyology, founder of IFAN in Senegal, and explorer.
• John R. Napier: Authority on human anatomy and functional morphology, author of 'Bigfoot: The Yeti and Sasquatch in Myth and Reality'.
• Sir Peter Scott: Naturalist and conservationist, strong supporter of Loch Ness research, and namer of Nessiteras rhombopteryx.

Carleton S. Coon, a distinguished anthropologist and author, was nominated but died before the Society's founding.

Message From The Editor

Editor Richard Greenwell apologizes for the delay in publications, attributing it to a special Board of Directors meeting in Vancouver and the editorial work for the first issue of Cryptozoology. He notes that the Society has grown to nearly 400 members and subscriptions. Substantial donations have alleviated financial shortages. The second year is expected to have lower operating costs and greater income. The delay in the Autumn newsletter means membership renewal notices will be sent in March. Members are asked not to renew until they receive the notice.

Greenwell expresses confidence that the quality of the newsletters and the journal will encourage members to continue their affiliation. He highlights the significant cryptozoological events of 1982, including the Walla Walla Sasquatch event, the videotaping of 'Chessie' (the Chesapeake Bay Monster), and the size parameter determination for the Lake Champlain Monster photo. He notes the coincidental timing of these events with the Society's formation.

The Second Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors is scheduled for June 10, 1983, in New York City, with a membership meeting on June 11.

Cryptoletters

Two letters are included:

• Ronald A. Beck writes in support of his father Fred Beck's account of the Ape Canyon incident, asserting its authenticity and refuting the possibility of a common hoax.
• Ronald A. Beck also responds to a letter from F.G. Wood, defending his identification of the White River Monster as a large elephant seal based on eyewitness descriptions, despite the unusual location.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the presentation of new, compelling evidence for cryptids (Sasquatch and the Lake Champlain Monster), the rigorous scientific analysis of such evidence, and the growth and professionalization of the International Society of Cryptozoology. The editorial stance is one of cautious optimism, emphasizing scientific inquiry and the importance of detailed analysis, while acknowledging potential resistance from the broader scientific community. The Society is actively working to establish itself as a credible organization through its publications and meetings.

Title: The ISC Newsletter
Issue: Autumn, 1982, Vol. 1, No. 3
Publisher: International Society of Cryptozoology
Country: USA

This issue of The ISC Newsletter presents a collection of articles and letters addressing various cryptozoological subjects, with a particular focus on lake monsters and the scientific approach to studying unexplained phenomena.

Articles and Letters

The White River Monster and Marine Mammal Adaptation

The first article, likely an excerpt or continuation from a previous discussion, uses Ernest Hemingway's "The Snows of Kilimanjaro" to illustrate the concept of a cryptid: an animal in an unexpected place. The author then discusses the probabilities surrounding the White River Monster, dismissing zoo escapees as unlikely. The focus shifts to the southern form of a particular marine mammal as the best candidate, citing its larger size and observed range extensions along the coasts of South America. The article posits that such an animal could have traveled up the Mississippi River without needing to traverse the Panama Canal. It also highlights the adaptability of marine mammals to both fresh and salt water environments, suggesting that evolutionary processes could lead individuals to leave their normal habitats.

Lake Champlain Monster Sightings and Research

Joseph W. Zarzynski addresses a previous article, "Lake Champlain Monster Draws Worldwide Attention," to clarify research efforts. He states that in June 1970, he and Jim Kennard recorded a "curious" sonar reading of a possible "Champ" target in Whallon Bay, New York, which was distinct from boat and wake echoes. Furthermore, Zarzynski reports an incident on May 1, 1982, where a "Champ" eyewitness noted a sonar anomaly on their depth finder/sonar unit shortly after their houseboat passed over a surface sighting area. Investigations into this anomaly are ongoing.

Personal Observation and Scientific Scrutiny

Clinton B. Townsend shares a personal experience while duck hunting. He describes observing a disturbance in the water that resolved into the distinct appearance of an otter. Townsend uses this anecdote to illustrate how lighting conditions and observer expectations can influence perceptions. He emphasizes that while lake monsters might exist, anecdotal observations without clear documentation must be scrutinized with great care. He expresses hope for the existence of various cryptids, including sea monsters, lake monsters, Mokele-Mbembe, and mountain lions.

The Nature of Bigfoot Evidence

An excerpt from John Napier's book, "Bigfoot: The Yeti and Sasquatch in Myth and Reality," is presented under the "Cryptoquote" section. Napier distinguishes between natural and cultural evidence for Bigfoot. He argues that Bigfoot tales do not fit the traditional definitions of legend, myth, or folktale because they lack complex narratives, social purpose, or trickery. Instead, Bigfoot stories are described as static affairs with an absent narrative style of myth and legend.

Commentary on Scientific Research Philosophy

An unnamed author reflects on Sir Peter Medawar's definition of good scientists as those who study solvable problems. The author finds this "art of the soluble" philosophy cynical and stultifying, particularly for researchers at the "shadowy end of the scientific scale" like those studying Bigfoot. The author suggests that this approach reflects a conformity among scientists, prioritizing secure futures over intellectual initiative, and views it as a sad reflection of the scientific community.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently promotes the investigation of unexplained phenomena while also advocating for rigorous scientific methodology and critical evaluation of evidence. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between anecdotal accounts and verifiable data. The publication appears to support the exploration of cryptozoology but cautions against unsubstantiated claims, encouraging a balanced approach that combines open-mindedness with scientific skepticism. The inclusion of letters from researchers and personal accounts suggests an editorial stance that values diverse perspectives within the field of cryptozoology.