The Cave Springs Area Karst Resource Conservation Study (Karst Study) includes specific objectives such as analyzing existing water quality and species population data, working with the scientific community to determine appropriate actions necessary to ensure adequate protection of local karst recharge zones and also working with local, county and State officials and other stakeholders to determine the best conservation actions and mechanisms for the karst area.

Concern exists that existing development, proposed transportation improvement projects, and future development of the Cave Springs recharge area may affect local karst resources that support threatened and endangered species. As such, a study to assess the current status of local karst resources that support threatened and endangered species and the development of future conservation plans is needed. A description of this initiative is available here.

The final Cave Springs Karst study report documents are available below:

• Summary of Existing Knowledge about Hydrology, Cave Biology, and Cave Conservation Methods
• Annotated Bibliography of Relevant Hydrologic, Biologic and Land Management Information
• Groundwater Tracing and Recharge Area Delineation
• Vulnerability Assessment Summary for the Cave Springs Cave Recharge Area
• Cave Springs Karst Study Exhibits (maps)
• Chapter 10 – Cave Springs Direct Recharge Area Water Quality Protection Requirements

Our Environmental interactive map includes the Cave Springs Karst study results layers and can be accessed at this link.