Oct. 2007 - Volume 68, Issue 10
Search Conmag
In this issue
NextGEN Departments
Conserving an Ozark Cave continued...
Even though Tumbling Creek Cave has been well-protected for more than 40 years, something unexpected happened. Muck visibly built up in the cave stream, which is normally floored with cobbles. Some areas became so mucky that one could not pull up rocks that had been loose.
In addition, the Tumbling Creek cavesnail (Antrobia culveri) nearly went extinct. In 1972, a researcher had estimated that 15,000 cavesnails lived under the stream rocks. Fewer cavesnails were noticed by 1991. By 2001 only a few cavesnails could be found.
The Tumbling Creek Cavesnail Working Group brought together landowners and scientists to determine what had happened. We concluded that sediment from surface erosion was the most likely factor affecting the cavesnail population.
Twenty to 30 years ago, many forested areas in Missouri were cleared to create permanent pasture. This increased soil erosion, especially on steeper slopes in the first year after clearing or following droughts. Although the cave has no upstream entrance, the sediments worked down through sinkholes and losing streams into the cave.
A Working Group
Our group has worked on many fronts to restore or protect the cave’s unique habitat and inhabitants. In 2005, scientists placed terra cotta tiles in a cavesnail refuge area. Cavesnails were recently found on those tiles, creating hope that they may use them for feeding on microbes and laying eggs. Tumbling Creek cavesnails may rescue themselves this way.
In 2006, we built a small cavesnail laboratory in the cave, where we have done preliminary tests. If necessary, cavesnails might be propagated in the lab and then stocked in Tumbling Creek.
We sampled the water with highly sensitive equipment that detects parts per quadrillion, but found only tiny amounts of a few chemicals that were of no concern. Working with the Missouri Department of Transportation to monitor a resurfacing project on Highway 160 in the recharge area, we determined that their “chip and seal” method using an asphalt-water emulsion did not introduce any detectable petroleum products into the road ditches or the groundwater.
We also got help from the Conservation Department, which worked with the Ozark Underground Laboratory and the local community to help a school replace a sewage lagoon that was leaking most of its contents into the groundwater system feeding Tumbling Creek Cave (See The School and the Cavesnail; September 2006). A modern peat-filtration system was installed with the help of grants and substantial local contributions.
Because surface and subsurface are connected, caves cannot be protected without protecting the land that contributes water to them.
About This Article
Authors
CATHERINE L. ALEY is co-owner and biologist for the Ozark Underground Laboratory. She is an accomplished naturalist, conservationist, carpenter, gardener and chef.
THOMAS J. ALEY is a hydrologist, caver and forester. Director of the Ozark Underground Laboratory, he teaches college and professional groups above and below ground.
DR. WILLIAM R. ELLIOT, Department cave biologist, recently received the National Speleological Society’s Honorary Membership Award for contributions in science and conservation.
