Oct. 2007 - Volume 68, Issue 10
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Conserving an Ozark Cave continued...
What we do know from internal visual surveys, guano checks and near-infrared video counts of outflights is that the number of gray bats at Tumbling Creek Cave has increased to about 35,000 since the chute gate was installed.
The Conservation Department has increased its efforts to help Missouri cave owners and to teach people about caves and karst.
It is disturbing that the most protected private cave in the Ozarks—in a rural area with little industry or row crops—still developed ecological problems. However, the methods we developed in dealing with those problems will be useful to others.
Through studies, short courses, TV shows and (we hope) articles like this one, the lessons learned at Tumbling Creek Cave have helped many people to better manage caves and groundwater.
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.
