Karst researchers study global cave conservation

Karst of the Ozarks -- The Nature Conservancy in Arkansas recently played host to a group of conservationists from around the globe who are working to conserve an ecosystem that is -- for most people -- out of sight. Photos Submitted

EUREKA SPRINGS -- From May 19 to 22, some 35 karst -- or cave -- researchers from China, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Indiana, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee and Arkansas attended a workshop in Eureka Springs to learn about karst research tools and to discuss conservation practices that address common threats. During the workshop, the group also developed conservation plans for five significant karst projects in the Dominican Republic, Mexico and the United States.

  "It's fitting that we've come to Arkansas for this event," Nature Conservancy regional scientist Rob Sutter said during the workshop's opening dinner, which was held at the 1886 Crescent Hotel and Spa and sponsored by Marty and Elise Roenigk. "Arkansas is a leader in karst research and conservation, and all one has to do is look around to see signs of karst throughout the Ozark Highlands."

  A field trip in which the participants visited several of Eureka Springs' 100-plus springs and other karst features provided a particularly clear illustration of Sutter's comments.

Down to Earth -- During the recent Nature Conservancy workshop, participants delved into several of Eureka Springs' karst features. [Click to enlarge]

  "Visiting these features and discussing among experts how the area's watersheds and development are impacting the fragile karst ecosystem below is pertinent to the Conservancy's work in Mexico," said Sam Meacham, president of CINDAQ, a local non-profit organization that explores and maps the Yucatan Peninsula's flooded caverns. "Over the past 35 years, there's been an increase in population of 1,200 percent along the Yucatan coast, which is home to Cancun."

  Mike Slay, director of the Conservancy's Ozarks karst program in Arkansas, said the workshop accomplished exactly what it was designed to.

  "We came here to learn from each other," he said. "Karst systems, no matter where in the world they're located, have many similarities. In Arkansas we face many of the same issues that our colleagues in Mexico and China face -- and vice versa. We met to share lessons and ideas and to strengthen our network of international karst professionals so that we'll be able to more efficiently carry out our global mission of conserving karst ecosystems and the groundwater they provide for animals and people."

  Karst terrain covers about 12 percent of the Earth and harbors diverse organisms that are among the world's rarest and most endangered. Subterranean creatures represent more than half of imperiled species listed in the U.S. Natural Heritage Program, yet less than 4 percent are federally protected. But much more than rare animals is at stake -- 25 percent of mankind relies on groundwater from karst terrain for drinking water.

  "The declining quality of groundwater as a result of under-protected surface areas is a major threat to humans and is the primary threat to karst organisms," said Slay. "Another of our main objectives here at the workshop is to work together to bring to light the unique habitat that karst ecosystems provide and the perils they face."