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Caves are a critical component of the spring/watershed

Discover the critical role of caves in springsheds and the potential threats they face. Learn about the importance of implementing management policies, conducting research, promoting awareness, and developing a classification system to protect these valuable ecosystems.

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Caves are a critical component of the spring/watershed

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  1. Caves are a critical component of the spring/watershed

  2. Why? • Contain/support sensitive biota • Contain/support archeological and cultural artifacts • Can act as priceless laboratories for medical,biological,geological, and hydrogeological and scientific studies • Are valuable tools for understanding groundwater flow and contamination transport in karst systems • The above items significantly impact local and state wide economy

  3. Potential Threats • Resource extraction – including, but not limited to mining, blasting, and drilling • Subsidence • Development, infrastructure construction • Leaching from leach fields including but not limited to septic tanks, fertilizer, and pesticides • Direct and indirect runoff • Toxic waste • Landfills

  4. Potential Threats (con’t) • Overgrazing (erosion) • Borrow pits, perculation ponds, storm water retention ponds, drainage wells, flood control ponds • Inadequately educated cavers • Anthropogenic alteration • Ambiguity of ownership • Depletion of groundwater (due to over-withdrawal) • Inadequate enforcement of existing laws

  5. What should be done? • Establish management policies for surface and subsurface environments • Recognize caves are karstic systems that need special consideration and management practices • Identify involved agencies including federal, and state agencies, professional organizations, and citizen groups

  6. Location Geographical makeup Morphology Supported biota Ownership Access Vulnerability to contaminants Vulnerability to structural changes Zone of contribution Air and Water quality Paleo/archeological/ cultural value Information about discharge Create an inventory of known caves that provides the following

  7. Seek to develop consistent approach when feasible when managing caves • Conduct research and monitoring efforts to better understand these systems and their role in maintaining the integrity of the watershed • Encourage volunteerism • Promote awareness through education and public outreach • Develop system of classification of caves on basis of vulnerability to degradation and/or damage

  8. Review another classification system in this or other countries in order to select system that with some modification could serve as Florida’s classification system • While certification systems are adequate in regard to safety, need improvement for environmental education • Educate decision makers at local and state level on significance of caves • Exempt certain locations and ownership data from Freedom of Information Act

  9. Incorporate land development regulation designed to protect caves and springs into local government comprehensive plans • Amend cave protection statute to better prevent cave destruction by private landowners

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