Mountain Caves and Mines

Photograph of cave entrance, courtesy of Dave Brezinski

Caves and mines in western Maryland support a wide variety of rare animal species that are sensitive to both human disturbance and groundwater pollution. They also serve as hibernating sites for wintering bat colonies, including the federally endangered Indiana bat.

Photograph of Indiana Bat, courtesy of Dr. J. Scott AltenbachOver 90% of these subterranean habitats are on private land and few are completely protected. Timber harvest, agriculture, and development on land surrounding caves and mines contribute to degradation of habitat through nutrient and toxin runoff.

The Landowner Incentive Program is working the Nature Conservancy to create a native forested buffer around a cave on one of their preserves in Garrett County. This buffer will help filter sediments and nutrients from runoff water flowing into the cave, improving habitat for rare subterranean crustaceans.

Photograph of Indiana Bat by Dr. J. Scott Altenbach
Photograph of cave entrance, courtesy of Dave Brezinski