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Department of Conservation and Recreation
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Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: April 07, 2016
Contact: Julie Buchanan, Senior Public Relations and Marketing Specialist, 804-786-2292, julie.buchanan@dcr.virginia.gov
Virginia Cave Week to focus on sinkhole management, education
Photo available for media use at https://flic.kr/p/G4oY6a.
RICHMOND — Virginia’s rich cave and karst heritage will be celebrated during Virginia Cave Week, April 17-23. At least 27 Virginia localities have landscapes where caves, springs and sinkholes are found.
This year's theme is "The Hole Truth about Sinkholes."
Sinkholes are natural depressions on the land surface. They are common in karst regions where mildly acidic groundwater has dissolved rock such a limestone, dolostone, marble or gypsum. Sinkholes can serve as a natural catchment area where surface water enters the subsurface to recharge a karst aquifer. Thousands of Virginians rely on these aquifers for drinking water.
Trash and debris dumped into sinkholes can pollute groundwater.
“Proper sinkhole management and sinkhole cleanout projects can help protect drinking water and result in the preservation and restoration of sensitive biological resources in karst regions, both above and below ground,” said David Ek, Virginia Cave Board chairman.
Virginia Cave Week is part of activities coordinated by the governor-appointed Virginia Cave Board. The board was established in 1979 to conserve and protect the state’s caves and karst landscapes, and to advocate the wise use of cave-related resources.
In addition to significant karst features, Virginia also supports more than 4,000 caves. They provide habitat for rare, threatened and endangered species, such as the Virginia big-eared bat (Virginia’s state bat) and the Madison Cave isopod.
More information, including free lesson plans for teachers, is available at www.vacaveweek.com.
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