The Indiana Karst Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) non-profit
organization dedicated to the preservation and conservation of Indiana's unique karst features. The IKC was
formed by concerned individuals when it became apparent that no similar group was actively protecting such
features for their inherent geological, biological, and historical importance.
The purposes of the IKC are the management, protection, and acquisition of the karst areas
in southern Indiana. The IKC also supports research and promotes education related to karst and its
appropriate use. Many of today's abuses in karst areas arise from lack of understanding and knowledge.
To advance these goals, the IKC sponsors or participates in a number of activities. The IKC:
-- provides news on activities that impact karst in Indiana and across the United States via our
award-winning quarterly newsletter, the IKC Update.
-- consults with cave landowners and negotiates permit systems so cave access is maintained. The IKC
also targets candidates for later purchase in cooperation with other environmental organizations.
-- organized and hosted the 1995 National Cave Management Symposium at Spring Mill State Park.
-- with the Indiana Cave Survey, sponsors the Indiana Cave Symposium; an opportunity for local cavers to
share their projects with others.
-- maintains cooperative relationships with several state and federal agencies; influencing management
plans and decision-making for Indiana karst on public lands.
-- participates in a biennial census of the federally-endangered Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis).
Temperature monitoring devices are installed in the larger Indiana bat hibernacula to correlate temperatures
to populations.
-- manages a cave containing the threatened troglobitic, blind crayfish Orconectes inermis inermis.
Its population is monitored on a periodic basis.
-- sponsors Under-Earth Day, an annual cleanup/workday on one of our nature preserves.
-- reprints scholarly and historical publications relating to caves and karst in Indiana.
-- provides, free of charge, karst-related slide presentations and question-and-answer sessions for
interested groups.
-- engages in cave and mine gating projects, where absolutely necessary. Gates are designed to avoid
restricting the passage of air, cave life and organic matter.
-- responds to industrial or residential developments or other activities that may endanger caves.
These are only examples of the work the IKC has pursued since 1986. We're very proud
of our history, and the grassroots activism of our membership remains our strength.
To get a better idea of what the IKC does, please examine our slide show.
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