Speleoforestry: planning for an unseen resource

Caves have recently been discovered as an important forest resource. In eastern Kentucky, many caves have dissappeared or are buried because of construction, logging, mining, and other similar activities. The impact on endangered species (such as the Virginia big-eared bat) caused legislators to develop policies such as the Federal Cave Resources Act of 1988, which requires that caves be considered in forest planning. This problem is not considered unique to Kentucky, and forest management should take precautions and work with local speleological organizations to become more aware of caves in their areas.