Research

KARST RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES

The Northeastern Cave Conservancy encourages individuals and organizations to undertake research at its properties as long as it meets one or more of the following general objectives:

  • Increases the understanding of processes and features or those in other karst regions.
  • Leads to better management of our properties or those in other karst regions.
  • Improves the overall “experience” of those visiting our properties or other karst regions.
  • Increases the safety of those visiting NCC properties or other karst regions.

In addition, all research carried out on NCC properties must meet the following criteria:

  • The goals and objectives of the research must be clearly defined.
  • The research must not duplicate research already carried out. Note that this does not preclude appropriate follow-up studies designed to detect changes or to supplement previous work.
  • There must be a clear beginning and end to each project.
  • The work must not cause permanent damage to any caves, natural features, biota, or historical resources nor interfere with natural hydrologic or chemical processes.
  • The research plan must assure the maximum safety of all concerned.
  • Unless specifically authorized by the NCC Board, researchers must operate within the confines of the established management plans for each property.
  • The work must not interfere with the “experience” of other property visitors.

Interested individuals must submit a research proposal that meets the requirements of Appendix C of the NCC Board Manual and any special conditions for research found in the preserve’s management plan to the Science Coordinator. Upon the recommendation of the coordinator, the Board will either approve or disallow the research project. If the project is approved, a Research Letter of Agreement must be signed by the NCC and the applicant before the project can start.

Previously approved research projects include: