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When it rains, contaminants from the parking lots could be washed into the cave system. A filter system has been installed to remove many of the contaminants before they reach the cave. In a recent study, Tennessee State University students created simulated rain events to test how well the parking lot filters were doing at removing potential contaminants from parking lot runoff.

Dye traces use a non-toxic fluorescent dye to determine where surface water that disappears underground can be found in the cave. The dye quickly dilutes to a level that is not visible to the human eye. Detection of the dye is done at the Hoffman Environmental Research Institute’s Water Lab.

Mammoth Cave National Park is involved in many research projects studying the bat populations found in Mammoth and other park caves.

As part of an ongoing bird monitoring project, birds are captured in mist nets and a uniquely numbered aluminum band is placed on the birds’ legs. The birds are then released unharmed. The bands allow researchers across the country to identify the birds if they are caught again.

MCICSL coordinates scientific research and research permitting at Mammoth Cave National Park (40-50 research projects annually). This includes working with outside scientists to develop research proposals, overseeing the proposal review process, recruiting reviewers from both inside and outside of the park, developing compliance documentation for proposals, and assisting researchers with on the ground logistics. MCICSL staff also provide technical expertise and are co-leads on several research projects. In addition, MCICSL is working with other cave parks to develop service-wide solutions to karst and cave related management issues.

Samples of research projects that MCICSL is currently involved with or has been involved with include:

• Cave Airflow Responses to Climate Change: MCICSL led in developing a cooperative internal and external research team (consisting of members from Western Kentucky University, MCICSL, Mammoth Cave National Park, and the Cumberland Piedmont Network) to model the way cave airflow responds to external climate. This information will provide an important tool for understanding how climate change will affect climate-sensitive cave resources. This team has begun data gathering and modeling for a simple system and developed a proposal for study of a very complex system impacting important endangered species and archaeological resources. The project includes not only research components, but also attempts to develop potential methods for mitigating damage to important cave resources caused by alterations (or potential future alterations) of cave climate.
• Effectiveness of Parking Lot Filters at Removing Contaminants from Storm Water Runoff: MCICSL collaborated with Tennessee State University (TSU) to study the efficiency of the parking lot filters around the Mammoth Cave visitor center and hotel. In 1998, seven parking lot filters were installed within the developed areas of the park. The filters consist of two stages. The first stage is an oil and grit separator. The second stage is a leaf-pack system that is designed to remove heavy metals from the runoff. The filtering system was never evaluated after its installation and was not serviced until FY09. Immediately prior to the filter systems being serviced, TSU students led by a USGS scientist used a simulated rain event to evaluate the effectiveness of the filters in removing contaminants from the parking lots’ storm water runoff. After the filters were serviced, the students again evaluated the effectiveness of the filters. Improvements were seen for the removal of some contaminants, but not others. Through this project, TSU provided the park with valuable data and recommendations.
• Dye Trace of Water Sources in the Developed Area of the Park: MCICSL worked with Mammoth Cave’s Science and Resource Management Division and Western Kentucky University’s Hoffman Environmental Research Institute to conduct a series of dye traces in the developed area of the Park. These were done in conjunction with the parking lot filter project and helped determine where any contaminants not removed by the filters might end up in the cave.
• Bat population and White-nose Syndrome monitoring: Mammoth Cave National Park is concerned about the spread of White-nose Syndrome (WNS) in bats. WNS is a disease that is spreading through cave bats primarily in the eastern U.S. WNS can have devastating effects on the survival of hibernating bats. Mammoth Cave National Park is currently free of WNS. Mammoth Cave National Park and MCICSL staff have been working with state and federal wildlife agencies to monitor bat hibernacula for signs of WNS, to develop a decision matrix and certification forms to reduce potential for spread of the disease by researchers and education groups, and to work with researchers to ensure that the necessary decontamination protocols are followed to protect the park’s bats. MCICSL staff also supervised 2 bat monitoring interns during the summer of 2010. The data these interns collected will help Mammoth Cave National Park to gain a better understanding of its summer bat populations before WNS is discovered in Kentucky.
• Bird Banding: Mammoth Cave National Park participates in the national Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship (MAPS) program. Mammoth Cave’s MAPS station has been operational since 2004. It is operated by Mammoth Cave National Park, Cumberland Piedmont Network, and MCICSL staff.

Easy-to-read research summaries that provide information on a variety of research occurring at Mammoth Cave National Park can be found under the "Publications" tab. Additional summaries will be added as time allows. The "Publications" tab also has links to scientific papers, posters, and other publications written by scientists conducting research at Mammoth Cave National Park.

Anyone interested in conducting research at Mammoth Cave National Park should contact the Research Director, Rick Toomey, at rick_toomey@contractor.nps.gov. He can provide assistance on obtaining permits, housing, and other logistics. He can also help identify research needs within Mammoth Cave National Park for those looking for project ideas.