The Nature Conservancy in Indiana - JWN

What is Karst?

Karst is a type of topography in which the landscape is largely shaped by the dissolving action of water on carbonate bedrock (usually limestone, dolomite, or marble).

This geological process, occurring over many thousands of years, results in unusual surface and subsurface features such as complex underground drainage systems, sinking streams, sinkholes, springs and caves.

* from the Canadian Cave & Karst Information Server, includes diagram.

Sinkholes, springs and caves - oh my! Southern Indiana is dotted with these interesting karst features, through nothing is more fascinating than the sinking stream known as the Lost River.

The Lost River

The Lost River is an incredible natural treasure that many find hard to believe its found right here in Indiana. The Lost River is one of the most complex river systems in the world, and the third largest subterranean system in the state. When it is fully mapped - a feat not yet accomplished - many scientists and researches believe that it will, in fact, be the largest karst/subterranean system in Indiana.

The Lost River is nearly 85-miles long, with almost a fourth of the river flowing completely underground. How is this possible? The river begins in western Washington County as any normal river until it reaches Orange County. Here the water begins to sink or disappear into swallow holes in the river bed. Eventually, the river is lost from sight into a large underground system of water-carved passages and caves, hence the name.

The miles of twisting passages and caverns that make up the Lost River are part of an exceptional and fragile system of global significance. Dozens of rare and unique species have been found in this unique underground world. Many of these species have developed interesting adaptations while isolated in their dark, dank habitat such as lost pigmentation and blindness. The protection of the Lost River cave system is a must in order for these species to survive.

According to the Sierra Club, the Lost River system "ranks one of the top 10 caves in the country for specie richness." There are 25 species recorded - 19 that are endangered or rare, five found in this region alone and three of which were new to scientists when first discovered. A popular example of species in need of the Lost River's protection is the northern cavefish, a rare and endangered specie found only in Southern Indiana and Kentucky. Cave beetles, blind crickets, blind cavefish and blind crayfish are just a few species found underground.

What The Nature Conservancy is Doing to Protect The Lost River

In order to preserve the Lost River and protect the vast cave system, the Nature Conservancy, along with its partners like the U.S. Forest Service, is working to secure the lands overlying the caves between Wesley Chapel Gulf and Orangeville Rise to ensure development does not threaten the fragile ecosystem. Protecting viable cave restricted species, maintaining the water quality and quantity suppling the cave system are other conservation concerns.