Project Description
Cave Conservancy of the Virginias (CCV) acquired approximately 118 acres adjancent to Grand Caverns Park in Grottoes, VA in March 2020. Two parcels were acquired: about 29 acres of mostly forested floodplain habitat adjacent to the South River; and about 89 acres of upland habitat that includes the Madison Saltpetre Cave and Steger's Fissure. These caves are home to a large population of the federally listed threatened Madison Cave isopod (Antrolana lira), which was first discovered in Madison Saltpetre Cave in 1958, as well as the state listed threatened Madison Cave amphibod (Stygobromus stegerorum), among others. The floodplain habitat is now under permanent Open Space Easement held by Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (VDCR). The upland habitat and caves were dedicated to VDCR as the new "Cave Hill Natural Area Preserve", the 64th Natural Area Preserve in Virginia. VDCR and CCV will work together on restoration activities over a 5-year period, including restoration of about 40 acres of forest habitat.
https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/natural-heritage/natural-area-preserves/cavehill
Restoration Land Ownership
The Cave Conservancy of the Virginias; Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
Parties Implementing Restoration
The Cave Conservancy of the Virginias; Virginia Department of Conservation & Recreation
DOI Project Representatives
Fish and Wildlife Service