2016 - 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

www.nckri.org Table of Contents Executive Director’s Report ...... 1 NCKRI Founders’ Awards Dinner ...... 2 NCKRI Partners and Friends ...... 7 NCKRI Research ...... 8 Geology & Geophysics along US Highway 285 ...... 8 Capitan Reef ...... 10 The World’s First Geophysical Survey of Bat Guano: Phase 3 ...... 11 Phase 1 Study of the San Solomon Springs ...... 12 How Big is the Big Room? ...... 13 Vision and Values Karst Information Portal ...... 14 The National Cave and Karst Research Institute Education Program ...... 15 (NCKRI) will be the world’s premier cave and karst Public Outreach ...... 15 Local Workshops ...... 16 research organization. NCKRI promotes and performs National Workshops ...... 17 projects of national and international application, of the International Workshops ...... 17 highest quality and integrity, through dedicated staff and Student Activities ...... 18 partners. Cave and Karst Studies Program at NMT ...... 18 Lighting and Lampenflora in Carlsbad Cavern ...... 18 Conferences and Meetings ...... 20 Organization and Mission Rentals ...... 20 NCKRI is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation. It was San Antonio Stakeholders Dinner ...... 20 created by the U.S. Congress in 1998 in partnership with Southwestern Region Winter Technical Meeting ...... 21 15th Multidisciplinary Conference on Sinkholes ...... 21 the National Park Service, State of New Mexico, and the Outreach...... 22 City of Carlsbad. Federal and state funding for NCKRI Professional Partnerships ...... 22 is administered by the New Mexico Institute of Mining Professional Meetings ...... 22 and Technology (a.k.a. New Mexico Tech or NMT). Guest Lectures by NCKRI ...... 22 Co-Sponsored Speakers ...... 23 Funds not produced by agreements through NMT are International Outreach ...... 23 accepted directly by NCKRI. National Outreach ...... 23 Community Outreach ...... 23 NCKRI’s enabling legislation, the National Cave and Media ...... 24 Board of Directors ...... 25 Karst Research Institute Act of 1998, 16 U.S.C. §4310, Chairman’s Report ...... 25 identifies NCKRI’s mission as to: Board Members ...... 25 1) further the science of speleology; NCKRI Staff ...... 26 2) centralize and standardize speleological information; Staff Education and Publications ...... 28 Continuing Education ...... 28 3) foster interdisciplinary cooperation in cave and karst Conference Proceedings Papers ...... 28 research programs; Journal Papers ...... 28 4) promote public education; Unrefereed Papers ...... 28 5) promote national and international cooperation in 2016-2017 State and Federal Budget ...... 29 2016-2017 Corporate Budget ...... 29 protecting the environment for the benefit of cave and karst landforms; and Cover photo 6) promote and develop environmentally sound and The beautiful 35,000-year old paintings in France’s sustainable resource management practices. Grotte de Chauvet are not open to the public, but this photo is from Chauvet II, a startlingly accurate NCKRI Annual Report Series artificial cave that opened to visitation this past year. NCKRI produced this publication as part of its an- NCKRI was invited to visit this “cave” and learn nual reporting of activities. The reporting period covers techniques to better build our museum—once we NCKRI’s fiscal year, from July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017. raise the money to build it. NCKRI photo by George Digital copies of this and previous reports are available Veni. for free at www.nckri.org

Back Cover Photo NCKRI is a proud institute of: New Mexico Tech graduate student and NCKRI scholar Zoë Havlena uses a portable spectrophoto- meter to measure the density of photosynthetic cells in the Chinese Theater, one of the lampenflora study sites in Carlsbad Cavern. See the story on page 18. NCKRI photo by George Veni.

2016-2017 ANNUAL REPORT NATIONAL CAVE AND KARST RESEARCH INSTITUTE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT

I like looking forward and planning ahead. As the national and global econ- omies have recovered slowly over the past few years, funding and opportuni- ties for NCKRI have begun to slowly increase. Some are apparent in this year’s Annual Report in our research and educational programs, as well as potential projects not covered in these pages. Despite our progress, we still have a lot of work to get NCKRI to the next level in our growth. And to get there, it is often useful to look backward to remind ourselves of where we’ve been. Sometimes it is easy to forget our roots and origins. This report celebrates them. On June 10th, 2017, we held an awards dinner to honor the seven indi- viduals who were critical in creating NCKRI. I hope you enjoy the photos and learning about those good people in the next few pages. In preparing for the event, reviewing historical records, and visiting with the honorees, I was re- minded of their long view forward as they planned ahead for NCKRI. There is no exact date for when the concept of NCKRI was born, but it took roughly 15 years to see that vision grow into a federal act that Congress approved in 1998. What is equally clear, yet more important when looking back, is that these Photo courtesy of Binford Creative magnificent seven were the tip of an equally magnificent, large team of sup- porters across the county. I still meet and hear from people who contributed to making NCKRI a reality. The most difficult part in planning our awards dinner was limiting the number of awardees. Ideas, funds, community and political backing, administrative frameworks, plus a huge amount of individual and collective time were offered by probably hundreds of people in large ways and small. NCKRI owes them all a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid, except to succeed in meeting the goals laid out by Congress and entrusted to those of us honored to work here. I thus dedicate this year’s Annual Report to the unsung heroes of NCKRI, both past and present. Through your past and ongoing sup- port, we see the coming years as our best ever.

George Veni, Ph.D.

NATIONAL CAVE AND KARST RESEARCH INSTITUTE 2016-2017 ANNUAL REPORT 1 NCKRI FOUNDERS’ AWARDS DINNER

On the 10th of June 2017, NCKRI honored seven individuals whose work was critical in estab- lishing this Institute. We held our Founders’ Awards Dinner to honor their efforts in elevating the status of cave and karst research, educa- tion, and management not only on a national level but internationally as well. Without their hard work and dedication, NCKRI would probably have remained an idea that was never brought to fruition. There- fore, it was our privilege to bring our Founders together for one night with a beautiful party to pay tribute and present them each with NCK- RI’s highest award, the Medal of Ronal Kerbo Mayor Bob Forrest Speleological Service Award. The Honorees were as follows (unless Mayor Bob Forrest otherwise indicated, all photos in Mr. Bob Forrest served as this section are provided courtesy mayor of Carlsbad from 1986 to of Binford Creative): 1994, as the NCKRI concept was growing. He initiated the city’s Ronal Kerbo involvement and support of hosting It all began with an idea. As the NCKRI in Carlsbad. When he came Cave Specialist at Carlsbad Cav- back as mayor from 2002-2010, he erns National Park, Ronal Kerbo advocated and assured that funding saw the struggles within the federal was in place to construct NCKRI government in dealing with cave Headquarters. The original deal and karst resources. It needed a sin- was that the city would pay a third gle source to go to for information of the cost, with the rest paid by and technical expertise. NCKRI the state and federal government. began to form in his mind as the When construction costs exceeded solution. As Mr. Kerbo recruited what the state and federal govern- support for his idea, he saw that the ments could pay, Mayor Forrest Mayor Gary Perkowski needs were greater than the federal found the resources to make sure government’s. Everyone in the that construction was completed. stepped in as Carlsbad mayor as public and private sector needed a He also pushed for NCKRI to be more than a match for the job. reliable go-to source on caves and located in the Cascades, an upcom- NCKRI was created during Mayor karst. Mr. Kerbo found partners ing new and beautiful social and Perkowski’s tenure. This was the locally, around the State of New retail center for Carlsbad. When time when agreements needed to be Mexico, as well as federally, who construction of other buildings at hammered out, signed, and money also saw those needs. He became the Cascades is wrapped up, this committed. This was the time when a key player in the 1994 National will be the best spot in town for doers stand tall above talkers. Park Service Report to Congress NCKRI to engage with the public. Mayor Perkowski never faltered. on the significance of cave and He never failed. And once NCKRI karst resources, which provided the Mayor Gary Perkowski was created and its partnership with technical basis for NCKRI’s cre- The years between Mayor the city sealed, Mayor Perkowski ation, and which evolved NCKRI’s Forrest’s terms were critical to made sure we were welcomed in mandates into what we have today. NCKRI, and Dr. Gary Perkowski town, found offices, and became a

2 2016-2017 ANNUAL REPORT NATIONAL CAVE AND KARST RESEARCH INSTITUTE vital part of the community so we could steadily take our next steps ahead.

Dr. Daniel Lopez As the State of New Mexico got involved in the creation of this new cave institute, it needed a home that would administratively manage things while NCKRI got on its feet. Various universities were consid- ered, and they saw it as risky. Cave science? Who cares? Dr. Daniel Lopez did. Dr. Lopez was President of the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, or New Photo courtesy of Nancy Domenici Mexico Tech as most call it. This Senator Pete Domenici was unable to attend the dinner, but was presented his award by Dr. George Veni high-powered university focuses on science and technology, and where State Representative Later, he nearly doubled our state John Heaton funding that allowed us to furnish NCKRI Headquarters is in NCKRI Headquarters and survive fact the John Heaton Building. the recession. Congressman Heaton Congressman Heaton served this found the funds for the fabulous district in the New Mexico House sculpture of Jim White that graces of Representatives from 1997- the building, and so much more. 2010. He was instrumental in Since retiring from the legislature, making the state a partner in the he still comes to visit and look for creation of NCKRI and bringing opportunities to support NCKRI. us to New Mexico (other states wanted us, but didn’t have a John Senator Pete Domenici Heaton working for them). He got Politicians are not the obvious NCKRI the funding match required people to honor with a speleo- at that time for the federal dollars. logical award, but they were all significant in the founding of the Institute. Senator Pete Domenici is the longest serving US senator from New Mexico, with 38 years Photo Courtesy of New Mexico Tech of service. His involvement with Dr. Daniel Lopez caves was not immediate, but inevitable. With a strong interest in some saw a risk, Dr. Lopez saw an science and technology, he served opportunity in offering NCKRI a on Senate committees on ener- home. But he did more than that. gy, water, environment, national It’s said that your friends stand parks, and other public lands. He with you when times are tough, has been one of New Mexico’s and during the past several years of greatest advocates. His first major the recession when New Mexico’s action involving caves was his higher education’s budget was cut sponsorship of the Lechuguilla to balance the state’s budget, Dr. Cave Protection Act of 1993, the Lopez and the staff under his di- first federal legislation passed to rection made sure NCKRI was not protect a cave. He followed this up specifically targeted for cuts and in 2009 with his support to create was supported in all ways possible. Representative John Heaton the Fort Stanton-Snowy River Na-

NATIONAL CAVE AND KARST RESEARCH INSTITUTE 2016-2017 ANNUAL REPORT 3 tional Conservation Area. Senator Domenic’s greatest speleological contribution was in 1998 when he, along with Senator Jeff Bingaman, championed the National Cave and Karst Research Institute Act of 1998 which created NCKRI.

Senator Jeff Bingaman Senator Jeff Bingaman, New Mexico’s second longest serving senator who retired in 2013 after 30 years, proved a natural advocate for caves and karst. His record on natural resource protection is exem- plary, including nearly a decade as Chairman of the Senate Committee Mayor Gary Perkowski speaking at the NCKRI Founders’ Awards Dinner. on Energy and Natural Resources. His entry into the underground world was dramatic when he spon- sored the Federal Cave Resources Protection Act of 1988. This legis- lation was the first and remains the most comprehensive and significant act to recognize the tremendous value of caves on federal lands. He also spearheaded the Omnibus Pub- lic Land Management Act of 2009 which included designation of the Fort Stanton-Snowy River National Conservation Area. In his last years in the Senate, he worked to secure adequate funding to study and stop White Nose Syndrome, a deadly NCKRI Founders’ Awards, the first Medals of Speleological Service.

NCKRI Founders’ Award Dinner arrangement, featuring a beautiful blue agate Senator Jeff Bingaman theme.

4 2016-2017 ANNUAL REPORT NATIONAL CAVE AND KARST RESEARCH INSTITUTE fungus that since 2006 has killed millions of bats in North America. And of course, partnering with Sena- tor Domenici, he sponsored the 1998 legislation that created NCKRI.

Barbara and Mayor Bob Forrest.

Ron Kerbo greeting Carlsbad Caverns National Park Superintendent Doug Representative John Heaton proudly Neighbor. carrying his award.

Todd Beasley and Mark Joop.

Senator Jeff Bingaman and Anne NCKRI Board members Dr. Calvin NCKRI Education Director Dianne Bingaman checking in with NCKRI Alexander and Jack Swickard visit Joop and Board member Dr. Calvin Event Planner, Courtney Gasow. with NMT Board of Regents Chair Alexander. Deborah Peacock.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park County Commissioner Stella Davis, Superintendent Eric Brunnemann Representative John Heaton reminisc- and Carlsbad City Councilor Wanda visiting with retired Superintendent ing with Senator Jeff Bingaman and Durham trading stories with Chris Larry Henderson. Anne Bingaman. Salinas.

NATIONAL CAVE AND KARST RESEARCH INSTITUTE 2016-2017 ANNUAL REPORT 5 We were happy to meet Grace and Dr. Andrew Nwanne, NCKRI Board Member and NMT Associate Vice President Vice President of Academic Affairs of New Mexico State Carlos Romero, NMT President Dr. Steve Wells, and NMT University-Carlsbad. Regent Jerry Armijo.

Paul Shoemaker and Larry Henderson NMT Vice President of Academic NMT Regent Chair Deborah Peacock enjoying a good story. Affairs Dr. Doug Wells shares a drink and NMT Director of Government with friends. Affairs David Manzano.

A small gift was left for all of our Barbara Romero, Beth Wells, and NMT Guests enjoyed a delicious dessert guests on every plate. Vice President of Research and Eco- after dinner! nomic Development Dr. Van Romero.

6 2016-2017 ANNUAL REPORT NATIONAL CAVE AND KARST RESEARCH INSTITUTE NCKRI PARTNERS AND FRIENDS

Membership

NCKRI’s Annual Membership program is offered to all interested persons wanting to support NCKRI activities. You can join on-line at www.nckri.org or call us at 575-887-5518. When you become a member, you will receive reduced rates on publications, special presentations, classes, lectures, and facility rentals, and in the future, discounts in the museum store.

NCKRI Partners • New Mexico Bureau of Geology • Dr. Van Brahana NCKRI recognizes four levels of and Mineral Resources • James Branch partnership and uses their descrip- • US Forest Service • Dr. Robert Brinkmann tions below in defining its relation- • US Geological Survey • Amy Calderon ships with NCKRI partners: • University of New Mexico • Carlsbad Rotary Club • University of South Florida • Richard Cervantes Founding Partners • Paul & Sandra Cosand NCKRI’s Founding Partners NCKRI Affiliates • Brianna & Loren Darby played a crucial role in the creation Organizations that demonstrat- • Eddie David of the Institute and continue to serve ed meaningful support for NCKRI • Edwards Aquifer Authority as major supporting partners. Each and its goals, or their intent to do • Jim Evatt founding partner maintains one per- so, but without a formal defining • Dawn & Sid Formanek manent position on NCKRI’s Board. agreement. NCKRI Affiliates are • Courtney Gasow • City of Carlsbad approved by the NCKRI Board of • Jim Goodbar • New Mexico Institute of Mining Directors. NCKRI and its Affiliates • Dr. Ron Green and Technology exchange news and information, and • Robert E. Gulden • US National Park Service coordinate and/or cooperate with • Jenkins Furniture each other in projects and activities. • Gary Jones Institutional Partners Each organization may also extend • Dianne & Mark Joop Organizations with formally de- other benefits according to their • Matthew Kalch fined, mutually supportive relation- internal rules and abilities. • Christi Kerbo ships with NCKRI through Memo- • Bat Conservation International • Ronal Kerbo randa of Agreement, Memoranda of • Carlsbad Municipal Schools • Ted Lee Understanding, contracts, or other • Edwards Aquifer Authority • Dave Lester written and signed agreements, in ef- • Fort Stanton Cave Study Project • Lisa Montelione fect for periods of at least one year, • Karst Waters Institute • Natural Bridge Caverns and which define each party’s specif- • National Speleological Society • Dale Pate ic roles and responsibilities. • NASA • Carlos Romero • American Geosciences Institute • US Bureau of Land Management • Dr. Van Romero • Emil Racovita Institute of Spele- • US Fish and Wildlife Service • Christopher Salinas ology (Romania) • San Antonio River Authority • Institute of Karst Geology Annual Giving • John Scheltens (China) Our Annual Giving Program rec- • Jason Shirley • Instituto do Carste (Brazil) ognizes those individuals and orga- • Wade Smith • International Academy of Karst nizations who provided services or • Dave Steensen Sciences financial gifts during FY 2016-2017 • Jack Swickard • International Union of in support of NCKRI programs: • Dr. George & Karen Veni Speleology • Dr. Calvin Alexander • Roger Waddle • Karst Research Institute • Dr. Hazel Barton • David J. Weary

NATIONAL CAVE AND KARST RESEARCH INSTITUTE 2016-2017 ANNUAL REPORT 7 NCKRI RESEARCH

Geology & Geophysics a substantial amount of traffic along Formation crops out within ~6 me- along US Highway 285 this portion of US 285, including ters of the new sinkhole (see photo In October 2015, the New many large trucks. Sinkholes along below). Mexico Department of Transporta- this route thus pose a significant In November 2016, Dr. Land tion (NM DOT) reported that a new geohazard to transportation and began conducting an investigation of sinkhole had opened on the east general public safety. sinkholes and other karst geohazards shoulder of US Highway 285 south Surface geologic maps indicate along the Highway 285 corridor of the village of Loving, New Mexi- that gypsum bedrock of the Permian south of Loving, assisted by other co, about 15 kilometers north of the age Rustler Formation is present at NCKRI staff and personnel with the Texas/New Mexico state line (see or near the surface beneath Highway New Mexico Bureau of Geology map below). The sinkhole is approx- 285 between Loving and the state and Mineral Resources. This work, imately 1.5 m in diameter and 1 m line. Sinkholes and caves formed in which is funded by a contract with deep, and although relatively small, the Rustler Formation are wide- NM DOT through Amec Foster it is located less than 6 m from the spread in this part of the state, and it Wheeler, Inc., included geologic re- edge of the roadway. Because of is not an insignificant consideration connaissance mapping, followed by nearby oil and gas activity, there is that gypsum bedrock of the Rustler electrical resistivity (ER) surveys of potential karst geohazards identified during the surface mapping phase of the investigation. Additional resistivity surveys in the Spring of 2017 were conducted adjacent to all bridges and bridge abutments locat- ed on Highway 285. The NCKRI team conducted initial tests of the ER method adja- cent to a small sinkhole formed in gypsum bedrock a few meters east of the original Highway 285 sink- hole. One ER survey used a 42-elec- trode array at one-meter electrode spacing, for a total array length of 42 m and an approximate depth of investigation of 11 m. This survey (Survey A, at the top of the next page) clearly shows the presence of the sinkhole and its connection to a more resistive area extending several meters north and south of the

Map of southeastern New Mexico and adjoining areas of west Texas, showing locations of selected naturally occurring gypsum sinkholes (e.g. Bottomless Lakes State Park and Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge) and those resulting Small sinkhole formed in gypsum from human activity (JWS and Loco Hills sinkholes; Wink sinks). BLSP = Bot- bedrock of the Rustler Formation, ~6 tomless Lakes State Park; BLNWR = Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge; CC = m east of Highway 285 sinkhole. Beer Carlsbad Cavern bottle for scale.

8 2016-2017 ANNUAL REPORT NATIONAL CAVE AND KARST RESEARCH INSTITUTE Electrical resistivity surveys of east shoulder of US 285, approximately 9.7 miles (15.6 km) north of the Texas/New Mexico state line. A: depth of investigation ~35 feet (10.7 m). B: ER survey of same site, but with increased electrode spacing and greater total array length. Depth of investigation ~410 feet (125 m). Both surveys passed within ~1 m of the sinkhole shown on the previous page. Positions of electrodes are shown by small black squares along the length of each profile. sinkhole, indicating the presence of for the sinkhole shown above is still Red Bluff Draw shows a broad area an elongate cave or solution conduit present on the deep survey, indicated of very low resistivity extending formed in gypsum bedrock in the by a small high resistivity anomaly beneath the entire bridge (see the shallow subsurface. Such features near the center of the profile (Survey ER survey in the figure below). could collapse, especially at these B in the figure above). The deeper Engineering drawings indicate that shallow depths, or funnel overlying survey also shows evidence for a a buried concrete apron is present soils underground to create cov- possible cavity formed in gypsum at the base of the north and south er-collapse sinkholes that might bedrock about 45 m below the sur- bridge abutments. The low resistivi- threaten the highway. face cavity. ty zone on the ER profile is probably An additional ER survey was Buried anthropogenic material caused by electrically conductive conducted at the same site using a provided ground truth for some iron reinforcing rods embedded in 112-electrode array at a 6-m elec- of the surveys of bridges along the concrete apron. trode spacing, for a total array length the Highway 285 corridor. An ER The project report should be of 666 m, and an exploration depth survey conducted at the base of the available next year as a NCKRI of approximately 125 m. Evidence north abutment of the bridge over Report of Investigation.

ER survey of north abutment of the bridge over Red Bluff Draw. Broad zone of electrically conductive material (blue shad- ing) reflects the presence of a buried concrete apron containing iron reinforcing rods at the base of the abutment.

NATIONAL CAVE AND KARST RESEARCH INSTITUTE 2016-2017 ANNUAL REPORT 9 Capitan Reef Dr. Lewis Land continued inves- tigations of water level variations and groundwater residence time in the Capitan Reef aquifer in Eddy and Lea counties, southeastern New Mexico, in collaboration with per- sonnel from the US Geological Sur- vey and US Bureau of Land Man- agement (BLM). Water samples and water level data were collected from nine monitoring wells and an oil industry water supply well complet- ed in the reef aquifer (see map to the right). Water levels in the western segment of the Capitan Reef in Eddy County, near Carlsbad, respond quickly to meteorological events because of proximity to recharge areas in the Guadalupe Mountains. Water levels in the eastern segment of the aquifer in Lea County are not influenced by meteorological phe- nomena, showing only long declines throughout the 1960s and 1970s because of groundwater withdrawals by oil companies for water flooding oil fields. When BLM personnel renewed water level measurements in 2012, they found water levels in the eastern segment of the reef had risen over 150 m since the last measurements were made. This rise raises interesting questions about sources of recharge and the age of groundwater in the eastern segment of the reef aquifer. Water samples were collected from wells in both the eastern and western segments of the aquifer and analyzed for general chemis- try, stable isotopes, carbon-14, and Surface and subsurface extent of Capitan reef in southeastern New Mexico and west Texas. Red and green stars show locations of Capitan Reef aquifer moni- tritium. Total dissolved solids (TDS) toring wells. Chloride ion concentrations (mg/L) indicated by red contour lines. of water samples collected near Carlsbad are less than 2,000 mg/L, consistent with use of this part of the groundwater, whereas tritium con- Land recently learned were injecting aquifer for drinking water by Carls- centrations from wells in Lea Coun- produced water from oil and gas bad residents. TDS values for water ty are effectively zero, indicating wells into the middle Permian Arte- from the deeper eastern segment of that water is entirely pre-modern. sia Group. Because these units are the aquifer range from 24,000 to Age of groundwater in the hydrologically connected to the Cap- 141,000 mg/L, more typical of oil eastern segment of the Capitan Reef itan Reef, these injection wells may field brines. Tritium concentrations may be influenced by the presence also be contributing to the steady in Eddy County suggest that water is of one or more injection wells in rise in water levels observed in the a mixture of recent and pre-modern southern Lea County, which Dr. monitoring wells in Lea County.

10 2016-2017 ANNUAL REPORT NATIONAL CAVE AND KARST RESEARCH INSTITUTE The World’s First Geophysi- cal Survey of Bat Guano: Phase 3 In 2014 and 2016, NCKRI used electrical resistivity to conduct the world’s first geophysical study of bat guano. The study site was in Brack- en Cave, located near San Antonio, Texas, which is home to the world’s largest bat colony. Based on our interpretation of the data, we found the guano was as deep as 35 m! After finishing our survey last year, our partners in the project at the Southwest Research Institute, led by Dr. Ron Green, newly-elect President of NCKRI’s Board of Directors, began coring the guano Photo courtesy of Allan Cobb Small red flags amid almost 700 m of yellow resistivity cable mark the locations to determine the age of the guano of 112 electrodes in this 3D survey in Bracken Cave. layers and study the bones, DNA, pollen, and to other materials in the guano to better understand the To try and find a path for coring Society’s Bexar Grotto (NSS), and paleoecology and paleoenvironment through the buried rocks, for this employees of Advanced Geoscienc- of the cave and surrounding area. third phase of the project we picked es, Inc. (AGI), which manufactured However, they couldn’t core deeply a site that our previous resistivity our resistivity equipment: presumably because rocks, too small surveys suggested has no observ- • Tom Brown (NSS) to be seen by the resistivity equip- able rocks, and deployed a highly • Allan Cobb (NSS) ment, blocked the way about 2-3 m detailed 112-electrode 3D survey • Jason Greenwood (AGI) down. with the electrodes only 0.5 m • Steve Gutting (NSS) apart—the closest • Dr. Hector Hinojosa (AGI) they can be placed. • Fran Hutchins (BCI) This tightly-spaced • Markus Lagmanson (AGI) array wouldn’t allow • Mats Lagmanson (AGI) us to see deeply, but • Kurt Menking (NSS) we did see to about • Dr. Evelynn Mitchell (NSS) 5 m, which is below • Jill Orr (NSS) the depth where • Linda Palit (NSS) coring stopped, and With a small, specialized, resis- found what seems to tivity box provided by AGI, we also be a rock-free zone. made the first direct measurements Future coring will of the electrical resistivity of pure confirm or refute bat guano. We tested it under differ- these results. ent moisture and compaction condi- NCKRI conduct- tions to better interpret the results of ed this survey in our surveys in the cave. February 2017, just We plan to return one more time before the bats re- to Bracken Cave and redeploy the turned from Mexico, equipment to see deeper through in partnership again the guano and find the original with the cave’s own- cave floor. The cave is formed in a er Bat Conservation limestone that is generally poorly NCKRI photo by George Veni International (BCI), cavernous, and that survey will be The first test of the resistivity of water-saturated bat members of the Na- important for understanding the guano. tional Speleological hydrogeology of the cave’s aquifer.

NATIONAL CAVE AND KARST RESEARCH INSTITUTE 2016-2017 ANNUAL REPORT 11 Oil and Water: WS) federally listed the Comanche ture of the aquifer are limited to two Phase 1 Study of the San Springs pupfish (Cyprinodon ele- studies. Cave divers have explored Solomon Springs gans) and Pecos gambusia (Gambu- and surveyed Phantom Lake Spring In September 2016, Apache Cor- sia nobilis), which inhabit the spring Cave to a total surveyed length of poration announced the discovery system, as endangered species. In 3,075 m. The cave continues unex- of Alpine High, a large oil and gas 1999, flow ceased from the most plored upstream and downstream, complex in west Texas. While the upgradient spring—Phantom Lake and is the deepest underwater cave announcement has been met with the Spring Cave. In 2012, USFWS pro- in the US at a depth of 140.8 m at expected excitement, some stake- posed federal endangered listing and the current limit of exploration. holders expressed concern about the critical habitat for the Phantom Cave NCKRI conducted the other impact on water resources and water snail (Pyrgulopsis texana), Phantom study, a dye trace described in our quality in that region. springsnail (Tryonia cheatumi), and 2012-2013 Annual Report. We Near the middle of the area are a diminutive amphipod (Gammarus demonstrated that groundwater the largest flowing springs in west hyalleloides), which are only known flows downstream through the cave Texas, the San Solomon Spring from four of the six San Solomon to the main San Solomon Spring, Group. This series of karst springs Springs. about 6 km away, at a speed of about provide water for much of the agri- Relatively little is known of 1 km/day. cultural activity in the area and the the hydrogeology of the aquifer Despite these studies, the Texas town of Balmorhea. The main San that feeds the San Solomon Spring Water Development Board found Solomon Spring is the centerpiece Group. Studies in the 1980s by The that data about the San Solomon of Balmorhea State Park, another University of Texas determined the area were insufficient to adequately important component of the local springs were fed by two sources characterize its hydrogeology. The economy. of water: Cretaceous limestones Apache Corporation asked NCKRI Concern for the San Solomon immediately to the northwest and for assistance, we suggested, and Spring system began over 30 years a more distant source, sustaining were contracted to conduct a scop- ago, when the Texas Water Com- much of the baseflow, from Permian ing study, to evaluate all available mission proposed it as part of a limestones in the Apache Mountains data in order to best recommend a “critical area” that “is experiencing 40-80 km to the northwest. These series of studies to characterize the or is expected to have ground-water results were confirmed by later aquifer. problems resulting from ground-wa- additional analyses by the university With the results of those recom- ter overdrafts from an aquifer.” and the Texas Water Development mended subsequent studies, Apache, Observing this decline, the US Board. Corporation in consultation with Fish and Wildlife Service (USF- Investigations of the karstic na- the appropriate state and federal management agencies, can then de- velop effective strategies for oil and gas production that prevent adverse impacts to karst groundwater. The scoping study is currently underway and will be completed in the fall of 2017. In addition to gaining knowledge to protect an important public water supply and a federally protected ecosystem, NCKRI’s interest in this area is much broader. Karst aquifers in arid regions have seen relatively little study. As a result, some aspects of their hydrology are not fully understood. A detailed investigation of the San Solomon Spring system may yield valuable insights to help NCKRI photo by George Veni hydrogeologists better understand Dr. Lewis Land examines East Sandia Spring, the fourth largest of the six-spring groundwater flow in arid karst areas San Solomon Spring Group in Reeves County, Texas. around the world.

12 2016-2017 ANNUAL REPORT NATIONAL CAVE AND KARST RESEARCH INSTITUTE How Big is the Big Room? Surveying caves has always been a challenge in the dark, and often wet and difficult conditions under- ground. Once surveyed, two figures have been fairly easy to compare: length and depth. Cave length is the summed length of all of its passages. Depth, better described as vertical extent, is the difference in elevation between a cave’s highest and lowest points. But how “big” is a cave? Volume has been the hardest figure to measure accurately. In many of the world’s largest caves the ceiling isn’t just too high to mea- sure but even too high to see with most caving lights. Typically, ceiling NCKRI photo by George Veni heights were estimated, but so were British cavers Jane and Tim Allen watch the LiDAR unit as it slowly turns, collect- ing data and taking photographs of each surveyed area in the Big Room. many other dimensions of a cave as its shape was sketched by hand into a notebook. However, several years for the even the largest caves to be which is in fact the largest. The Big ago, technology has made it possible surveyed precisely and in amazing Room of Carlsbad Cavern, of New detail. Mexico’s Carlsbad Caverns Nation- LiDAR (Light al Park, was on their list to survey. Detection and NCKRI helped facilitate the project Ranging) shoots and assisted with the field work in pulsed laser beams September 2016. at rates of up to It has been known for some time, 400,000 pulses that while large, the Big Room is not per second. By the world’s largest room. However, measuring the it was by far the most complicated angle of the beams room to date for the team to survey. and time of the The irregular shape of the room and reflection back to abundant and large speleothems the LiDAR instru- (like the Giant Domes in the photo ment, the locations to the left) required that the LiDAR of millions to bil- unit had to be set up for more than lions of pinpoints triple the number for scans needed on a surface can for some much larger rooms. The be displayed as a survey was done mostly from the three-dimension- trail that follows the edge of the al map of points room. called a “point Preliminary results from the cloud.” scans indicate the Big Room has British cavers a volume of about 930,000 m3. Its Andy Eavis, Tim unusual shape provoked some dis- Allen, and Richard cussion of what exactly is a “room” Walters organized and where the Big Room ended NCKRI photo by George Veni a project to use and giant-size passages began. The Giant Domes, 20-m high stalagmites, are iconic features LiDAR to sur- results of this and other scans will be of the Big Room in Carlsbad Cavern. The pink and green colors resulted from different types of lighting, which are vey the world’s released and evaluated during the 17th now replaced with uniform white LED lights under study largest chambers International Congress of Speleology by NCKRI (see page 18). and determine in July 2017.

NATIONAL CAVE AND KARST RESEARCH INSTITUTE 2016-2017 ANNUAL REPORT 13 Karst Information Portal the previous year, which provided an of languages, as shown below in the The Karst Information Portal opportunity to cross-train USF staff pie chart below. The top 10 most (www.karstportal.org) is a NCKRI on copyright clearance work (noth- accessed titles, which were down- project in partnership with the Uni- ing is posted on the Portal without loaded between 249 and 346 times versity of South Florida Libraries permission). during the past year, are the: (USF), University of New Mexico, Posting reports and other mate- • NCKRI annual reports; and the International Union of Spe- rials to the Karst Information Portal • Proceedings of the 2015 Sink- leology. It is designed to serve many is not a matter of a simple click- hole Conference, which NCKRI functions, with its primary function and-paste command. Hidden behind manages; at this time as a free, digital, open each posted item is a series of codes • Proceedings of the DeepKarst access, international library of all and commands designed to make 2016 Conference, which NCKRI things cave and karst related. To bet- the materials as easily discoverable organized in the Spring of 2016; ter serve that and future functions, as possible through the Portal’s pow- and the Portal was launched on a new erful search engine. • Seven Russian publications that platform through the USF Libraries As part of this effort, this year until now have been difficult to Digital Collections on 23 August the USF team members dual-regis- find in Western libraries. 2016. The new platform offers tered the DOIs (Digital Object Iden- The plans for the upcoming year the Portal a more effective library tifiers, which make searching for are to improve the Portal’s statistics search capacity, as well as greater publications easier and more effec- reporting, including pulling statis- functionality on many levels. tive) for the 2013 and 2015 Sinkhole tics from the previous platforms to In the 2016-2017 year, there Conferences. For the 2013 Sinkhole evaluate long-term patterns of Portal were 259,183 downloads of the Conference, the proceedings volume use, and determining the geographic 3,877 records currently available as a whole was dual-registered so its points of origin for usage. We will through the Portal. This was the individual papers can be registered also now be able to more quickly result of 93,579 unique visits to the to increase their discovery and use. process incoming materials submit- Portal. Also during this period, 253 The success of these efforts are re- ted for inclusion on the Portal. titles were added to the collection, flected in the huge number of annual Any organization that wishes to encompassing over 1,500 pages of downloads. make its publications freely and in- content. Many of these titles were The materials on the Karst ternationally accessible through the from a backlog of items submitted in Information Portal cover a variety Portal is encouraged to contact us.

44: Russian 28: Italian 25: German 46: French 6: Bulgarian 113: Greek 1: Hungarian 133: Spanish 150: multiple languages 478: Portuguese

2826 English

14 2016-2017 ANNUAL REPORT NATIONAL CAVE AND KARST RESEARCH INSTITUTE EDUCATION PROGRAM

NCKRI’s Educational Program- Public Outreach on the next page). We would like to ming this year has been diverse and NCKRI’s Education Director, thank NCKRI Volunteer Mark Joop supported through many partners Dianne Joop, continued work this and NPS Volunteer Neil LaBreek for and sponsors. year to grow NCKRI’s social media devoting their time to help us make The City of Carlsbad, in partner- audience. Following NCKRI’s this happen! ship with NCKRI, was awarded a social media launch for our filmBy Less visible but highly important grant to support the design and con- Lantern Light, our audience reach work of NCKRI’s Education Pro- struction of an experiential exhibit grew to 12,000 people last summer. gram involves working with other for our outdoor vertical classroom. This growth gave us insight on how NCKRI programs and staff where This classroom will be used as a and when our audience tunes into educational opportunities may exist, training site and practice area for NCKRI’s Facebook page (https:// either directly by hosting groups, people who use ropes and “vertical www.facebook.com/NCKRI/), so we like a Carlsbad Rotary Club meet- work” as a part of their job, as well made a few adjustments, launched ing at NCKRI Headquarters and as giving NCKRI visitors a practi- our first Facebook Live post (see the giving presentations, and indirectly cal learning experience on vertical photo below), and saw tremendous by upgrading the appearance of our caving techniques used by cave growth in our audience, reaching exhibit booth and other materials. explorers and scientists. Visitors will 55,000 people this year! Thank you NCKRI’s Education Director also learn about the applied physics to all who “like” and “follow” us! would like to express a huge thank involved with these techniques. NCKRI partnered with Gua- you to all of the organizations and NCKRI held the initial design meet- dalupe Mountains National Park individuals that support NCKRI’s ing to develop this exciting expe- in sponsorship to the 25th Annual Education Program activities. Your rience. Please check out NCKRI’s Christmas on the Pecos. Together, donations and time are directly Facebook page for updates on this we worked to design and build a valuation, however your support and exciting project. holiday exhibit along the Pecos Riv- expertise is invaluable. Guano Loco Productions is er for viewing by the 15,000 attend- If you would like to support working with NCKRI to produce a ees of this annual Carlsbad Chamber NCKRI’s Education Program please docudrama on the life story of Jim of Commerce event (see the photo visit www.support.nckri.org White, the cowboy who explored much of what is now known as Carlsbad Cavern, and his efforts that helped create Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Last year, NCKRI received a City of Carlsbad Lodgers Tax grant which funded Guano Lo- co’s cross-country trip to interview people for the film. The team has been working on editing this materi- al and conducting addition research to cross-reference the interviews for accuracy. Guano Loco Productions and NCKRI together have leveraged $984,220 in grants and in-kind donations for this project. Our team is currently seeking partners for sup- port to film the recreation scenes of the docudrama. For updates on this project please visit our Facebook page, If you would like to support NCKRI photo by Dianne Joop this project please visit https://sup- NCKRI’s first live feed was a social media hit when Dr. Lewis Land explained the port.nckri.org/bylanternlight origin of a giant sinkhole collapse.

NATIONAL CAVE AND KARST RESEARCH INSTITUTE 2016-2017 ANNUAL REPORT 15 to host a week-long workshop for land managers for National Environ- mental Protection Act training and Carlsbad Caverns National Park to conduct a series of mini-workshops for interpretation professionals for the Living Desert State Park’s docents. Through this series, par- ticipants learned about the geologic history of the region, cave and karst geology, and bats. Additional training was provided by Dr. Lewis Land, who led a group of environmental science students from New Mexico State Universi- ty-Carlsbad on a field trip to Lake McMillan, an area significantly im- Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Jackson NCKRI partnered with Guadalupe Mountains National Park to sponsor and dec- pacted by gypsum karst geohazards orate a home for Carlsbad’s 25th Annual Christmas on the Pecos. in the early 20th century.

Local Workshops This year NCKRI’s Education Program hosted and conducted different types of interpretive and educational workshops/programs. We are so excited to have held our first “themed” bat-birthday party (see photos below), in addition to hosting multiple school groups. NCKRI’s Education Director, Dianne Joop, in partnership with the National Park Service, worked with Guadalupe Mountains National Park

NCKRI photo by Courtney Gasow NCKRI hosted its first bat-themed birthday party.

NCKRI photo by Courtney Gasow NCKRI photo by Courtney Gasow The birthday-boy is happy with the Dianne Joop teaches children at the birthday party about bats with many bat he made. innovative and fun activities.

16 2016-2017 ANNUAL REPORT NATIONAL CAVE AND KARST RESEARCH INSTITUTE National Workshops funds the participation of students NCKRI continued its support and professionals from around the Adopt-A-Bat for the Texas Hydro-Geo Workshop, world, as well as lectures from an Donations to NCKRI’s Adopt- organized by the Bexar Grotto of array of international experts. In No- A-Bat program support mainte- the National Speleological Society vember 2016, NCKRI was invited to nance and expansion of scientific and the Edwards Aquifer Authority. teach a short course on The Impacts monitoring of the bat roost at Karst experts from around the coun- and Management of Climate Change NCKRI Headquarters. To donate, try taught more than 30 modules, on Karst Hydrology and Ecosys- please visit www.support.nckri. including NCKRI Board members tems. The IRCK also arranged for org. and staff: Dr. Calvin Alexander NCKRI to teach this short course (Tracer Testing in Karst), Dr. Ron at Southwest University, in the city Green (Developing Scientific and Chongqing, which included a tour Field Notebooks), and Dr. George of some local karst and the World Veni (Cave Geology and Karst Heritage Wulong Karst (see photo Feature Evaluation Using the TCEQ below). Forms). The third Texas Hydro-Geo workshop was held in September 2016, attended by over 300 students, and organized at Cave Without A Name by former NCKRI Board Vice President, Geary Schindel. Dr. Lewis Land led field trips for students, interns, faculty, and alumni from out-of-state universities that included: • Wheaton College, Illinois, on a trip up Dark Canyon through the backreef section and the Seven Rivers Embayment, and ending at the giant gypsum sinkholes at Bottomless Lakes State Park, New Mexico; • Sul Ross University, Texas, to ex- amine the geology and hydroge- ology of New Mexico’s southern Sacramento Mountains; and • The University of Texas Permian Basin up Dark Canyon through the backreef section and the Seven Rivers Embayment, and ending at Sitting Bull Falls, where lower Guadalupian strata are exposed along with modern tufa deposits. Dr. Veni also led a tour of Carlsbad Cavern for a team of archeologists from Texas.

International Workshops Since 2008, China’s International Research Center on Karst (IRCK) NCKRI photo by George Veni has conducted the annual Interna- China’s Tianlong (“Sky Dragon”) Bridge in the Three Natural Bridges Gorge of tional Karst Training Course in the the Wulong karst is an intact section of an enormous collapsed cave, and one city of Guilin. The IRCK generously of the tallest natural bridges in the world.

NATIONAL CAVE AND KARST RESEARCH INSTITUTE 2016-2017 ANNUAL REPORT 17 STUDENT ACTIVITIES

Cave and Karst Studies Program at NMT Cave and Karst Studies at New Mexico Tech (NMT) is NCKRI’s Academic Program. It has been taught through NMT’s Earth and Environmental Sciences Department for many years, led by Dr. Penelope Boston in collaboration with other faculty. However, Dr. Boston accept- recently modernized its lighting Carlsbad Caverns. ed a research position with NASA, in system from a combination of The influence of LED color where we wish her the very best, and sodium halide, incandescent, and temperature (2700°K vs. 3500°K), the Academic Program has slowed fluorescent lights to an entirely substrate type (sediment, porous while we search for a new Academic LED system, with the capacity for limestone, and dense limestone/cal- Program Director. But slowed does not mean stopped. In June 2017, Katrina Koski completed her PhD research to receive her doctoral degree. Her dissertation focused on karst aquifer hyporheic zones, where water is stored in the fractures and pores. Her research examined the influence and interaction of groundwater in the hyporheic zone with major ground- water conduits. Dr. Lewis Land assisted Ms Koski in selecting a site and gaining permission for her field experiment. Additionally, NCKRI has been delighted to support another out- standing student for the following important and novel project. NCKRI photo by George Veni New Mexico Tech graduate student and NCKRI scholar Zoë Havlena measures Lighting and Lampenflora in air flow and temperature at the base of the Giant Domes (see photo on page Carlsbad Cavern 13), one of the lampenflora study sites in Carlsbad Cavern. Lighting in show caves has a troublesome side-effect: algae. adjusting the color temperature and cite), and light intensity (<100, 100- This is the common term for the intensity. To understand how such 500, and >500 lux) on the growth of light-loving plant and microbi- adjustments may reduce lampen- lampenflora are the primary factors al communities properly called flora, the park contracted NCKRI. examined. Lower color temperatures “lampenflora.” These green biofilms Through our Academic Program and should be less conducive to growth not only detract from the visitor partnership with New Mexico Tech, since there is less intensity of light experience of a cave, but biodegrade we funded a Master’s thesis study at wavelengths primarily used for the crystalline speleothem surfaces. by graduate student Zoë Havlena photosynthesis. Over the past few decades, several with the New Mexico Tech Biology The degree of detail examined investigations have studied lampen- Department, along with her advi- by this investigation is unprece- flora for clues to reduce it. NCKRI sor Dr. Thomas Kieft. The study is dented in lampenflora research. is now taking such research to a new conducted in close collaboration We are collecting a diverse set of level. with Dr. George Veni at NCKRI and high-precision data for a year that Carlsbad Caverns National Park Rodney Horrocks, Cave Specialist at include: color temperature, light

18 2016-2017 ANNUAL REPORT NATIONAL CAVE AND KARST RESEARCH INSTITUTE Methanobacteriales Thaumarchaeota Archaea Methanomicrobia Eukarya Chlorophyta Unknown Bacteria Cyanobacteria Unknown Cytophagales Unknown Bacteriodetes Unknown Xanthomonadales Pseudonocardiales Rhizobiales

Relative abundance of major microbial communities in one lampenflora sample from Carlsbad Cavern. intensity, light spectra (see figure Currently, about the half of the explore potential inhibitors or other of two spectra below), air flow, air year-long study is complete. Genetic methods that can be used to combat temperature (see photo on previous analyses of the cultures is providing lampenflora growth. The results of page), aerial grid measurements of information on the composition of the project will be published in Ms. growth, and microbial cultures (see the microbial communities. DNA Havlena’s Masters thesis and other photo below). Six general locations extraction and high-throughput am- scientific publications. for all color temperature and sub- plicon sequenc- strate type combinations are under ing of 16S and study throughout the cave’s Big 18S rRNA genes Room, with four sites per location for bacteria, for the three levels of light intensity archaea, and plus a site where no lampenflora is eukarya show a observed—a total of 24 monitored diversity of mi- sites. Additionally, reflected light crobes, includ- spectrophotometry, formerly limited ing phototrophs to laboratories, is employed in the (cyanobacteria, cave at each site to quantify the Chlorophyta, changes in photosynthetic cell densi- and Chrysophy- ty (see back cover photo). ceae), as well as heterotrophic bacteria, fungi, and protozoa. The figure at the top of page illustrates the di- versity found in only one sample. This initial phase of the project focuses on monitoring and characteriz- ing the growth of lampenflo- ra. It will be complete by the Light distribution spectra at two ex- end of 2017. perimental sites showing difference The upcoming NCKRI photo by George Veni in intensity, particularly at the blue A stalagmite is swabbed in Carlsbad Cavern for microbial range, between the different color second phase of analysis as part of the lampenflora study. The small papers temperatures. the study will are temporary photographic reference markers.

NATIONAL CAVE AND KARST RESEARCH INSTITUTE 2016-2017 ANNUAL REPORT 19 CONFERENCES AND MEETINGS

Rentals It’s been a great year at NCKRI for private event rentals. We’ve made great strides to introduce the community to our facility through private rental space. Week-long corporate meetings, graduation and “bat” birthday parties, baby show- ers, luncheons, training workshops, and holiday parties are some of the events which have driven traffic up at NCKRI Headquarters by as much as 350%. Monies collected through rentals are boosting our general fund to provide resources which will ulti- mately give our visitors a complete experience in learning about the importance of caves and karst. We have also hosted our own private events throughout the year. We proudly entertained the Carlsbad Hoteliers Group meeting as well as a luncheon for the Carlsbad Rotary Club. The National Park Service National Environmental Protection Act training was facilitated at NCK- NCKRI photo by Courtney Gasow RI. The Pecos Valley Grotto holds Decorative table arrangement for a holiday party. its monthly meeting at NCKRI, inviting the public to share in their San Antonio Stakeholders of the most prominent show caves caving experiences. Dinner in the state, diversity was the theme If you need meeting space in Our spring Board meeting took of the night, but a mutual interest in Carlsbad, contact NCKRI’s Event us to San Antonio, Texas, this year. caves and karst was the focus. The Planner Courtney Gasow at 575- Natural Bridge Caverns generously attendees’ provided a wonderful 628-2702 to learn about availability gave us meeting space, but also example of those within our small and all of our space and set-up op- provided an iconic scenic backdrop community who have a shared inter- tions, a couple of which are shown to meet and greet cave and karst est in the preservation and education in the photos on this page. stakeholders from central Texas. of these unique landscapes. Along with their wonderful facilities The party moved from drinks in and congenial staff, Natural Bridge the sinkhole to dinner in the nearby was a perfect location for the event. pavilion. Our outgoing chairman, After the NCKRI board meeting, Dr. Bob Brinkmann, was presented board members toured the caverns with an award honoring him for all and then welcomed our guests at of his accomplishments as head of a cocktail party held in the lovely the board. Dr. Ronald Green, voted sinkhole entrance to the cave. Many in as our new president earlier in guests joined a NCKRI-led tour of the day, graciously thanked all part of the cave where they learned board members, as well as outlin- about the benefits and challenges of ing some of his personal goals for living in karst. NCKRI in the upcoming year. It From corporate executives, po- was a wonderful and informative NCKRI photo by Courtney Gasow litical ambassadors, and government evening allowing NCKRI to make Table decorations for a party rental. officials to representatives of some new acquaintances and rekindle old

20 2016-2017 ANNUAL REPORT NATIONAL CAVE AND KARST RESEARCH INSTITUTE relationships, which are so import- ant to our Institute. Many thanks, to Natural Bridge Caverns and the San Antonio River Authority for their generous spon- sorships.

NCKRI photos by Courtney Gasow Stakeholders’ Dinner under the pavilion (left) and cocktail party in the Natural Bridge Caverns entrance sinkhole (right).

Southwestern Region Winter 15th Multidisciplinary The next Sinkhole Conference Technical Meeting Conference on Sinkholes will be held on April 2-6, 2018 About every three years, the and the Engineering and in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. Southwestern Region of the Nation- Environmental Impacts of NCKRI is partnering with the Karst al Speleological Society rotates its Karst Waters Institute to host the meeting, Winter Technical Meeting to Carls- Since 1984, “The Sinkhole Con- which will include the 3rd Appala- bad and NCKRI was pleased to host ference” series has been among the chian Karst Symposium in addition it for the second time in December most significant in creating a better to field trips, short courses, and 2016. understanding of karst processes that more to make for an exciting event. About 70 cave explorers, manag- result in environmental problems. It Watch the conference website ers and scientists from Arizona, New was placed under NCKRI’s manage- for news and updates: http://www. Mexico, and Texas converged for ment in 2011. sinkholeconference.com/ the Region’s business meeting and then, switching to conference mode, to exchange information and ideas on their latest exciting discoveries. Breaking tradition, the next “Winter Tech” meeting in December 2017 will be in Carlsbad, and we’ll be happy to welcome everyone back.

NCKRI photo by George Veni Stormwater injection wells in sinkholes are common in West Virginia where the 15th Sinkhole Conference will be held. The conference is the best opportunity to discuss how to reduce sinkhole flooding while minimizing sinkhole collapse and groundwater contamination, among other important topics.

NATIONAL CAVE AND KARST RESEARCH INSTITUTE 2016-2017 ANNUAL REPORT 21 OUTREACH

Professional Partnerships Professional Meetings • US Geological Survey Karst NCKRI is pleased to announce NCKRI attended, sponsored and/ Interest Group Workshop; San that Guadalupe Mountains and or had a booth at many conferences Antonio, Texas, USA Carlsbad Caverns National Parks during the past year: NCKRI staff also organized or chose NCKRI Headquarters as their • 2016 National Speleological co-organized the following events: City of Carlsbad visitor center. This Society Convention; Ely, Nevada, All staff: agreement creates opportunities for USA • Are working on the 15th Mul- new educational and other collabo- • 2017 National Speleological tidisciplinary Conference on ration, leveraging the broader part- Society Convention; Rio Rancho, Sinkholes and the Engineering nership NCKRI already has with the New Mexico, USA and Environmental Impacts of National Parks Service. The upcom- • European Speleological Con- Karst, to be held in Shepherd- ing year should prove very exciting gress; Dalesbridge, Yorkshire, stown, West Virginia, USA, in and we look forward to welcoming UK April 2018. these two magnificent national parks • Explorers Club Annual Dinner; Dr. George Veni: to our facility. New York City, New York, USA • Panel discussion moderator: Best In 2013, NCKRI signed a Mem- • Geological Society of America Practices in Speleothem Science. orandum of Understanding with Convention; Denver, Colorado, Climate Change: The Karst the International Research Center USA Record 8th International Confer- on Karst (IRCK), the international • Karst Record Conference VIII; ence, Austin, Texas, USA, 2017. branch of China’s Institute of Karst Austin, Texas, USA • Advisor, 17th International Geology, to promote and facilitate • Mayors’ Energy Summit; Carls- Congress of Speleology, Sydney, collaboration between our programs. bad, New Mexico, USA Australia, 2017. In November 2016 we continued • National Association for Inter- • Field trip co-leader, USGS Karst this collaboration when NCKRI was pretation National Workshop, Interest Group Workshop, San invited to attend the launching of a Corpus Christi, Texas, USA Antonio, Texas, 2017. major research initiative, the IRCK’s • New Mexico Brackish Water Academic Committee meeting (of Working Group Meeting, Socor- Guest Lectures by NCKRI which NCKRI is a member), and ro, New Mexico, USA Drs. Land and Veni and Ms. Joop to investigate some field sites to • Paving and Transportation were invited to give the following exchange ideas and for potential Conference, Albuquerque, New presentations and lectures: collaboration (see the photo below). Mexico, USA • By Lantern Light: A Preview. Over the past year, NCKRI has also initiated or followed up on meeting with several agencies and organizations to increase cave and karst awareness and explore po- tential joint projects. Those groups include the American Geosciences Institute, American Water Works Association, Association of State Drinking Water Administrators, Bat Conservation International, National Association of County and City Health Officials, Petroleum Recovery Research Center, Solution Mining Research Institute, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the University of Texas at San Antonio, NCKRI photo by George Veni US Environmental Protection Agen- Professor Lei Mingtang uses a rangefinder to measure 185 m across China’s big- cy, US Fish and Wildlife Service, gest cover collapse sinkhole. The far end of the sinkhole extends far out of the and the US Geological Survey. photo, but notice the large water tank slowly sliding down toward the bottom.

22 2016-2017 ANNUAL REPORT NATIONAL CAVE AND KARST RESEARCH INSTITUTE Carlsbad Rotary Club, Carlsbad, and Answers to Three Groundwater ed by the Secretary of the US New Mexico. Mysteries, presented by Dr. E. Scott Department of the Interior, to • Caving Where We Shouldn’t: Bair of Ohio State University. serve on the Resource Advisory Mount Emory Cave, Big Bend Council for the Bureau of Land National Park, Texas. Bexar International Outreach Management’s Pecos District. Grotto, San Antonio, Texas. NCKRI is an Affiliated Organi- The council meets 2-4 times • Hydrogeologic Review of Upper zation of the International Union of a year to collect and analyze Cibolo Creek, Bexar, Comal, and Speleology (UIS) where Dr. Veni is information, make field observa- Kendall Counties, Texas. Sem- the Vice President of Administra- tions, hear public comments and inar for the San Antonio River tion. During the past year, the UIS develop recommendations for the Authority, San Antonio, Texas. has worked diligently to have 2021 Bureau. • I&W Brine Cavity: Evaluation of designated as the International Year • Dr. Veni continues his service the Probable Extent and Impacts of Caves and Karst by the United on the Aquifer Science Advisory of its Collapse. Bexar Grotto, Nations Educational, Scientific, and Panel of the Edwards Aquifer San Antonio, Texas. Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Authority (EAA). The panel • Origin, Status, and Prospects International Years are global events meets about twice a year in San for the I&W Brine Well Cavity. that advance public education and Antonio, Texas, to review active Community Focus, Carlsbad, support for research. At the time of and proposed EAA research and New Mexico. this writing, four countries formally management programs. • Sinkholes in the Permian Basin support the proposal, as do many • Dr. Veni also serves as an advisor Region of West Texas and South- international and national organi- to the Karst Division of the Geo- eastern New Mexico: Analysis of zations. NCKRI is supporting this logical Society of America Karst the Economic Impact of the I&W effort and working to gain other Division. Brine Well. Carlsbad Republican organizational and national support. Women’s Club, Carlsbad, New The major need to make the In- Community Outreach Mexico. ternational Year of Caves and Karst NCKRI hosts the monthly meet- • The Alpine High Play and the a reality is a country to propose it. ings of the Pecos Valley Grotto of San Solomon Spring Group: Can While UIS has written the proposal, the National Speleological Society Oil and Water Mix? Society of only a UNESCO member country on the third Thursday of each month Petroleum Engineers, Midland can present the proposal for vot- at 7 p.m. Anyone interested in cave Chapter, Midland, Texas, and ing. If approved, the International exploration and cave research is Save Our Springs Too and Big Year will be a huge opportunity to welcome to attend. Bend Conservation Alliance, promote cave and karst research, Balmorhea, Texas. management, and public education • The National Cave and Karst worldwide. Research Institute and The New Mexico Bureau of Geology and National Outreach Mineral Resources: A Unique • NCKRI has a position on the Collaboration Between State and Steering Committee for the Na- Federal Agencies. Sertoma Club, tional Cave and Karst Manage- Roswell, New Mexico. ment Symposium, which is held every two years. The next meet- Co-Sponsored Speakers ing will be in Eureka Springs, NCKRI co-sponsors the Edwards Arkansas, in October 2017. Aquifer Authority’s Distinguished • NCKRI is an organizational Lecture Series in San Antonio, member of the US Fish and Wild- Texas. In September 2016, Dr. life Service’s White-nose Syn- Maureen Muldoon of the Univer- drome Stakeholder Committee. sity of Wisconsin-Oshkosh gave • NCKRI’s expertise was called the distinguished lecture on Frac- upon by the City of Fair Oaks, NCKRI photo by George Veni NCKRI assisted the City of Fair Oaks, tures—They Mess up Your Flow Texas, to advise on the manage- Texas, in the management of a System (and They Are Everywhere). ment of a newly opened cave. sinkhole that opened in a creek bed She was followed in May 2017 by • Dr. George Veni continued his and led to a hydrologically important Who done it? Investigative Insights second three-year term, appoint- cave.

NATIONAL CAVE AND KARST RESEARCH INSTITUTE 2016-2017 ANNUAL REPORT 23 NCKRI staff: the state. See NCKRI’s 2010-2011 Current-Argus, February 2017. • Participated in the Carlsbad Annual Report and Report of Inves- http://www.currentargus.com/sto- Chamber of Commerce’s annual tigation 2 on the electrical resistivity ry/news/2017/02/08/house-vote- Bat Brigade. This delegation survey we conducted of the cavity brine-well-bills/97647436/ of community leaders visits the (NCKRI publications can be down- • Effort Underway to Stop Cavern leaders of New Mexico govern- loaded at http://nckri.org/about_nck- Collapse in Carlsbad. Morgan ment at the state capitol to raise ri/nckri_publications.htm). Lee, The Associated Press, Santa their awareness and support for During the past year, NCKRI has Fe New Mexican, March 2017. issues in the City of Carlsbad and worked with emergency personnel, http://m.santafenewmexican.com/ Eddy County. educated the public about the situa- news/local_news/effort-under- • Regularly attended board meet- tion though lectures, meetings, and way-to-stop-cavern-collapse-in- ings of the Carlsbad Chamber of interviews, and supported legisla- carlsbad/article_0b2bc4ad- Commerce, and its Government tion through testimony to the New df08-5fbe-ad3d-519f749f1a2d. Affairs, Education, and Tourism Mexico legislature to create a Brine html?mode=jqm Committees, and participated Well Authority. That governmental • 500 Million Years Later, Sink in related activities supporting body will engineer a solution to fill Holes Still a Problem in King of new businesses and community the cavity so that it never collapses. Prussia. Philadelphia Inquirer, leaders. The Authority will be established on July 2016. http://www.philly. • Regularly attended Carlsbad De- July 1, 2017, during NCKRI’s next com/philly/news/20160726_500_ partment of Development board reporting year. million_years_later__sinking_in_ meetings. King_of_Prussia.html • Participated in the Pecos River Media • Guadalupe Mountains: A Unique Water Users Organization meet- • Apache Hires US Cave Institute Geoheritage Site in New Mexi- ings. to Study Water in West Texas’ co. KUNM Public Radio Earth • Attended the meetings of the Alpine High Oil Field. David Science Week interview with Dr. New Mexico Association of Hunn, Fuel Fix, May 2016. http:// Lewis Land. Museums Southeast Region and fuelfix.com/blog/2017/05/26/ • Huge Sinkholes are Now Ap- Creative Carlsbad. apache-corp-hires-u-s-cave-insti- pearing in the Wrong Places. • Evaluated a potential sinkhole for tute-to-study-water-in-west-tex- Roger Schneider, The Asso- the City of Roswell and advised as-alpine-high-oil-field/ ciated Press, The Washington them on further research and • Brine Well Bills are On the Post, May 2017. https://www. remediation needs. Move. Adrien Hedden, Carlsbad washingtonpost.com/national/ NCKRI’s most notable sup- port for the local community has involved a brine well cavity on the south side of the City of Carlsbad. In 2008-2009, three brine well cavities collapsed in southeast New Mexico and west Texas creating sinkholes over 100 m in diame- ter and 40 m deep (see NCKRI’s 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 Annual Reports). The cavities were formed by injecting fresh water into deep salt beds to dissolve the salt, and pump out the resulting brine for oil field drilling. Another brine well was soon identified on the south side of Carlsbad near the intersection of two highways, an irrigation canal, the railroad, and several businesses NCKRI photo by George Veni and homes. It was determined as Emergency planners (upper left) look into the 2008 JWS Sinkhole for a preview unstable and its operations closed by of what a brine well collapse in Carlsbad will look like if not prevented.

24 2016-2017 ANNUAL REPORT NATIONAL CAVE AND KARST RESEARCH INSTITUTE health-science/huge-sinkholes-are- BOARD OF DIRECTORS now-appearing-in-the-wrong-plac- es/2017/05/08/b807bcce-3415- 11e7-ab03-aa29f656f13e_story. Chairman’s Report policy makers, representatives html?utm_term=.9b1e31aed52e Dr. Robert Brinkmann from the business community, and • Interview on Alpine High oil field local stakeholders. This change has and its impact on the San Solo- allowed us to expand our influence mon Springs; West Texas Talk, in interesting ways. Marfa Public Radio, Marfa, Texas, Over the last several years, the September 2016, http://marfapub- board has done much more outreach licradio.org/do/ in Washington D.C., in states, and • Interview on I&W brine well local communities to advance our cavity. KOBR Eyewitness mission. We have friends throughout News, Roswell, New Mexico, the country in positions of authority February 2017. http://www. who are familiar with NCKRI and kob.com/new-mexico-news/ who want to help us achieve our brine-well-could-cause-massive- goals. sinkhole-carlsbad-george-veni- The new Board Chair, Ron national-cave-karst-research-insti- Green, has been active with NCKRI tute/4396125/?cat=500 for many years. He is a nationally • Lawmakers Consider Bills to Dr. Robert Brinkmann, known karst hydrologist and he has Address Massive Carlsbad Chairman of the Board been part of the board team that Sinkhole. Rebecca Moss, The focused on national outreach over New Mexican, Santa Fe, January As I complete my last term as the last several years. He will be a 2017. http://www.santafenew- Board Chair, I want to thank all of fantastic chair and I am very pleased mexican.com/news/legislature/ the stakeholders of the National to leave my post in such able hands. lawmakers-consider-bills-to-ad- Cave and Karst Research Institute dress-massive-carlsbad-sinkhole/ for their support. The last sev- Board Members article_2aaec4e4-0e7a-5dce-9666- eral years moved fast and were • Dr. Robert Brinkmann, Chairman 27f893acb169.html eventful. We have completed our • Dr. Ronald T. Green, Vice • Mosaic Disputes Discharge Con- beautiful building and developed Chairman cerns. Maddy Hayden, Carlsbad new programs and events in it. We • Carlos Romero, Secretary/ Current-Argus, February 2017. have conducted research and hosted Treasurer http://www.currentargus.com/ conferences on a variety of import- • Dave Steensen, National Park story/news/local/2017/02/17/ ant cave and karst topics. We have Service Representative mosaic-permit-renewal-raises-con- produced educational materials and • Jason Shirley, City of Carlsbad cerns/96250490/ have served as a national resource Representative • Texas Parks Department Admits on cave and karst information. • Jack Swickard, Member at Large it Never Studied Impact of Oil We have also expanded our • Dr. E. Calvin Alexander, Jr. Drilling on Balmorhea Springs. national mission. Bucking tradition, • Dr. Hazel Barton David Hunn, Houston Chronicle, the board met in several different • Richard Cervantes FuelFix, October 2016. http:// cities during my term to promote • Eddie David fuelfix.com/blog/2016/10/10/ greater national outreach. We met • Tom Edwards texas-parks-department-admits-it- in the Explorer’s Club in New York • Dave Lester never-studied-impact-of-oil-drill- City and were hosted by Natural • Lisa Montelione ing-on-balmorhea-springs/ Bridge Caverns in San Antonio, • Dale Pate • Will Water and Oil Mix in Bal- Texas. We also met in Denver and • John Scheltens morhea? David Hunn, Houston Vancouver. • Dave Weary Chronicle, September 2016. http:// Since I first got involved with New board members elected at www.houstonchronicle.com/busi- NCKRI, the board has also changed the end of this reporting year are: ness/article/Apache-s-oil-discov- considerably. We now have a board • Dr. Lisa Goggin ery-divides-small-town-9241540. that is more diverse in background • Gary Hartwick php?t=1064b178d5438d9cbb&c- and interests. It includes not only • Dr. Johanna Kovarik mpid=twitter-premium cave and karst experts, but also

NATIONAL CAVE AND KARST RESEARCH INSTITUTE 2016-2017 ANNUAL REPORT 25 NCKRI STAFF

Photo courtesy of Binford Creative From left to right: Dr. Lewis Land, Courtney Gasow, Dr. George Veni, Dianne Joop, and Loren Darby.

Dr. George Veni, from 2009 to the present. He has cational Television, the state of Executive Director served as a doctoral committee advi- Florida, Discovery Channel, among Dr. Veni is an internationally sor for geological, geographical, and others. In 2001, Ms. Joop stepped on recognized hydrogeologist specializ- biological dissertations for multiple a submerged can in an underground ing in caves and karst terrains. Prior universities and taught karst geosci- stream and took a nasty fall, and to NCKRI, he owned and served ence courses as an adjunct professor declared at that moment to make as principal investigator of George for Western Kentucky University for a difference in the world’s under- Veni and Associates for more than 12 years. Three cave-dwelling spe- standing of caves as important and 20 years. Much of his work has been cies have been named in his honor. vulnerable resources. She began in Texas, but he has also conducted He has published and presented over teaching in a private school while extensive karst research throughout 220 papers, including four books, on working on her M.A. in science and the United States and in several hydrogeology, biology, and environ- history education at Union College. other countries. He served as the mental management in karst terrains. She joined the National Speleo- Executive Secretary of the National logical Society (NSS) and began Speleological Society’s Section of Ms. Dianne Joop, assisting with and developing cave Cave Geology and Geography for Education Director education programs. In 2006, Ms. 11 years and President of the Texas Ms. Dianne Joop is an expe- Joop held an internship with the Speleological Survey for 13 years. rienced educator in formal and National Association of Geoscience He was the Chairman of the 15th In- informal techniques, with her focus Teachers pilot Geoscience Teacher ternational Congress of Speleology, on caves, karst, science, and math. in the Park program at Mammoth a member of the governing board of Before transitioning into educa- Cave National Park. In her spare the International Union of Speleolo- tion, she spent nearly a decade in time, while teaching science, math gy from 2002-2009, and the Union’s theatrical and television production and theater full time for public and Vice President of Administration experience with Kentucky Edu- private schools, she assisted with

26 2016-2017 ANNUAL REPORT NATIONAL CAVE AND KARST RESEARCH INSTITUTE cave and karst education programs ton, Texas, and worked as the event er, a position she held for 15 years. and workshops with Union College coordinator for an art gallery for While at Wells Fargo she was se- Outdoors, the American Cave Con- three years specializing in modern lected to participate in The Potential servation Association, and Western masters. The majority of her 15 Leaders Program, which not only Kentucky University. Ms Joop is years of experience in events stems gave her the opportunity to attend also a Certified Interpretive Trainer from working in administration and a lot of valuable training but to and Certified Interpretive Guide. special projects for the SOSA group, also learn a lot about herself. In the a major fine dining organization in spring of 2014, Loren was offered Dr. Lewis Land, Texas. From conception to build out, a position with the State of New Karst Hydrogeologist she was instrumental in opening the Mexico Department of Transporta- Dr. Land focuses his research first fine dining restaurant ever in tion as a Financial Specialist. She on regional investigations of karstic a major US ballpark (Minute Maid has received numerous awards for aquifers and associated phenom- Park) and also opened and managed her excellent performance through- ena in southern New Mexico. three other restaurants under the out her career. Loren has been very He is NCKRI’s lead geophysical tutelage of SOSA with a combined active in the community in Grants, investigator. Prior to his career as a gross of $10 million annually. Court- New Mexico, where she chaired the hydrogeologist, he spent eight years ney attended Richmond College in American Cancer Society’s Relay in the petroleum industry exploring London, UK, studying British his- for Life for 15 years. In 2014 she for new oil reserves in the Mid-Con- tory for two years and also attended was invited to Phoenix, Arizona to tinent and Rocky Mountain regions University of Houston-Downtown attend the American Cancer Soci- of the U.S., and offshore West with a focus on psychology. She ety’s Leadership Summit. Loren has Africa. His doctoral research includ- is currently finishing a degree in also been a 4-H parent leader for the ed submersible investigations of Sociology/Psychology. past eight years. She chaperons and submarine sinkholes in the Straits of participates with the kids as often as Florida. Before coming to work for Loren Darby, possible and served on the Coopera- the New Mexico Bureau of Geolo- Office Manager tive Extension Advisory Committee. gy and Mineral Resources in 2002, Loren Darby joined from which he transitioned over to NCKRI as the Office NCKRI, Dr. Land spent two years Manager in September with the North Carolina Division of of 2016. She supervises Water Resources conducting geo- and performs financial, physical surveys of aquifers beneath administrative, and man- the coastal plain of North Carolina. agerial work to support He has served on several graduate NCKRI’s programs. Lo- student committees at New Mexico ren grew up in Carlsbad Tech, and is an adjunct faculty mem- where she attended high ber in the NMT Department of Earth school and college. She and Environmental Sciences. He is started her 20-year career a Past-President of the New Mexico in banking at Carlsbad Geological Society (NMGS), and National Bank while in served for five years on the NMGS high school participating Executive Committee. in the Business Profes- sionals of America pro- Ms. Courtney Gasow, gram. In 1997, she moved Event Planner to Grants, New Mexico, Ms. Gasow joined NCKRI in and started working at April of 2016 as its first Event Plan- The First Bank of Grants ner. Courtney moved to Carlsbad in which within one year be- 2012 and worked on contract with came Wells Fargo Bank. the Carlsbad Department of Devel- During her 17 years at opment organizing their national Wells Fargo she furthered NCKRI photo by George Veni Nuclear Conference and coordinated her career in banking, Loren Darby holds her 40 Under 40 Award, rec- various post conference meetings. moving up the ranks and ognizing her as one of the outstanding young Previous to this she lived in Hous- became a Service Manag- leaders in Carlsbad.

NATIONAL CAVE AND KARST RESEARCH INSTITUTE 2016-2017 ANNUAL REPORT 27 STAFF EDUCATION AND PUBLICATIONS

Continuing Education of USGS Karst Interest Group ico, Southwestern Caver, 2016, NCKRI staff polish and expand Workshop, 2017: The Multiple 54(6): 50. their skills whenever possible. Facets of Karst Research Within • Land L. 2017. Geophysical Formal training attended by staff the Edwards and Trinity Aqui- surveys of a potentially extensive members in the past year includes: fers, South-Central Texas, In: US cave system underlying BLM and • Who Done It? Investigative Geological Survey Karst Interest National Park Service units, Gua- Insights and Answers to Three Group Proceedings, San Antonio, dalupe Mountains, New Mexico. Groundwater Mysteries. Dr. Scott Texas, May 16-18, 2017, Scien- Symposium on the application Bair, Distinguished Lecture Se- tific Investigation Report 2017- of geophysics to engineering ries, Edwards Aquifer Authority. 5023, pp. 230-239. and environmental problems • Blackbaud Raisers Edge Train- (SAGEEP), Denver, CO, Ab- ing. Journal Papers stracts with programs. • InDesign training modules. • Chen, Z., Auler, A.S., Bakalo- • Veni, G. 2016. Caving where we • Photoshop training modules. wicz, M., Drew, D., Griger, F., shouldn’t: Mount Emory Cave, • Lightroom training modules. Hartmann, J., Jiang, G., Moos- Big Bend National Park, Texas. dorf, N., Richt, A., Stevanovic, In: National Speleological Soci- Conference Proceedings Z., Veni, G., and Goldscheider, N. ety Convention Program Guide, Papers 2017. The World Karst Aqui- Ely, Nevada, pp. 101; (reprinted) • Veni, G. 2017. Field trip stop fer Mapping project: concept, National Speleological Society 1: Genesis Cave. In: Field Trip mapping procedure and map of Southwest Region Winter Techni- Guide Book of USGS Karst Europe. Hydrogeology Journal, cal Meeting, Carlsbad, New Mex- Interest Group Workshop, 2017: DOI 10.1007/s10040-016-1519- ico, Southwestern Caver, 2016, The Multiple Facets of Karst 3, 15 p. 54(6): 49. Research Within the Edwards and • Veni, G. 2016. The future of cave Trinity Aquifers, South-Central Unrefereed Papers exploration and its contributions Texas, In: US Geological Survey • Havlena, Z., Kieft, T., Veni, G., to cave science. In: National Karst Interest Group Proceedings, and Horrocks R. 2017. Lighting Speleological Society Convention San Antonio, Texas, May 16-18, and substrate effects on lamp- Program Guide, Ely, Nevada, 2017, Scientific Investigation enflora microbial communities p. 84. Report 2017-5023, pp. 207-211. in Carlsbad Cavern. In: 2017 • Veni, G. 2016. World’s first • Veni, G. 2017. Karst science: a National Speleological Society geophysical survey of bat guano. national and international review Convention Program, Rio Ran- In: EuroSpeleo, 5th European and status report. Keynote ad- cho, New Mexico, p. 44. Congress of Speleology, Con- dress, In: US Geological Survey • Land L. 2016. Using brackish gress Guide, Yorkshire, United Karst Interest Group Proceedings, water from karstic aquifers to Kingdom, p. 38. San Antonio, Texas, May 16-18, augment freshwater resources in • Veni G. 2017. An introduction to 2017, Scientific Investigation the semi-arid southwest. GSA the National Cave and Karst Re- Report 2017-5023, pp. 8-10. annual meeting, Denver, CO, Ab- search Institute. In: Red or Green • Veni, G. and Green, R. 2017. stracts with programs; (reprinted) 2017, 74th Annual NSS Con- Field trip stop 2: Bracken Bat Southwest Region Winter Techni- vention Guidebook, Rio Rancho, Cave. In: Field Trip Guide Book cal Meeting, Carlsbad, New Mex- New Mexico, p. 43-44.

28 2016-2017 ANNUAL REPORT NATIONAL CAVE AND KARST RESEARCH INSTITUTE 2016-2017 STATE AND FEDERAL BUDGET Unaudited reports ending June 30, 2017

FUNDS REPORT National Park Administered by Combined Service New Mexico Tech Beginning Fund Balance $0 $240,692 $240,692 Revenues State Appropriation $0 $359,005 $359,005 Federal Appropriation $298,418 $0 $298,418 Total Revenue and Fund Balances $298,418 $599,697 $898,115 Expenses Personnel Staff Salries & Student Wages $193,859 $122,170 $316,029 Fringe Beneftits $70,316 $46,474 $116,790 Total personnel $264,175 $168,644 $432,819 Operating Rent, Utilities, Telephone $12,138 $50,578 $62,716 Supplies & Other $0 $32,655 $32,655 Exhibit Design $0 $0 $0 Travel $0 $21,891 $21,891 Contractor Services $0 $14,959 $14,959 Property & Equipment $0 $0 $0 NMT Administative Support $0 $20,000 $20,000 NMT F&A Costs from NPS Budget (8%) $22,105 $0 $22,105 NPS Overhead Costs to GRD on NPS Appropriation (6%) $0 $0 $0 Tranfers $0 $0 $0 Total Operating $34,243 $140,083 $174,326 Total Funds Expended $298,418 $308,727 $607,145 Ga in/(Loss) $0 $50,278 $50,278

Ending Balance $0 $0 $290,970

2016-2017 CORPORATE BUDGET

NCKRI Inc. Unaudited Annual Statement of Activities and Changes in Net Assets For the Year Ending June 30, 2017 Administered by NCKRI

Public support and services: Functional expenses Unrestricted Contributions $3,891.17 Contract $5,867.01 Conferences $0.00 Conferences $935.00 Program $120.00 Program $4,799.50 Rent and Lease $10,230.00 Operations $7,072.93 Education $40.00 Travel $11,332.75 Supplies $0.00 Supplies $26,131.04 Other $4.65 Other $447.82 TOTAL PUBLIC SUPPORT AND REVENUE $14,285.82 TOTAL PROGRAM EXPENSES $50,719.04 End of year balance $63,678.69

NATIONAL CAVE AND KARST RESEARCH INSTITUTE 2016-2017 ANNUAL REPORT 29 National Cave and Karst Research Institute 400-1 Cascades Avenue Carlsbad NM 88220 USA