Going Deeper: Young Cavers Help NPS with Cave Survey

The myriad caves located throughout Grand Canyon have intrigued NPS resource managers for decades. Many have been explored by biologists and hydrologists, others excavated by archaeologists, and still more remain untouched. As part of the park’s ongoing efforts to identify and protect the cultural and natural resources within this sprawling network of caverns, a group of teens from Montana was brought into the act. Under the supervision of park Hydrologist and Cave Resource Manager Steve Rice, five students from Bigfork High School catalogued, mapped, and photographed ten caves below the South Rim. Their efforts will help the park service better understand and manage the fragile ecosystems and irreplaceable cultural resources under their care. For more information on the project follow this link http://www.nps.gov/grca/parknews/bigfork-high-school-cave-club-completes-inventory-and-impact-mapping-of-caves-in-grand-canyon-national-park.htm