Biological resources that are threatened include but are not limited to several species of endangered bats, ferns, and lichens . Especially vulnerable are cave-adapted invertebrates . So little is known about many of these species that evaluation of population stability, adversities from current and past human activities, and probabilities for species survival cannot be assessed without further inventories and monitoring. Because cave and karst systems are intimately tied to local and regional hydrological systems, pollution or disruption of these natural systems can harm water supplies and water quality. Direct threats to cave and karst groundwater aquifers can be inappropriately placed toxic waste repositories, landfills, oil and gas leaks from hydrocarbon development, and toxic and corrosive chemical spills.
Remediation can cost millions of dollars.
In addition, erosion from agricultural operations such as excessive tillage and overgrazing or from deforestation and fires can cause significant deterioration of water quality from sediment loading. Management of Cave and Karst Systems National Park System units may solicit the assistance of the Geologic Resources Division with the management and preservation of caves and karst. The act withdraws all federal lands inside the boundaries of a protected cave area from all forms of mineral and geothermal leasing. The protected area along the northern boundary of Carlsbad Caverns National Park was established by an expert panel of geologists and speleologists assembled by the National Park Service. The National Park Service has memoranda of understanding with the National Speleological Society and Bat Conservation International designed to secure assistance with inventories, surveys, monitoring, and exploration of caves and with the investigation and preservation of bat habitat.