Last fall, for instance, researchers found astonishingly high levels of fecal bacteria in the Devil s Icebox at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, a discovery that scientists attributed partly to septic tanks and lagoons in the land around the park. In addition, the Columbia City Council this year locked horns with a local developer over a proposed development in the southern part of town. Neighbors complained that runoff from the development would pollute sensitive creeks that run through the park. The council recently approved the project, but only after the developer significantly modified his plans for dealing with storm-water from the new subdivision. That particular struggle is symbolic of the high regard in which local residents hold their natural areas and of their desire to protect them.
Visitors can view numerous sinkholes, caves, underground streams and small springs.
Main attractions are the natural rock bridge the remnant of an ancient cave roof that remained standing after the collapse of the surrounding cave and Devil s Icebox, a double sinkhole created when the roof of a cave collapsed. The Icebox is also a surface access to the underground cave system. Cavers carry boats up the boardwalk at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park after exploring Devil's Icebox. By hiking along a half-mile boardwalk, visitors can view the cave entrance from an observation platform that includes an interpretive display. Park naturalists lead occasional ventures into the cave, which features a half-mile water entrance and miles of passages.