KARST?
Karst is a term that was first applied to a plateau
region of the Dinaric Alps in Yugoslavia. It is now
used to describe similar regions throughout the
world that have features formed largely by
underground drainage. Karst terrains are
characterized by caves, steep valleys, sinkholes,
an e a general lack of surface streams because
drainage is underground. A consequence of
this is not only a very interesting landscape
(caves have fascinated people for millennia) with
unusual habitats for plants and animals, but
special problems in water supply, waste disposal,
construction, and other land uses.
What does this have to do with Michigan, a land
literally scoured by glaciers, a land covered with
glacial clay, sand and gravel . Surprisingly,
Michigan contains some areas of true karst.
They are limited in extent, but this rarity
increases their interest and importance. There is
also considerable variety in Michigan karst areas:
gypsum karst is found in Kent and losco
counties; a significant amount of surface
drainage goes underground in Monroe County,
an e reappears at "blue holes" in Lake Erie;
spectacular sinkholes and earth cracks are found
in Alpena and Presque Isle counties; and the
broad band of outcrops of the Niagara
Escarpment in the Upper Peninsula hosts a
number of karst sinks, springs and caves.
Each of these areas is in some ways unique to
the geology of Michigan. Some sites could be
considered of national significance. Yet, today,
most of these areas are subject to the possibility
of incompatible or damaging use. They are also
mostly on private land and most may not be
visited by the public. Protection and awareness
of these features, and their potential for
educational and scientific uses, is what the
Michigan Karst Conservancy (MKC) is all about.
MKC?
The Michigan Karst Conservancy is dedicated to
the preservation of examples of Michigan's karst
areas. It was formed in 1983 by people with an
appreciation for Michigan karst features, when it
became apparent that no other groups were
interested and able to actively protect such areas
for their inherent geological interest.
The purposes of the Conservancy are the
acquisition, management and protection of the
finest examples in Michigan of karst areas and
features, as well as scientific study, and
conservation education regarding karst.
There is only a finite time within which to
establish protection for the most significant
areas. Indiscriminate use of sinkholes in Alpena
county as dumps and landfills is still occurring,
which results in groundwater pollution and
degrades and obscures these fascinating
features. Many sinkholes have also been filled in
for farming. In the Upper Peninsula, one large
and several small caves have been quarried away
(in a State with very few caves, and in a situation
where the caves could have been preserved
with negligible cost or trouble). In other areas,
erosion damage is occurring due to uncontrolled
toot and vehicle traffic.
Risks of further loss of the relatively few
remaining significant features by activities that
would not preserve them are very great. It is, in
fact, the small sizes of the remaining significant
karst areas, that makes them an opportunity for
preservation. Because the areas are small, it is
possible to acquire the land and hold it in trust for
informed public use.
The MKC now owns two preserves. The 480
acre Fiborn Karst Preserve in Mlchigan's upper
peninsula, purchased in 1987, includes an
extensive and nearly complete karst drainage
system with features such as sinkholes, caves
and disappearing streams. The 29 acre Stevens
Twin Sinks Preserve west of Alpena, purchased
in 1990, contains examples of sinkhole habitats
unique to that area. Scientific research and
educational program are conducted at both
preserves. Additional information about these
preserves, and about visiting them may be
obtained by contacting the MKC.
HOW CAN I HELP?
The MKC is the only land trust group in Michigan
dedicated solely to preservation of examples of
Michigan's unique geology and associated
ecosystems. Like other similar groups involved
in plant, animal, and habitat protection, the MKC
receives no government support, but relies
solely on YOU, the public, for its funding. One
way to support the MKC is by becoming a
member. Dues finance the operating costs of
the MKC, and many members volunteer their
time in the work of the Conservancy. Members
receive a regular newsletter and notices of
meetings and programs. All except Youth and
Institutional Members may hold office and chair
committees. All except Youth members may
vote to elect the Board of Trustees, the
governing body of the MKC.
However, the preservation work of the MKC is
based upon donations for buying lands and
managing their features for appreciation,
protection and study. The MKC :; accepts
donations in many forms: you may wish to
donate cash, possibly a gift of land suitable for
preservation, or land or securities which may be
sold to finance the MKC' preservation n activities.
We need your help to preserve Michigan's karst
lands. The future of the natural history of
Michigan will be enriched by your generosity.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT
MICHIGAN KARST CONSERVANCY
2805 Gladstone Avenue
Ann Arbor, Ml 48104-6432
MKC@cyberspace.org
A Non Profit Charitable Organization Dedicated to the Preservation of Karst in Michigan Affiliated with the Karst Waters Institute Inc.