Research The U.S.D.A. Agricultural Research Service (ARS) has agreed to fund water quality and ecosystem assessment research in two Boone County caves. Tentative plans call for Hunter's Cave (see Stream Team) and the Devil's Icebox to serve as the sites for the research. Officials with the Missouri Departments of Conservation and Natural Resources have indicated their interest and support for the project. ARS has agreed to provide approximately $45,000 a year for two to three years.

Initially, the research team will be made up of: Dave Ashley, MO Western State; Bill Elliott, MDC & Chouteau; Jeanne Erickson, MU; Doug Noltie, MU; and Carol Wicks, MU & Chouteau. Preliminary plans include year-round water quality monitoring and frequent bio-assessments to provide baseline information for both caves. In the long-term, the researchers hope to begin addressing questions regarding the impacts of water quality on cave ecosystems.

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