Assessing the Vulnerability of Sensitive Karst Habitats Containing RTE Species in Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

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The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park (CHOH) is the most important tract of land for the preservation of rare, threatened, and endangered (RTE) subterranean macroinvertebrates in Maryland. More than 10 RTE groundwater species have been identified in sensitive karst areas in CHOH. In a landscape undergoing rapid conversion from rural agriculture to exurban and suburban residential development, the narrow shape of CHOH contributes to its potential vulnerability to groundwater pollution. We will prioritize CHOH karst-RTE sites based on risk level and magnitude of impacts using an integrated scientific team and obtain detailed information for high-risk sites to enable protection. We will define the recharge areas with greater certainty using microbial tracking and dye tracing to map contributing recharge areas and identify management implications and strategies for CHOH managers. This project will be funded over two years.

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