THE VIRGINIA CAVE PROTECTION ACT: A REVIEW (1966-2009)

The Virginia Cave Protection Act was first ratified in 1966, with a major revision in 1979, yet Virginia cave and karst resources are still threatened by vandalism, pollution, and poorly planned development. As public interest in outdoor recreation continues to grow and land development accelerates in the Appalachian Valley and Ridge Province west of the Blue Ridge Mountains, increased pressure will be put on Virginia's limited and fragile cave resources. Over the past thirty years, there have been many important court cases in Virginia, as well as countless state and federal actions. The difficulty of apprehension and prosecution of vandals demonstrates the inadequacy of current penalties. More prosecutions and harsher penalties will invariably serve as a deterrent to future potential vandals. Complex state projects, like highway widening and the construction of new prisons and airports, put additional pressure on karst areas. In order to preserve the unique educational, recreational, scientific, historic, and economic values of Virginia caves and karst, the Virginia Cave Board has been authorized to safeguard these resources.