Creative Partnerships for Karst Protection – “How to”

Kriste Lindberg, 2354 Windingbrook Circle, Bloomington, Indiana, 47401,

(812) 339-7210, cell phone (812) 327-1642, lindberg@kiva.net

Biography:

Kriste Lindberg has been an active member of the caving community since 1992, mainly in the fields of conservation, education, and partnership coordination, having been introduced to it while working with the Chicago Academy of Sciences after receiving both a BGS and MSEd with an emphasis on natural resources. She has served on the Indiana Karst Conservancy board as a Director and Officer since 1996 and is currently a Director. As President, she created the Education and Outreach Committee, which she currently Chairs. She is employed by both the City of Bloomington’s Parks and Recreation and Utilities Departments as an Education Specialist, has recently been appointed by the Mayor to serve on Bloomington’s Environmental Commission, and has done numerous articles and presentations for cave-related venues, particularly in regards to conservation education and outreach, including the Indiana Cave Symposium, National Cave and Karst Management Symposium, NSS Convention, various news media, and so on. In 2002, she received the NSS Conservation Award and was honored as Fellow of the NSS. In 2003, she was elected to the Board of Directors of Project Underground.

Abstract:

Partnerships are helpful, if not essential, for karst protection. As the use of such areas is on the rise, particularly in the way of development, increased efforts need to be made to protect it. This can pose a challenge, mainly as some of those involved may see things differently. However, steps can be taken to help bridge the gap. Education is a valuable tool in this endeavor as it has the potential to assist parties in reaching understandings without feeling threatened. Thus, increasing cooperation, decreasing duplication of effort, and inviting camaraderie. There are various cave-related education programs to choose from, such as Project Underground, which can be used with people of all ages. For example, we have brought many together for their mutual benefit by presenting them with the knowledge they need to understand karst areas and how and why it is important to work together for its, and their, protection.

Creative solutions can be met by having an open mind and by being flexible. We believe that individuals and organizations can be healthy, adaptive, and conducive to growth such as learning more about our natural resources and dealing with them in a conservation-minded manner. In order for a change in behavior to take place, such as keeping a sinkhole clean instead of throwing trash into it, the following sequence of events needs to occur:

Awareness → Education → Acceptance

Once people are aware that something is a problem, they can learn more about it and be more receptive to the behavioral changes that need to take place. We have found that working with them has produced positive results. As complex systems, we need to take the human aspect into account - it helps to incorporate intellectual, emotional, physical, and spiritual dimensions in order to create a balance that is conducive to change. Being compassionate and understanding can go a long ways.

Serving as liaisons between area agencies, land trusts, planners, developers, the public, etc., we have helped them see how karst areas function – just because their features may be out of sight, they should not be out of mind.

Take for instance the City of Bloomington, Indiana - efforts are being made to help all understand the way karst fits into daily life. For example, inter-related programs involving natural (karst) and man-made (storm drain) drainage systems have been developed and are being implemented. They include initiatives with Hoosier Riverwatch, Project Underground, storm drain marking programs, and so on, and give the public a chance to get involved in their community. This can create or enhance a feeling of ownership and hence, drive to protect the resource. Hence, making ordinances such as those involved in zoning more palatable and more likely to be followed.

You will learn not only what in particular is being done but also how to go about doing it. Remember those little words of wisdom your mother taught you about keeping a positive attitude and working fairly with others? Well, there is some basis for them. They really can work in the real world. At least, they have been working for us… so far! The following are a few of the key points to keep in mind…

• Get involved! Understand hot topics such as water quality in karst areas… or create one.
• Be proactive, not reactive.
• Be a team player – it adds to resources and increases expertise in different areas. You can get more done when you work together… Be as neutral as possible and keep the big picture in mind – natural resource conservation.
• Network – you can meet all sorts of interesting folks with similar interests.
• Grow with it!

Time can be a big ally too.

It is our hope that folks will learn from our positive examples on the local level and use them where applicable on their own areas.

Photo: Creative Partnerships for Karst Protection – “How to” – Slide #9 – Project Underground workshops that the City of Bloomington sponsored along with both WonderLab (children) and Hoosier Heartland Resource Conservation and Development Council (adults).