Mapping karst groundwater flow paths in the Calfkiller River valley to aid recovery and threat assessment for the Cumberland pigtoe (Pleuronaia gibber) and bluemask darter (Etheostoma akatulo)
In karst areas there is an inherent connectivity between surface streams and groundwater resources, thus activities which occur in these areas can influence the quality and quantity of groundwater. The Calfkiller River in central Tennessee drains the western escarpment of the Cumberland Plateau and is one of the densest areas of karst development in the state. The perennial flow of the Calfkiller River is supplied by karst springs which create conditions suitable for two endangered species, the Cumberland pigtoe mussel and the bluemask darter fish. Both species are reliant on clear, freeflowing, high-quality headwater streams as their primary habitat. The bluemask darter has been extirpated from the Calfkiller River, though reintroduction [...]
Summary
In karst areas there is an inherent connectivity between surface streams and
groundwater resources, thus activities which occur in these areas can influence the quality and quantity of
groundwater. The Calfkiller River in central Tennessee drains the western escarpment of the Cumberland
Plateau and is one of the densest areas of karst development in the state. The perennial flow of the
Calfkiller River is supplied by karst springs which create conditions suitable for two endangered species,
the Cumberland pigtoe mussel and the bluemask darter fish. Both species are reliant on clear, freeflowing,
high-quality headwater streams as their primary habitat. The bluemask darter has been
extirpated from the Calfkiller River, though reintroduction efforts are being discussed, and the
Cumberland pigtoe population has declined in recent years. Thus, a dye tracing study is herein proposed
to better understand the areas which influence water quality and quantity at these critical groundwater
resources. Dye tracing will allow for both the mapping of karst groundwater flow paths and the
delineation of recharge areas (similar to a watershed) for the major springs in the upper Calfkiller River
valley. These data may then be used to help USFWS personnel identify potential partners for future
projects targeted at improving and preserving water quality of springs along the Calfkiller River.
