The Barrens topminnow (Fundulus julisia) was listed as an endangered species on October 21, 2019 (84 FR 56131). The species faces severe threats from predation by the western mosquitofish and habitat alteration, exacerbated by climate change (USFWS, 2019a). Benedict Spring, which discharges from Summitville Mountain Cave, is the type locality for Barrens topminnow (Williams and Etnier, 1982). A top priority recovery effort is to protect the watersheds supplying groundwater to the habitat. A common method for investigating and monitoring potential threats to an aquatic species and their habitats is by delineating a topographic drainage area surrounding the habitat. In karst landscapes water sinks directly into the subsurface through [...]
Summary
The Barrens topminnow (Fundulus julisia) was listed as an endangered species on October 21, 2019 (84 FR 56131). The species faces severe threats from predation by the western mosquitofish and habitat alteration, exacerbated by climate change (USFWS, 2019a). Benedict Spring, which discharges from Summitville Mountain Cave, is the type locality for Barrens topminnow (Williams and Etnier, 1982). A top priority recovery effort is to protect the watersheds supplying groundwater to the habitat. A common method for investigating and monitoring potential threats to an aquatic species and their habitats is by delineating a topographic drainage area surrounding the habitat. In karst landscapes water sinks directly into the subsurface through swallets, losing streams, and sinkholes, and may be geographically distant from the spring(s) where it discharges. Due to unpredictable flow paths underground, the recharge area is rarely identifiable without the aid of groundwater tracing. The proposed study is a groundwater dye-tracing study to delineate a recharge area for Benedict Spring/Summitville Mountain Cave. The results will inform decisions for the comprehensive recovery plan for the Barrens topminnow.
