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Evaluation of Potential Impacts of Proposed Water Line <br />Project on McCarty Cave, San Marcos, Texas <br />By <br />Chris Thibodaux, Karst Tec Consulting <br />Introduction <br />The purpose of this study is to determine the potential impacts of a proposed <br />water pipeline on McCarty Cave (aka McCarty Lane Bat Cave), San Marcos; Texas. <br />McCarty Cave is one of the most significant caves in Hays County. The cave is <br />significant because it is one of the longest caves in the county. In addition, the cave has <br />biological significance, providing habitat for several species of bats, as well as other <br />fauna including an abundance of cave adapted invertebrates and_ terrestrial mammals and <br />reptiles including raccoons and snakes. Bats are particularly sensitive to changes in air <br />pressure and temperature that would result by breaching the cave with a utility trench. <br />The landowners have been attempting to encourage growth in the bat populations of the <br />cave from the time they bought the property. <br />McCarty Cave also contains some historical significance. Graffiti in the cave can <br />be dated to as early as 1946. The cave was originally explored by qualified explorers <br />from the Southwest Texas State University Grotto (Caving Club) in the early 1960's. A <br />cave register used to hang in the "Bat Room" near the end of the cave. <br />It is likely that the cave also is of archeological and hydrological significance. <br />Evidence exists that the cave was visited by prehistoric natives and used as a mine for <br />chert (flint) for the manufacture of stone tools. The cave is a significant recharge feature <br />for the Edwards Aquifer and likely has direct influence on San Marcos Springs. Further <br />study could elaborate on the significance in these areas. <br />Karst Tec Consulting performed this study for the City of San Marcos. Fieldwork <br />was initiated on 10 July 2006 and completed on 20 July 2006. Chris Thibodaux was the <br />karst specialist and principle investigator. Michelle Hildebrand served as cave survey <br />technician. -Keith Huess- provided_radio location data with Jim Wolffe assisting. Thanks <br />to Jim =and Shannon Brotherton for providing generous access to the study area. <br />• <br />