2026-05-19 Missouri Underground, Vona Kuczynska, USFWS

The Missouri Master Naturalist-Great Rivers Chapter proudly hosted Vona Kuczynska from the US Fish and Wildlife Service and her comprehensive presentation on cave ecology, endangered species (especially bats and cave-dwelling fish), and conservation efforts in Missouri with support and questions from the audience of certified Missouri Master Naturalists of the Great Rivers Chapter. o Role of US Fish and Wildlife Service: Vona clarified that the US Fish and Wildlife Service is a federal agency distinct from the Missouri Department of Conservation, with a primary role in administering the Endangered Species Act and focusing on federally listed species, including bats and cave-dwelling fish. o Cave Formation and Geology: Vona explained the geological processes behind cave formation in Missouri, highlighting the role of limestone and dolomite bedrock, the action of rainwater, and the development of cave structures such as stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones, and rimstones. o Cave Biodiversity and Adaptations: The presentation covered the diversity of cave life, including bats, eyeless fish, pigmentless snails, salamanders, and flatworms, emphasizing their unique adaptations to cave environments such as loss of eyes and pigmentation, and the importance of stable cave climates for species survival. o Bat Species and White-Nose Syndrome: Vona discussed the different types of bats in Missouri, their roosting habits, and the impact of white-nose syndrome, a fungal disease that has devastated certain bat populations, while noting the recovery of gray bats and the use of advanced monitoring techniques for population assessment. o Conservation Partnerships and Restoration Projects: Vona described collaborative conservation efforts involving agencies, universities, zoos, and local communities, including land acquisition for habitat protection, restoration projects like trash removal from caves, and the role of volunteers in supporting these initiatives. o Human Impacts and Disease Risks: The presentation addressed human impacts on caves, such as pollution, sedimentation, and disturbance, as well as health risks like histoplasmosis and the importance of decontamination protocols to prevent disease spread among cave fauna. o Q&A on Bat Houses, Urban Bats, and Monitoring: Vona answered questions about supporting bats in urban environments, the effectiveness and placement of bat houses, and provided information on bioacoustic and thermal monitoring software for bat population studies. o Wind Energy and Bat Mortality: Vona responded to questions about wind farms' impact on bats, explaining permitting processes, monitoring requirements, mitigation strategies like cut-in speeds, and the challenges of reducing bat mortality at wind energy facilities. o Water Quality and Cave Species: Vona discussed ongoing and planned water quality monitoring projects in Perry County caves, the effects of agricultural and urban runoff on cave species, and efforts to address pollution sources through community engagement and infrastructure improvements. o Tree Clearing and Bat Roosting: Vona clarified regulations and best practices regarding tree clearing during bat active seasons, the distinction between urban and rural settings, and the importance of surveys to protect endangered bat species during development projects.