Supporting natural resource management and cultural resource management, including research projects and initiatives to improve students’ competence in science and technology.

Obtain Capital and Operational funding for the Mammoth Cave International Center for Science and Learning.  Since its establishment in 2004, the Mammoth Cave International for Science and Learning has increased research and learning activities within Mammoth Cave National Park, as well as providing an array of learning opportunities. Two Federal funding appropriations (in 2004 and 2006) have provided the initial funding to establish the Mammoth Cave International for Science and Learning.  This funding has been used to hire a Center Director and an Education Coordinator through 2009.  A patchwork of existing facilities at Mammoth Cave National Park and Western Kentucky University has been used to establish the Center.  In the future, the Center needs a physical address along with operational funding.

Recognizing the need for America to be competitive in Science and Technology, the Mammoth Cave International Center for Science and Learning provides both research and educational opportunities in a unique cave and karst system.

Western Kentucky University has become a world-class institution in the area of cave and karst studies.  The close proximity of Western Kentucky University to Mammoth Cave National Park presents tremendous partnership opportunities to enhance research and education.   

• $15,000 for two Western Kentucky University interns to work at Mammoth Cave National Park for 3-4 months performing natural resource management work (cave management, inventory & monitoring, lesser caves inventory, air quality, control of exotic plants, replanting native species, etc.)

• $15,000 for two Western Kentucky University interns to work at Mammoth Cave National Park for 3-4 months performing cultural resource management work (museum program, archives management, historic structure monitoring and documentation, historic research, archeology, etc.)

• $10,000 to $30,000+ to establish the MCICSL Small Research Grant Program.  This program would provide competitive research grants in small amounts for a single year.  Projects eligible for funding under this research grant program shall involve research concerning the natural or cultural history of Mammoth Cave National Park or the International Bisophere Reserve.  Projects that will assist the park in addressing management issues or threats to the biosphere reserve will receive particular consideration.  In addition, projects in which the small grant will provide funding that can be leveraged for additional funding or where the grant provides "seed money" are encouraged.

• $20,000 to $40,000 to prepare portions of the park’s Administrative History.  The park’s Administrative History would document the extensive efforts that resulted in the park coming into existence.  This document would involve summarizing oral history interviews, describing early legislative attempts, local movements, contemporary local media response both pro and con; and similarities/differences with both Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains.

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