Karst is recognized as a highly valuable, non-renewable resource that can be especially vulnerable to disturbance, more so than many other land resources. The primary reason for this higher level of sensitivity is the three-dimensional nature of karst. The intricate relationship between karst's unique surface characteristics and the subsurface caves and hydrology make for a delicately balanced system. Industrial activities, such as rock quarrying or forestry, if not properly conducted, can lead to excessive soil erosion, destruction of surface and subsurface karst features, changes in groundwater flows, and contamination, sedimentation, or clogging of underground and surface streams.

When conducting forestry operations in forest karst ecosystems or associated upland areas, extra care must be taken to ensure that karst values and forest productivity remain intact. Recreational pursuits in karst terrain also need to be monitored and managed to protect the resource from overuse or other damage. (Photo by J. Marc.)