All karst areas (landscape with sinkholes, springs, and streams that sink into subsurface caverns) in West Virginia are experiencing increased population growth, and development.  This trend seems likely to continue, and in some regions accelerate into the future.  Increased development is already adversely impacting karst features, including caves, in some areas.  Consequently, there is an abundant need for a concentrated effort devoted to the protection of cave and karst resources in West Virginia and the rest of the Virginia region.

The West Virginia Cave Conservancy will provide protection to cave and karst resources throughout the Virginia region principally through education and resources management.  The WVCC will conduct activities to educate the general public about nature and the importance of caves and karst.  The Conservancy will promote the study of caves and karst by facilitating scientific studies, especially studies aimed at identifying and defining the significance of cave and karst resources.  The Conservancy will offer a full range of management practices to protect significant cave and karst resources, and to protect access to these resources.