Near Custer in Custer County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Jasper vs. Jewel
Seeking Answers to Questions About Caves and Wildfires
Photographed By William J. Toman, August 8, 2010
1. Jasper vs. Jewel Marker
The Jasper Fire started on August 24, 2000. It burned over 83,000 acres. This includes the entire surface above known parts of Jewel Cave. Will such a large, intense wildfire affect this unique national treasure? Now is our chance to find out.While the Fire Burned
Wildfire does not threaten Jewel Cave. Its passages and the life within are well insulated by thick rock. But could smoke harm cave animals, like bats? Jewel Cave "breathes". A large amount of air flows in or out of the cave with changing barometric pressure. During the Jasper Fire not much smoke entered the cave. We learned that even smoke poses little threat to Jewel Cave wildlife.
Caption for upper right photo: The fire killed trees and other vegetation. Water that would have been used by this vegetation is now available to seep into the ground. This could increase growth of cave formations. Too much water might also damage some fragile formations.
When the Smoke Cleared
The immediate effects of the fire were few. What will happen in 1 year, 5 years or even 25 years? Scientists think two changes will occur
this page online
The cave has experienced countless wildfires upon its roof. These changes are not unnatural or unusual. The exciting thing is now we can observe them for the first time.
Surface Activities, Caves and You
We do not know all the ways wildfire affects Jewel Cave. Caves are scientific frontiers. The surface and subsurface are connected in ways still unknown. Could your activities impact irreplaceable underground resources like caves?
Map title: Jasper Fire Boundary in Relation to Jewel Cave National Monument
Erected by the National Park Service of the U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • Environment. A significant historical year for this entry is 2000.
Location. 43° 43.79′ N, 103° 49.778′ W. Marker is near Custer, South Dakota, in Custer County. Marker is at the intersection of U.S. 16 and Jewel Cave National Monument Entrance Road, on the left when traveling west on U.S. 16. The marker is at the Jewel Cave National Monument Vistor Center. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Custer SD 57730, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 6 other markers are within 12 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Prescribed Fire (here, next to
Photographed By William J. Toman, August 8, 2010
2. Jasper vs. Jewel Marker
It appears the Jasper Fire had no significant effect on Jewel Cave's wintering bats.
Also see . . . Jewel Cave - National Park Service. (Submitted on October 26, 2010, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.)
Photographed By William J. Toman, August 8, 2010
3. Jasper vs. Jewel Marker
Photographed By William J. Toman, August 8, 2010
4. Jasper Fire Remnants
Photographed By William J. Toman, August 8, 2010
5. Jasper Fire Remnants
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 20, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 796 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on October 20, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
