Immediately after John Ackerman discovered the fourth section of Spring Valley Caverns it was discovered that garbage and hazardous waste from this huge sinkhole was being washed through several major passages on its way to the underground aquifer.

Subsequently, John acquired this adjacent 70 acre parcel, created another entrance into Spring Valley Caverns (located near this sinkhole), and spent three years restoring the sink to its original natural state.  Almost all the debris, some of which dated back to the late 1800's, was recycled.  This location was affectionately named Appliance Sink.

This sinkhole has now been returned to its original condition and serves as one of the best examples of a successful sinkhole reclamation project in the nation.  Numerous media organizations followed this process and one of the video documentaries was beamed via satellite to 55 million cable subscribers across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

In 1996 the decision was made to ban all cattle grazing from forested and semi-forested areas due to habitat destruction.  A tree planting campaign was started many years ago to regenerate areas that were affected by overgrazing.  At least 20 trees are planted each spring.

Final grading above the entrance building to Spring Valley Caverns. The front of the building is to the far right but is not visiible in this photo.

Today

Final grading above the entrance building to Spring Valley Caverns.

Today