Sequoia-Kings Canyon biosphere reserve.
In 2009, the Sequoia Natural History Association (SNHA) and the National Park Service joined forces to begin the installation of a solar power generation system at Crystal Cave making tours and operations available by power from the sun. With funding provided by a grants from the Sierra Nevada Conservancy and Bank of the Sierra, funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and SNHA, the cave was go fully solar-powered in 2010. In addition to the solar panels and system, the cave was equipped with new lighting inside to assist in maintaining a healthy ecosystem.
The new lights lessen the growth of algae which disrupt the natural life cycle inside the cave. Crystal Cave is home to specific lifeforms that are not known to live anywhere else in the world. With over 200 caves in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, it is essential to protect the Sierra caves while teaching visitors about the underground world of our national parks.
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© NPS. View of the Fairy Pool formation in Crystal Cave in Sequoia National Park.
