Natural Resources: Clifflines and Rockshelters

There's No Place Like Cliffline

Nearly 3,000 miles of rocky cliffs wind their way through the Daniel Boone National Forest, providing an array of habitats for various plants and animals. In fact, some of Kentucky's most uncommon species consider these cliffs their home. While some species prefer the dark, cool shade of north-facing cliffs and rockshelters, others favor the sunny warmth provided by a more southerly direction.

The uncommon filmy fern is one species that prefers moist, cool, shaded crevices in a north-facing cliff. The sun doesn't shine fully on the rock face from this angle, preventing the rock from warming up in the hot summer. In contrast, white-haired goldenrod, a threatened species, prefers drier nitrate-rich soils found at the base of cliffs and in rockshelters of the Red River Gorge. Occasionally, plants in south-facing rockshelters get enough sun that they can be found flowering in December!

Another rare species that lives in the forest's rocky places is the endangered Virginia big-eared bat. In the spring, female Virginia big-eared bats raise their young in dark rockshelters and caves. Males and
females fly along the cliffline to catch moths and then carry them to rockshelters to eat. In the winter, Virginia big-eared bats hibernate in area caves.

The uncommon cliffline caddisfly spends its entire life along moist cliff faces. This insect's larvae will spin a hollow tube of sticky silk and cover it with grains of sand. After crawling inside, the larvae will carry its new home as it walks along the rock. When grown, the adult emerges and can fly, but it never goes far from the cliff wall where it was born.

Green salamanders have an even more impressive trick. They use their sticky toes to climb up and down shear rock. Their grasping tail, flattened head and body, and lichen-colored markings make them well adapted to live and survive within rocky crevices.

These are only a few of the species that live and thrive along the cliffline. When visiting the Daniel Boone National Forest, please respect and consider the needs of the plants and animals that depend on cliffline habitat as their home.

RESPECT ROCKSHELTERS!

History:

Rockshelters contain valuable archaeological evidence and historic structural remains that provide insight into the lives of historic and prehistoric people who lived in this area.  

Description:

Rockshelters provide excellent preservation for plant remains, animal bones, and other objects used by ancient
Native Americans and early pioneers. The earliest signs of prehistoric agriculture have been documented from botanical remains found in rockshelters in eastern Kentucky.

Rockshelters also provide habitat for unique plant and animal species like the white-haired goldenrod (found only in the Red River Gorge) and the Virginia big-eared bat.  

Threats:

Camping, climbing, rappelling, burning, and digging in rockshelters can impact or even destroy these non-renewable resources. When rockshelter soils are mixed, compacted, or heated by these activities, the historic and prehistoric remains (especially the
botanical remains) can be destroyed. Once destroyed, this valuable evidence is gone forever. 

To help, remember...

• Camping in rockshelters is prohibited forestwide. Camp at least 100 feet away from  the base of any cliff, or the back of any rockshelter. Obey signs like the at left and stay out of fenced areas.
• Building a fire is prohibited in rockshelters. Fire destroys prehistoric organic materials, impairs the dating potential of artifacts,
  and damages or even destroys rock art by covering it with soot.
• Do not build a campfire or use a stove fire within 100 feet of the base of any cliff or the back of any rockshelter.
• Leave rockshelters undisturbed by not digging in the soil, moving rocks, or trampling the ground. Collecting or digging for artifacts is prohibited by federal law.
• Do not use historic wooden remains found in rockshelters as firewood. These are pieces of our heritage.
• Rockshelters are not toilet facilities. Please dispose of human waste properly using Leave No Trace techniques.
• Avoid climbing in or rappelling into rockshelters. Archaeological sites often extend outside of rockshelter driplines. For your own safety, please do not climb above fenced area.
• All artifacts and cultural resources are protected by state and federal laws. Report looting or vandalism to the nearest District
  Office or law enforcement officer.

More information on rockshelters and heritage resources is available at the Gladie Cultural–Environmental Learning Center located in the Red River Gorge on Cumberland Ranger District.

Title: Clifflines
Last Updated: June 30, 2008