Protecting natural habitats in the Black Hills
Progress Continues!!
In Spring 2025, the Conservancy board decided to once again expand the Conservancy lands. After months of planning and negotiation we are happy to announce that we have added 20 acres of land adjacent to the Dahm Springs Preserve in Pennington County, SD. (In adjacent map) This land includes at least two additional small caves. In the same week we purchased Gem Cave! A hard blowing cave in Custer County, SD, surrounded by 2 acres of prairie land and a bunkhouse to be used for exploration and research.
The Black Hills Cave and Nature Conservancy (BHCNC) is a 501 (c)(3) organized under the South Dakota Nonprofit Corporation Act. We advance the protection, study, and enjoyment of caves and other natural resources. We’re happy you’re visiting our site, please browse all of the pages to learn more about our organization and the beautiful places we manage.
Conservation and Education
Our goal is to protect caves in the Black Hills region. We focus on land ownership and public education to reach this goal.
The Science
We believe that the management of these environments and the specialized ecosystems within must include fostering scientific study. This work will increase our understanding of the processes at work in our caves now, as well as the past.
Preserves and Projects
Formed in 2019, the BHCNC is an organization with deep ties in the caving world. Our partnership with the Paha Sapa Grotto has allowed us to build upon their decades old reputation. Now with a great deal of local support, we are proud to announce the creation of our first preserve!
“Here is your country. Cherish these natural wonders, cherish the natural resources, cherish the history and romance as a sacred heritage, for your children and your children's children. Do not let selfish men or greedy interests skin your country of its beauty, its riches or its romance.”
— Theodore Roosevelt