Researchers seek museum to keep cave discoveries in Missouri

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- A new cave discovered in southwest Missouri has reminded some how badly the state needs a natural history museum.

A research team has been mapping the inside of Riverbluff Cave and photographing its pristine features since a road construction crew blasted through its roof in September 2001. But members can't help but worry that the valuable treasurers hidden in the cave -- located in an undisclosed area of Greene County -- could end up in another state.

"Most of the finds in Missouri now go to Illinois and Kansas," said David Gaunt, cave researcher and Missouri Speleological Survey member. "A natural history museum is long overdue. Most kids in Missouri have never even seen a fossil placed in historical perspective."

The discovery of Riverbluff Cave -- which researchers think contains enough remains of Ice Age animals to give it national prominence -- has spurred efforts to build a natural history museum.

Greene County Commissioner Dave Coonrod said a resident in southwest Missouri has begun efforts to form a nonprofit partnership to oversee construction.

"We have the ability to build a museum in this area and to bring in world renowned scientists, who would add to our collection," Coonrod said.

The sensitive nature of Riverbluff Cave likely will prevent it from ever being open to the public, researchers said. The museum would give residents of Missouri and elsewhere a chance to see its features -- which include a variety of geologic phenomena, as well as short-faced bears and other animals that roamed the earth during the Ice Age.

Meanwhile, Discovery Center in downtown Springfield has raised $2,500 to build an "Excavation Station." Paleontologist Matt Forir plans to bring specimens from Riverbluff Cave and other dig sites to the lab.