Key Cave National Wildlife Refuge

Located southwest of Florence, Alabama, Key Cave National Wildlife Refuge protects the only known population of the endangered Alabama cavefish.
Wheeler NWR Complex Seeks Agricultural Producers for Cooperative Agriculture Program

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking agricultural producer(s) to farm under a Cooperative Agriculture Agreement(s) on Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge and Key Cave National Wildlife Refuge in Northern Alabama.  Producers may apply to split-cost share on one or more of seven farms totaling approximately 3,325 acres on Wheeler NWR and one farm totaling 235 acres on Key Cave NWR for a period of five years (2025-2029), with the agreement renewed annually.

To apply, please complete the accompanying application.  The application process is a competitive process, where the applicant's experience, equipment, and capacity will be taken into consideration.  The applicant must address how the criteria will be met outlined in the announcement and identify a specific farm(s) of interest.  Complete applications can be submitted by email to nick_wirwa@fws.gov, by mail or in-person to 2700 Refuge Headquarters Rd, Decatur, AL 35603 by September 20, 2024.

Public Notice of Opportunity Information Sheet (Please Read Before Applying)

Cooperative Agriculture Agreement Application

For questions or more information please contact Program Coordinator, Nick Wirwa, at nick_wirwa@fws.gov or by phone 256-353-7243 x46144.

Visit Us

Key Cave itself is managed for protection; therefore, it is not open to the public due to the potential for disturbance of the federally endangered Alabama cavefish and gray bats. However, other areas of the refuge are open to visitor activities. 

Location and Contact Information

      About Us

      Key Cave lies on the northern shore of Pickwick Lake in a limestone karst area that contains numerous sinkholes and several underground cave systems. The area’s sinkholes are an integral component of groundwater recharge for the cave.

      What We Do

      The Refuge consists of rolling grassland, upland hardwoods, and crop land. Past farming practices have led to severe soil erosion problems. Initial management efforts were focused on controlling erosion, thus enhancing the water quality entering the underground cave system to benefit the endangered species inhabiting Key Cave.

      Our Species

      Key Cave National Wildlife Refuge protects more than one endangered species, including the Alabama cavefish and the Gray bat. These two species have a unique story where the presence of one benefits the other.  

      Our Library

      Visit our digital library to view refuge documents.