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Cave Closure and Restrictions
Order is to reduce the spread of the fungus that causes WNS and to protect bat species during critical biological periods
Alert Start Date: September 1st, 2024
Alert End Date: August 31st, 2027
Order Number: R2-2024-02
Associated Documents
Forest Order
PROHIBITIONS Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. 261.50(a), the following are prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands within the Rocky Mountain Region (Region 2), which is described further below and in the attached Exhibit A incorporated into this Order (the “Described Area”): 1. Entering caves in the Described Area identified on Exhibit A during the dates specified on Exhibit A. 36 CFR § 261.53(a) and (d). 2. Entering any cave within the Described Area, not listed on Exhibit A or any cave listed on Exhibit A during any time of year outside of the dates specified on Exhibit A, without: a. Complying with the decontamination guidelines in Exhibit B, attached and incorporated into this Order; b. Ensuring that equipment and clothing used in states and counties where White nose syndrome (WNS) or WNS fungus has been detected (listed at http://www.whitenosesyndrome.org) are not used in states or counties where WNS or WNS fungus has not been detected; and c. Possessing a signed and approved Forest Service Rocky Mountain Region Cave Access Registration Form.