Ape Cave Resource Protection Restrictions

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
FOREST SERVICE
GIFFORD PINCHOT NATIONAL FOREST
VANCOUVER, WASHINGTON

FOREST ORDER NO. 06-03-05-26-01

APE CAVE RESOURCE PROTECTION RESTRICTIONS

Pursuant to 16 USC § 551, and 36 CFR §§ 261.50 (a), (b), and 290, the following special restrictions and prohibitions are established on the Ape Cave and Ape Cave Interpretive Site of Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument within the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The closure area is described below and shown on Exhibit A. This Order is effective from 07/13/2026 to 07/13/2028. 

PROHIBITIONS for APE CAVE and APE CAVE INTERPRETIVE SITE: 

1. Going into or being in any area which is closed or restricted for the protection of special biological communities, areas of geological interest, and public health or safety. [36 CFR 261.53(b), (c), (e)]
2. Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire. [36 CFR 261.52 (a)]
3. Smoking. [36 CFR 261.52(c)]
4. Camping. [36 CFR 261.58(e)]
5. Parking or leaving a vehicle in violation of posted instructions. [36 CFR 261.58(g)]
6. Discharging a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun. [36 CFR 261.58(m)]
7. Possessing any domestic animals (with the exception of service animals as defined on www.ADA.gov). [36 CFR 261.58(s)]
8. Landing of aircraft, or dropping or picking up any material, supplies, or person by means of an aircraft, including a helicopter. [36 CFR 261.58(y)]
9. Possessing an alcoholic beverage. [36 CFR 261.58(bb)]
10. Depositing any body waste in caves except into receptacles provided for that purpose. [36 CFR 261.58(ee)]

AREA DESCRIPTION:

Starting at the center of Forest Service Road (FSR) 8303 one half mile from the intersection of FSR 83; extending a 50-foot line perpendicular to the east side of the road; following that 50 foot distance along the curve of FSR 8303 to where that line intersects with the Ape Cave overflow parking area, including the host camp site, then following the southern and eastern edge of the overflow parking area; then along the trail that leads to the upper parking area; then along the paved trail; then along the outer edge of the depression that forms the lower cave entrance and down into the cave entrance up to the gate; then north along (with a 10 foot buffer) above ground Trail #239; around the outer edge of the depression that forms the upper cave entrance; back down Trail #239 (with a 10 foot buffer) and back down the paved trail to the paved plaza area to include the Ape Headquarters building; then along the west side of the main Ape Cave parking lot, restrooms, and entrance road to the intersection with the edge of FR 8303; then extending a perpendicular line to the opposite side of FR 8303 to a point 50 feet from the center point of the road; continuing along the curve of FR 8303 following that 50 foot distance until meeting a perpendicular line from the starting point; then to the starting point. (Exhibit A). Area closure includes the interior of Ape Cave. 

Cave entrances are not shown on the map per the Federal Cave Resources Protection Act Sec 5(a) [16 U.S.C. § 4304] Confidentiality of Information Concerning Nature and Location of Significant Caves.

EXEMPTIONS: 

Pursuant to 36 CFR § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt only from prohibition number 1 in this Order:

1. Persons with a timed reservation for Ape Cave Interpretive Site from recreation.gov. 
2. Persons remaining in their vehicle and driving through the closure area on Forest Road 8303.
3. Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order) specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or omission.
4. Any Federal, State, or Local officer, or member of an organized search and rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty. 

These prohibitions are necessary to protect National Forest System lands from adverse impacts to nonrenewable, and fragile, cave resources. The 1988 Federal Cave Resources Protection Act mandates Federal agencies to secure, protect, and preserve significant caves on Federal lands for the perpetual use, enjoyment, and benefit of all people. Many caves on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest are recognized as significant caves in every category, for outstanding biota, cultural, geologic-mineralogical, paleontological, hydrologic, recreational, and/or educational-scientific characteristics. 

The purpose of this Forest Order is to: provide protection and use of the Ape Cave Interpretive Site on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest; reduce the risk of spread of white-nose syndrome to bats on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest; and avoid adverse impacts to cultural resources, geologic features, wildlife, mosses, and other cave resources from Forest users. 

These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 CFR Part 261, Subpart A.
Violations of this prohibition are punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than 6 months, or both (16 USC § 551; 18 USC §§ 3551, 3559, 3571, and 3581). 

Executed in Vancouver, WA this tenth day of July, 2026.