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Seasonal Cave Closure in Effect
All Hoosier National Forest caves are closed to visitors from August 16 and May 14 to prevent the disturbance of hibernating bats and reduce the spread of White-Nose syndrome in bats.
We use the Code of Federal Regulations which defines a cave as - "Cave means any naturally occurring void, cavity, recess, or system of interconnected passages beneath the surface of the earth or within a cliff or ledge and which is large enough to permit a person to enter, whether the entrance is excavated or naturally formed. Such term shall include any natural pit, sinkhole, or other opening which is an extension of a cave entrance, or which is an integral part of the cave."
Alert Start Date: September 12, 2025
Alert End Date: N/A
Order Number: 09-12-25-04
Contact Information
Contact Number: 812-275-5987
Associated Documents
Forest Order
PROHIBITIONS
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a), the following acts are prohibited within the area described in this Order (the “Restricted Area”) and as depicted on the attached map, hereby incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A, within the Brownstown and Tell City Ranger Districts, Hoosier National Forest; Brown, Crawford, Dubois, Jackson, Lawrence, Martin, Monroe, Orange, and Perry Counties, Indiana.
- Entering any cave on National Forest System lands within the Hoosier National Forest between August 16 and May 14. 36 C.F.R. § 261.53 (a), (b), and (d).
EXEMPTIONS
Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:
- Persons with a written Forest Service authorization specifically exempting them from the effect of this Order.
- Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting resource in the performance of an official duty.
- Forest Service Employees Conducting surveys or monitoring in accordance with their duties and as approved by the Forest Supervisor, while following all necessary decontamination procedures.
RESTRICTED AREA
The Restricted Area is any cave on National Forest Lands within the Brownstown and Tell City Ranger Districts on the Hoosier National Forest within Brown, Crawford, Dubois, Jackson, Lawrence, Martin, Monroe, Orange, and Perry Counties in Indiana, as depicted in Exhibit A of this Order.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this Order is to protect threatened, endangered and sensitive bat species while they are in the caves in their hibernation stage and are the most vulnerable.
IMPLEMENTATION
- This Order will be effective when signed by the Forest Supervisor, and shall remain in effect for 5 years, or until rescinded, whichever occurs first.
- A map identifying the Restricted Area is attached and made part of this Order as Exhibit A.
- Any violation of this prohibition is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment for not more than six (6) months, or both (see 16 U.S.C. § 551, 18 U.S.C. § 3571(b)(6), 18U.S.C. § 3581 (b)(7)).
- Further information regarding this Order may be obtained at the Hoosier National Forest Supervisors Office in Bedford, IN telephone number 812-275-5987.
- This Order supersedes any previous orders prohibiting the same acts covered by this Order.
Done at Bedford, IN, this 12th day of September, 2025.
Michael Chaveas Forest
Supervisor Hoosier National Forest