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Seasonal Cave Closure in Effect
All Hoosier National Forest caves are closed to visitors from September 1 through April 30 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: October 2nd, 2024
Alert End Date: N/A
Order Number: 09-12-21-01
Associated Documents
Forest Order
Under the authority of the Act of Congress dated June 4, 1897, as amended (16 U.S.C. 551), and pursuant to the Secretary of Agriculture’s Regulations set forth as 36 CFR Part 261, Subpart B (36 CFR 261.50(a) and (b)), the following acts and omissions are prohibited on the Hoosier National Forest located within Brown, Crawford, Dubois, Jackson, Lawrence, Martin, Monroe, Orange, and Parry Counties, Indiana.
- Entering any cave on National Forest System lands within the Hoosier National Forest between September 1 and April 30. 36 CFR 261.53 (a), (b), and (d).
THESE RESTRICTIONS ARE NECESSARY TO PROTECT FEDERALLY ENDANGERED, THREATENED, OR SENSITIVE BAT SPECIES. THEY ARE IN ADDITION TO THE GENERAL PROHIBITIONS SET FORTH IN 36 CFR PART 261.
Duration: The prohibitions of this Order shall remain in effect for five years from the signed date of this order until terminated by the Forest Supervisor.
Pursuant to the provisions of 36 CFR 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this order:
- Persons with permit specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or omission (36 CFR 261.50(e)(1)); and,
- Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of any organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty (36 CFR 261.50(e)(4).
- 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.
Violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5000.00 for an individual or $10,000.00 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than six (6) months, or both (16 U.S.C., 18 U.S.C. 3559 and 3571).
Dated this 11th day of December 2020, at Bedford, Indiana.
Mike Chaveas, Forest Supervisor