95-20829. Closure Order: Shoshone District Bat Hibenacula

[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 163 (Wednesday, August 23, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Page 43810]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-20829]



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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Land Management
[ID-050-1150-04]


Closure Order: Shoshone District Bat Hibenacula

AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management; Interior.

SUMMARY: Pursuant to 43 CFR 8364.1, all caves in the Shoshone District 
identified as bat hibernation sites (hibernacula) are seasonally closed 
to entry. With the exception of approved research, essential search and 
rescue, or other emergency or administrative operations for cave 
resources protection, in caves containing hibernation sites, and other 
caves that may be identified in the future as hibernacula, are closed 
seasonally during the hibernation season to all visitation, from 
October 15 to May 1.

    Know affected caves are listed below:

Bat Cave
Chalk Cave
Giant Arch Cave
Gypsum Cave
Jawdropper
Little Arch Cave
Pot O' Gold Cave
Wedge Butte East and West Caves
Will's Cave

    The purpose of the closure is to protect bat species and their 
habitat during the critical hibernation period. Any person who fails to 
comply with this closure and restriction order, under 43 CFR 8364.1, 
may be subject to the penalties provided in regulations at 43 CFR 
8360.0-7; a fine not to exceed $1,000 and/or imprisonment not to exceed 
12 months.

DATES: This action is effective August 14, 1995.

ADDRESSES: The Federal Cave Resources Protection Act of 1988 prohibits 
disclosure of cave locations. Information pertaining to the above 
closure is available at the BLM Shoshone District in Shoshone, Idaho.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Cave Management Coordinator Paula Perletti, BLM Shoshone District, P.O. 
Box 2-B, Shoshone Idaho 83352, telephone [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Certain caves in the Shoshone District are 
particularly attractive to bats for hibernaculum because they provide a 
narrow yet optimum range of temperature and other microclimatical 
variables required for successful hibernation. Research has indicated 
that all bat species are extremely susceptible and sensitive to human 
disturbance during hibernation and that recreational caving trips 
during the hibernation season are detrimental to the survival of bat 
species.
    The policy will be addressed in the Bennett Hills Resource 
Management Plan supplemental draft available 12/95.

    Dated: August 14, 1995
Robert D. Cordell,
Bennett Hills Resource Area Manager.
[FR Doc. 95-20829 Filed 8-22-95; 8:45 am]
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