§4305 Collection and removal from Federal caves

Summary

The Secretary can give permits to people who want to collect or remove things from caves. Permits can include rules and a bond to make sure people follow them. Each permit must say when, where, how, how much, and why the work will happen. The permit can only be given if the activity fits the purposes of the law and other rules. Permits cannot be transferred to someone else, and doing what a permit allows is not illegal. A permit can be canceled if the holder breaks the law, is fined, or is convicted under the related rules. The Secretary can also refuse to give a new permit to someone who violated a permit before. If an Indian tribe asks, the Secretary may give the tribe the power to issue and enforce permits on tribal land. Permits for tribal land need the tribe’s consent and any terms the tribe wants. If a permit could harm a religious or cultural site, the Secretary must tell the tribe, and that notice is not made public. Tribes do not need a permit to collect or remove cave resources on their own lands.