Title 16 — ConservationRelease 119-73not60
§4304 Confidentiality of Information Concerning Nature and Location of Significant Caves
Title 16 › Chapter 63— FEDERAL CAVE RESOURCES PROTECTION › § 4304
Summary
Keeps exact locations of significant caves from the public under section 552 of title 5 unless the Secretary finds that telling the public would help the chapter’s purpose and would not create a substantial risk of harm, theft, or destruction. The Secretary may share locations with government agencies or legitimate educational or research institutions that send a written request naming the site, stating the purpose, and giving assurances the Secretary accepts to keep the location confidential and protect the cave.
Full Legal Text
Title 16, §4304
Conservation — Source: USLM XML via OLRC
(a)Information concerning the specific location of any significant cave may not be made available to the public under section 552 of title 5 unless the Secretary determines that disclosure of such information would further the purposes of this chapter and would not create a substantial risk of harm, theft, or destruction of such cave.
(b)Notwithstanding subsection (a), the Secretary may make available information regarding significant caves upon the written request by Federal and State governmental agencies or bona fide educational and research institutions. Any such written request shall, at a minimum—
(1)describe the specific site or area for which information is sought;
(2)explain the purpose for which such information is sought; and
(3)include assurances satisfactory to the Secretary that adequate measures are being taken to protect the confidentiality of such information and to ensure the protection of the significant cave from destruction by vandalism and unauthorized use.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
16 U.S.C. § 4304
Title 16 — Conservation
Last Updated
Apr 5, 2026
Release point: 119-73not60