§4305 Collection and Removal From Federal Caves

Summary

The Secretary can issue permits to let people collect or remove cave resources. Permits may include rules and can require a bond to make sure the rules are followed. Each permit must say the time, place, scope, purpose, and how the work will be done. The Secretary may only issue a permit if the activity fits the goals of this chapter and other laws. Permits can be revoked if the permit holder breaks the chapter rules or permit conditions, or if a civil penalty under section 4307 is assessed or there is a conviction under section 4306. Permits cannot be transferred to someone else. The Secretary may give tribes the authority to issue and enforce permits on their lands, or must get the tribe’s consent and include any reasonable tribal conditions for permits on Indian lands. If a permit might harm a religious or cultural site, the Secretary must notify the tribe; that notice is not public under section 4304. Indians or tribes do not need a permit to collect cave resources on their own lands. Actions done under a valid permit are not treated as violations of section 4306.