§4305 Collection and Removal From Federal Caves

Summary

The Secretary may issue permits for collecting or removing cave resources, but only under conditions the Secretary sets and sometimes with a bond to ensure rules are followed. Each permit must say when and where the work will happen, how big it will be, why it is being done, and how it will be done. Permits can be granted only if the planned activity fits the goals of the law and other rules. The Secretary must cancel a permit if the holder breaks the rules, fails to follow permit conditions, is fined, or is convicted under the laws that protect caves. Permits can’t be transferred to someone else. For caves on Indian lands, a tribe can ask to take over permit duties, and the Secretary must get the tribe’s consent and include any terms the tribe asks for before issuing a permit. The Secretary must notify tribes if a permit might harm a religious or cultural site. A tribe does not need a permit to collect resources on its own land. Activities allowed by a permit are not treated as illegal.