16. FEDERAL CAVE RESOURCES PROTECTION ACT OF

1988

[As amended through December 31, 1996, P.L. 104-333]

16. FEDERAL CAVE RESOURCES PROTECTION ACT OF

1988

[As amended through December 31, 1996, P.L. 104-333]

16. FEDERAL CAVE RESOURCES PROTECTION ACT OF

1988

(Public Law 100-691; November 18, 1988; 16 U.S.C. 4301 through 4309)

AN ACT To protect cave resources on Federal lands, and for other purposes.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. [16 U.S.C. 4301 note] SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be referred to as the "Federal Cave Resources Protection Act of 1988”.

SEC. 2. [16 U.S.C. 4301] FINDINGS, PURPOSES, AND POLICY.
(a) FINDINGS.-The Congress finds and declares that-

(1) significant caves on Federal lands are an invaluable and irreplaceable part of the Nation's natural heritage; and

(2) in some instances, these significant caves are threatened due to improper use, increased recreational demand, urban spread, and a lack of specific statutory protection. (b) PURPOSES.-The purposes of this Act are—

(1) to secure, protect, and preserve significant caves on Federal lands for the perpetual use, enjoyment, and benefit of all people; and

(2) to foster increased cooperation and exchange of information between governmental authorities and those who utilize caves located on Federal lands for scientific, education, or recreational purposes.

(c) POLICY. It is the policy of the United States that Federal lands be managed in a manner which protects and maintains, to the extent practical, significant caves.

SEC. 3. [16 U.S.C. 4302] DEFINITIONS.

For purposes of this Act:

(1) CAVE.-The term "cave" means any naturally occurring void, cavity, recess, or system of interconnected passages which occurs beneath the surface of the earth or within a cliff or ledge (including any cave resource therein, but not including any vug, mine, tunnel, aqueduct, or other manmade excavation) and which is large enough to permit an individual to enter, whether or not the entrance is naturally formed or manmade. Such term shall include any natural pit, sinkhole, or other feature which is an extension of the entrance.

(2) FEDERAL LANDS.-The term "Federal lands" means lands the fee title to which is owned by the United States and administered by the Secretary of Agriculture or the Secretary of the Interior.