Manual Direction

Cave & Karst Resources Management

James GoodbarSenior Cave /Karst SpecialistBureau of Land ManagementMay 12-16, 2014 Cody, Wyoming

Objectives (BLM)

A. Provide a framework for Cave & Karst Management

B. Establish surface & subsurface management practices

C. Ensure actions requiring approval are consistent with the agency missions

Objectives (BLM)

A. Provide a framework to Identify, Evaluate, Manage, Monitor and Protect Cave and Karst Resources on public lands for the purpose of maintaining their significant values for both present and future uses.

Objectives (BLM)

B. Establish adequate Surface and Subsurface Management Practices to ensure the long term protection of Cave and Karst resources.

Objectives (BLM)

C. Ensure that actions related to Cave and Karst resources requiring

authorization or approval by the specified agency are consistent with the mission of multiple use and sustained yield (BLM)

Objectives (USFS)2880To provide information about National Forest Systems lands for the periodic assessment

To develop a basic knowledge of geologic resources and hazards and their associated landscapes at a level appropriate for management needs

Secure, protect, and preserve significant caves for the perpetual use, enjoyment, and benefit of all people, and to foster increased cooperation and exchange of information with those who utilize caves for scientific, educational, or recreational purposes.

2356Provide cave related recreational, cultural, educational, and scientific study opportunities that serve public needs. Balance surface resource

management and cave use with the protection of cave values.

Objectives (NPS)1. Protection of natural processes and resources in cave ecosystems and karst landscapes;2. Scientific studies and research in or about cave and karst resources and systems to broaden understanding;3. Detailed cartographic surveys and inventories of cave and karst systems;4. Provide for educational and recreational opportunities;5. Establishment of regulations, guidelines, and permit stipulations to ensure maximum conservation of cave and karst resources and processes;6. Direction for cave restoration activities that remove unnatural materials or restore otherwise impacted areas;7. Establishment of standard operating procedures in the maintenance and upkeep of developed cave passages;8. Monitoring of natural environmental conditions and visitor use and impact;9. Develop methods for sustainable use of cave resources.

AuthoritiesArchaeological Resources Protection Act

Antiquities Act

BLM MANUAL 8380, USFS MANUAL 2880/2356,

Clean Water Act

Endangered Species Act

Federal Cave Resources Protection Act

Federal Land Policy and Management Act

Multiple Use – Sustained Yield Act

National Cave and Karst Research Institute Act

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

National Historic Preservation Act

Organic Administrative Act

Paleontological Resources Protection Act

Title 43 (CFR), Part 37- Cave Management (BLM)

Title 36 (CFR), Part 290 – Cave Management (USFS)

Title 36 (CFR), Parts 1- 199 (NPS)

Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act

Water Pollution Control Act

Wilderness Act

Others….

BLM Responsibility

Director

Assistant Director - Renewable Resources

Cave/Karst Resources Senior Specialist

State Directors

District Managers

Field Office Managers

USFS Responsibility Directors, Minerals and Geology Management/ Recreation, Heritage, Volunteer Resources

Assistant Directors, Geologic Resources, Hazards, Surface Areas/ RHVR

National Cave and Karst Program Coordinators, Geology and Rec

Regional Foresters

Forest Supervisors

Forest Geologists/ Recreation Specialists

NPS Responsibility

Various Park Divisions – Resources, Interpretation & Education, Maintenance, Law Enforcement & Visitor Services

Park Superintendents*Regional Director and Associate Regional

DirectorsDirector through Associate Directors

– For Natural Resources – Ray Sauvajot – Acting– National Cave and Karst Program Coordinator – Provide

guidance, recommendations, and other types of help with various aspects of park programs

Policy

Identify and Inventory Resources

Land Use Planning– a. Management– b. Marketing– c. Monitoring– d. Administration

Manage to Protect Fragile Resources

Volunteers and Partnerships

Education and Coordination

Files & Records Maintenance:

Maintain Cave & Karst Resource Records.

Secure Records - Prevent Unauthorized Access.

Report Significant Caves in RMIS (BLM)

Report Gates, Trails, etc. in FAMS (BLM)

Significant cave reporting in INFRA (USFS)– New geospatial component the next few years

Relationship to Other Programs

Reduce Conflict

Coordinate

Definitions

Photo by: J. Goodbar

8380-1 Handbook: In Progress

The Manual tells us What we are to do.

The Handbook tells us How to do it.

NPS Natural Resource Management Reference Manual #77

http://www.nature.nps.gov/Rm77/caves.cfm

Lots of good guidance – needs some updating

Photo by Dale Pate