Protecting Cave Resources Yreka, CA- Due to a recent act of vandalism that resulted in the deaths of cave dwelling bats, the Klamath National Forest asks cave users and other partners to work with us in preventing crime and to recreate in caves responsibly. The Klamath National Forest is home to over 100 caves. Caves and lava tubes which are often thousands of years old are extremely sensitive resources. They provide habitat for many endemic and sensitive species. They often feature unique cave structures such as; stalagmites, stalactites, and lavacicles that cannot be recreated. “We have thousands of visitors to our caves each year and the majority of them recreate responsibly and respectfully, and we thank them for that.” said Forest Supervisor Patricia Grantham. Information on recreating in caves responsibly can be found at: caves.org/brochure/NSS%20Guide%2062309.pdf Vandalism to a cave is usually irreversible. Fragile structures and sensitive species can be destroyed by a single act of vandalism or carelessness (including graffiti, removal of cave decorations, modification of openings, or destruction of unique habitat) it cannot be undone or ‘fixed’ for thousands if not millions of years. Graffiti mars the aesthetics of the cave and the fumes are toxic to some cave dwelling animals. It can also ‘seal’ the walls of the cave reducing the rate at which cave decorations form. Modification of cave openings can change how air moves through the cave or exposure to sunlight which will modify the habitat in the cave and change cave forming processes. The climate under which most of the caves on the Forest were created does not exist today. Modification or destruction of habitat or other characteristics of the cave could actually lead to the loss of a species in a cave or in worst cases the extinction of an entirely unique species. Bats are a cornerstone species to our ecology. World-wide they provide important roles for insect control, seed dispersal, and pollination. In Siskiyou County we have approximately 15 species of bats that are each important to our ecosystem. Bats have complex life history needs which includes; the need for natural structures such as snags and caves/lave tubes. Bats need very specific climate controlled areas to overwinter, raise their young, and roost at different times of the day. Most importantly, our local bats species area very sensitive to disturbance. Disturbance at critical times could result in the loss of entire populations. The caves on the Klamath National Forest belong to the public. Everyone is responsible for protecting the resource for future generations to enjoy and learn from. Caves on Federal Lands are protected by The Federal Cave Resource Protection Act of 1988 and in 25 states by state cave laws. These laws make it illegal to damage caves or to remove anything found in a cave. These laws can be seen at: caves.org/section/ccms/bat2k/index.htm The most common types of vandalism on our local public lands are; graffiti or deliberate malicious damage to Forest Service signs, picnic tables, gates, buildings, restrooms, parking facilities, vehicles and natural features as well as the dumping of yard and household, vehicle and building waste. Members of the public can greatly improve our ability to protect caves, as they are widely distributed across the Forest. If you see something, say something, we urge people to be partners in preventing crime and protecting our natural resources said Patrol Captain Lathan Sidebottom. The public can contact U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement by contacting the Klamath National Forest Supervisors Office at 530-842-6131or via the Siskiyou County Sheriffs Office at 530-841-2900.
Posted on: Tue, 25 Nov 2014 05:36:26 +0000
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