[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 1 (Friday, January 2, 1998)] [Notices] [Page 107] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 97-34209] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [ID-050-1150-04] Notice--Bat Hibernation Site (Hibernacula) Closure AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management; Interior. ACTION: Notice--bat hibernation sites (hibernacula) closure. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: Pursuant to 43 CFR 8364.1, eleven caves in the Upper Snake River Districts are identified as bat hibernation sites (hibernacula) are seasonally closed to entry. With the exception of approved research, essential search and rescue, or other emergency or administrative operations for cave resources protection, eleven caves containing hibernation sites are closed during the hibernation season to all visitation, from October 15 to May 1. Affected caves are listed below: Bobcat Cave Kids Cave Owl Cave Chalk Cave Giant Arch Cave Gypsum Cave Little Arch Cave Pot O' Gold Cave Twin Cave Will's Cave The One That Goes Cave The purpose of the closure is to protect bat species and their habitat during the critical hibernation period. Any person who fails to comply with this closure and restriction order, under 43 CFR 8364.1, may be subject to the penalties provided in regulations at 43 CFR 8360.0-7; a fine not to exceed $1,000 and/or imprisonment not to exceed 12 months. DATES: This action is effective December 18, 1997. ADDRESSES: The Federal Cave Resources Protection Act of 1988 prohibits disclosure of cave locations. Information pertaining to the above closure is available at the Shoshone Resource Area in Shoshone, Idaho, and the Idaho Falls District Office in Idaho Falls, Idaho. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paula Call, BLM Shoshone Resource Area, P.O. Box 2-B, Shoshone Idaho 83352, telephone (208) 886-7254, or Joe Lowe, BLM Idaho Falls District Office, 1405 Hollipark Drive, Idaho Falls, Idaho 83401, telephone (208) 524-7558. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Certain caves in the Upper Snake River Districts serve as critical winter habitat for bats because they provide a narrow yet optimum range of temperature and other microclimatical variables required for successful hibernation. Research has indicated that all bat species are extremely susceptible and sensitive to human disturbance during hibernation, and that recreational caving trips during the hibernation season are detrimental to the survival of bat species. Dated: December 19, 1997. Bill Baker, Shoshone Resource Area Manager. [FR Doc. 97-34209 Filed 12-31-97; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-GG-P