Utah State Office
| Contacts: | Dawna Ferris-Rowley, Assistant Manager, St. George Field Office | , 435-688-3216 | , Dawna_Ferris@blm.gov | |
| Rachel Tueller, Public Affairs Officer, Color Country District | , 435-865-3032 | , Rachel_Tueller@blm.gov |
BLM to Implement New Bloomington Cave Management Plan July 6, 2009
St. George, Utah—On July 6, 2009, the Bureau of Land Management, St. George Field Office will implement a new management plan for Bloomington Cave, a popular recreation destination located in Washington County. The new management plan provides greater protection for species and fragile geologic features found within the cave.
As part of the planning process this winter, the BLM called for public comments on the proposed management plan. At the close of the public comment period on February 25, 2009, after reviewing all feedback, the BLM finalized the Bloomington Cave Management Plan and began preparing to implement a permit system which will begin July 6, 2009.
For casual spelunkers and experienced cavers from national and international locales alike, the shift in management will mean a few significant changes when it comes to trip planning and exploring the cave.
Under the new permit system, visitors to Bloomington Cave can apply for one of three, free permits available daily. Each permit entitles a minimum of three individuals or a maximum of 10 individuals, access for the day into Bloomington Cave. Beginning July 6, 2009, permit applications will be available online or at the Interagency Visitors Center at 345 East Riverside Drive, St. George, Utah from 8am to 4:30pm, Monday through Friday. Group leaders must be 18 years of age or older. All participating minors under the age of 18 require the signature of a parent or guardian. Boy Scout groups must adhere to approved Boy Scouts of America caving guidelines.
Applications can be completed online and submitted via E-mail-with the exception of minors under the age of 18 whose parental signatures are required. Applications should include three choices for intended use dates as well as the names and contact information for all party members.
With more than a mile of complex passages, the cave’s terrain requires both appropriate equipment and the technical caving skills to navigate and explore safely. The new management plan and permit system therefore require a minimum level of preparedness before entering the cave. Complete, detailed information regarding the new permit system, application process and management plan can be viewed online at: http://www.blm.gov/ut/st/en/fo/st__george/recreation/caving.html
In addition to its recreational allure, Bloomington Cave also possesses highly valuable and unusual geologic formations and provides habitat for several bat species, reptiles, insects, and other unique and delicate cave-dwelling life forms. Unfortunately, many of these geological and biological resources have been degraded by vandalism, graffiti, campfires and littering in recent years.
“That’s why the St. George Field Office is moving to further protect this valuable resource,” said Jimmy Tyree, manager of the St. George Field Office, “to provide protection for species and geologic features and enhance visitor preparedness to safely explore Bloomington Cave. The plan improves the management of recreational uses and serves to further educate the public about cave resources,” said Tyree.
Cavers like Justin Epps, with more than 13 years of caving experience and over 60 expeditions through Bloomington Cave, strongly believes that appropriate management will help preserve the cave’s priceless resources.
“There are formations in there that people aren’t aware of that are delicate and fragile like soda straws, flow stones and cave pearls. They are irreplaceable formations that take hundreds of thousands of years to make and if my great grandkids can see them, that would be great,” said Epps, author of Cave Safely, Cave Softly, a guide geared toward teaching safe caving practices to youth instructors.
“To make people responsible when they go in there is the best thing you can do,” Epps said.
To apply online for permits required beginning July 6, 2009 go to: http://www.blm.gov/ut/st/en/fo/st__george/more/in_the_spotlight/bloomington_cave_permit.html
The BLM manages more land - 253 million acres - than any other Federal agency. This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The Bureau, with a budget of about $1 billion, also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM's multiple-use mission is to sustain the health and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. The Bureau accomplishes this by managing such activities as outdoor recreation, livestock grazing, mineral development, and energy production, and by conserving natural, historical, cultural, and other resources on public lands.
Utah State Office 440 West 200 South, Suite 500 Salt Lake City, Utah 84145-0155