---
kind: "section"
citation: "16 U.S.C. § 4303"
title: "16"
title_heading: "Conservation"
number: "4303"
heading: "Management actions"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/16/4303"
units:
  - "Chapter 63 — Federal Cave Resources Protection"
---

# §4303. Management actions

- (a) **Regulations—** Not later than nine months after November 18, 1988, the [Secretary](/usc/16/4302.md?p=6) shall issue such regulations as he deems necessary to achieve the purposes of this chapter. Regulations shall include, but not be limited to, criteria for the identification of significant [caves](/usc/16/4302.md?p=1). The [Secretaries](/usc/16/4302.md?p=6) shall cooperate and consult with one another in preparation of the regulations. To the extent practical, regulations promulgated by the respective [Secretaries](/usc/16/4302.md?p=6) should be similar.
- (b) **In general—** The [Secretary](/usc/16/4302.md?p=6) shall [take](/usc/16/3102.md?p=18) such actions as may be necessary to further the purposes of this chapter. Those actions shall include (but need not be limited to)—
  - (1) identification of significant [caves](/usc/16/4302.md?p=1) on [Federal lands](/usc/16/4302.md?p=2):
    - (A) The [Secretary](/usc/16/4302.md?p=6) shall prepare an initial list of significant [caves](/usc/16/4302.md?p=1) for lands under his jurisdiction not later than one year after the publication of final regulations using the significance criteria defined in such regulations. Such a list shall be developed after consultation with appropriate private sector interests, including cavers.
    - (B) The initial list of significant [caves](/usc/16/4302.md?p=1) shall be updated periodically, after consultation with appropriate private sector interests, including cavers. The [Secretary](/usc/16/4302.md?p=6) shall prescribe by policy or regulation the requirements and process by which the initial list will be updated, including management measures to assure that [caves](/usc/16/4302.md?p=1) under consideration for the list are protected during the period of consideration. Each [cave](/usc/16/4302.md?p=1) recommended to the [Secretary](/usc/16/4302.md?p=6) by interested groups for possible inclusion on the list of significant [caves](/usc/16/4302.md?p=1) shall be considered by the [Secretary](/usc/16/4302.md?p=6) according to the requirements prescribed pursuant to this paragraph, and shall be added to the list if the [Secretary](/usc/16/4302.md?p=6) determines that the [cave](/usc/16/4302.md?p=1) meets the criteria for significance as defined by the regulations.
  - (2) regulation or restriction of use of significant [caves](/usc/16/4302.md?p=1), as appropriate;
  - (3) entering into volunteer management agreements with [persons](/usc/16/450rr–1.md?p=b) of the scientific and recreational caving community; and
  - (4) appointment of appropriate [advisory committees](/usc/16/698u–1.md?p=1).
- (c) **Planning and public participation—** The [Secretary](/usc/16/4302.md?p=6) shall—
  - (1) ensure that significant [caves](/usc/16/4302.md?p=1) are considered in the preparation or implementation of any land [management plan](/usc/16/544.md?p=k) if the preparation or revision of the plan began after November 18, 1988; and
  - (2) foster communication, cooperation, and exchange of information between land managers, those who utilize [caves](/usc/16/4302.md?p=1), and the public.

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 100–691, § 4, Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4547.)