Jemez Cave (a.k.a. Crystal Cave) - CLOSED Rock Climbing

From the May 1, 2019 closure order extended through April 2023:

PROHIBITIONS:

Pursuant to 16 USC 551 and Title 36 CFR 261.50 (a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited within the area as

described in this Order (the " restricted area") and as depicted on the attached map, hereby incorporated into this

Order as Exhibit A, within the Jemez Ranger District, Santa Fe National Forest, Sandoval County within the State

of New Mexico.

1. Going into or being upon the Jemez Cave, the area surrounding the cave, and/or the user-created trails

leading to the cave. 36 CFR 261.53(c), 36 CFR 261.53(d), 36 CFR 261.53(e) and 36 CFR 261.53(f).

EXEMPTIONS:

Pursuant to 36 CFR § 261.50 ( e ), the following persons are exempt from this Order:

1. Persons with a Forest Service permit specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or omission.

2. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the

performance of an official duty.

3. Persons employed by the Jemez Mountain Electric Cooperative conducting routine maintenance activities

on existing utility power lines and poles.

RESTRICTED AREA:

The restricted area is described as Jemez Cave and the area surrounding the cave, extending 50 feet upslope from

the roof of cave, extending 50 feet on either side of the mouth of the cave, extending down slope to New Mexico

Highway 4 Right-of-Way, and including all access trails leading to the cave. The restricted area does not include

the unimproved parking area immediately adjacent to the highway Right-of-Way.

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this Order is to provide short term natural and cultural resource protection for the Jemez Cave and

to protect public safety and welfare until current damages to natural and cultural resources can be assessed and a

long-term management strategy developed.

IMPLEMENTATION:

1. This Order will be in effect when signed and shall remain in effect until April 30, 2021, or until rescinded,

whichever occurs first.

2. Any violation of this prohibition is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000

for individuals and $10,000 for organizations and/or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both.

[Title 16 USC 551, Title 18 USC 3559, 3571, and 3581.]

3. This Order supersedes any previous orders prohibiting; the same acts covered by this Order.