1. The Anderson Cave Preserve is managed by the Southeastern Cave Conservancy on behalf of the Birmingham Water Works Board in cooperation with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Permission is required to visit the preserve and caves.

2. Due to the presence of endangered Gray Bats, the caves on the preserve are closed to all access from March 1 through October 31 with the exception of access required for wildlife management, scientific study, and/or stewardship and conservation work. Such access will be by specific permission and will be made under the supervision of the preserve manager.

3. Outside the closed period defined above, access to the preserve and caves is permitted for exploration, recreation, and other non-commercial activities. Entry into the caves shall be limited to those activities that will not cause any adverse impact on the caves or wildlife.

4. A permit is required for access to the preserve and for entry into the caves except ADCNR, USFWS and WWB personnel. Permits are issued by the SCCi Anderson Cave Preserve manager and must be requested at least two (2) weeks in advance. At least one member of any group requesting a permit must be a member of the SCCi or the National Speleological Society. The permit will be issued in that person’s name, and he or she will be responsible for ensuring that all group members comply with the terms and conditions of the permit.

5. To minimize impact, groups visiting the preserve will be limited to a maximum of twelve (12) cavers. The minimum group size is two (2) cavers. A minimum ratio of one (1) adult per four (4) minors will be observed on all trips. No more than two (2) groups (a maximum of 24 people total) will be allowed into Anderson Cave on the same day. Exceptions to the maximum size and group limits may be made by the preserve managers for cleanup trips and work days at the preserve.

6. Use of the caves for any type of commercial activity or purpose, including guided or commercial caving or other similar activity, is not allowed.

7. Vehicles, bicycles, and horses are limited to existing roads and designated parking areas.

8. Hunting is not allowed on the preserve. Discharging firearms is prohibited.

9. Camping is not allowed on the preserve, and fires are prohibited.

10. Collection or removal of wildlife, artifacts, speleothems, or any other natural or cultural resources of the preserve are not permitted without written permission of the SCCi.

11. There will be no construction or other alteration of the natural state of the preserve except as necessary to maintain the preserve and any access roads. The preserve will be maintained in its natural state and will not be developed, improved, or exploited in any way, except as necessary to maintain the boundaries and access trails and to manage its usage as a managed wildlife area. Modification of the caves or property, including the placing of bolts or other artificial anchors or the digging or excavation of passages or entrances, is prohibited without written permission of the SCCi.

12. Vandalism or damage to the preserve, including its caves and wildlife, may be prosecuted in accordance with applicable state and federal laws.