Frenchman Knob Cave Preserve Management Plan
Southeastern Cave Conservancy, Inc.

Adopted _ _ August 21, 2007

The purpose of the Frenchman Knob Cave Management Policy is to protect the habitat of the endangered Indiana Bat hibernaculum in Frenchman Knob Cave, Hart County, Kentucky, as well as any other endangered and/or threatened species which inhabit the cave. The cave and property will have limited and carefully managed access. Primary consideration will be given to the protection and preservation of the cave and its contents.

1. Frenchman Knob Cave is managed by the Frenchman Knob Cave Preserve Management Committee on behalf of The Southeastern Cave Conservancy Inc. Permission is required to visit the cave.

2. The Frenchman Knob Cave Preserve Management Committee can be reached by email at FrenchmanKnob@scci.org. 

3. Frenchman Knob Cave is located on private property owned by The Southeastern Cave Conservancy Inc. Visitors should remember that they are guests when they are visiting the cave and act accordingly.

4. The cave is closed to all access from September 1 through April 1, while the Indiana Bats are in hibernation. There will be “NO” entry allowed during the closed period without written permission from the SCCi Board.

5. Membership in the Southeastern Cave Conservancy is not required for access to Frenchman Knob Cave, but it is strongly encouraged. 

6. Visitation is on a first-come, first-served basis. The Management Committee should be contacted as soon as is possible for access arrangements in order to avoid scheduling conflicts.

7. To minimize impact to the cave, the SCCi prefers that groups visiting the cave be limited to eight (8) or fewer people. A minimum group size of three (3) is required.

8. Flora, fauna and cultural resources on the Preserve are to be left undisturbed.

9. Use of the preserve for any type of commercial activity, including caving or other recreational activities is not allowed.

10. Camping on the Preserve is allowed in designated areas only. Campfires are permitted only in established fire rings, and never allowed in dry season or windy conditions. Camping in the cave is not allowed.

11. Hunting is not allowed except by direct written permission of the SCCi Board. Discharging firearms of any type for purposes other than hunting is prohibited.

12. Modification of the cave or property, including placing bolts or other artificial anchors, or the digging or excavation of passages or entrances, is prohibited.

13. Keys and locks are not to be modified or duplicated by anyone except by the Management Committee or the Board

14. In order to prevent unauthorized entry, the road gate is to remain locked at all times.

15. The Frenchman Knob Cave Preserve Management Committee and the Southeastern Cave Conservancy Inc. reserve the right to refuse access to the preserve and cave to any individual or group. Decisions of the committee may be appealed to the SCCi Board.