Unlawful acts relating to caves; offense
Sec. 3. (a) As used in this section:
"Cave" means any naturally occurring subterranean cavity,
including a cavern, pit, pothole, sinkhole, well, grotto, and tunnel
whether or not it has a natural entrance.
"Owner" means the person who holds title to or is in possession
of the land on or under which a cave is located, or his lessee, or
agent.
"Scientific purposes" means exploration and research conducted
by persons affiliated with recognized scientific organizations with
the intent to advance knowledge and with the intent to publish the
results of said exploration or research in an appropriate medium.
(b) A person who knowingly and without the express consent of
the cave owner:
(1) disfigures, destroys, or removes any stalagmite, stalactite, or
other naturally occurring mineral deposit or formation, or
archeological or paleontological artifact in a cave, for other than
scientific purposes;
(2) breaks any lock, gate, fence, or other structure designed to
control or prevent access to a cave;
(3) deposits trash, rubbish, chemicals, or other litter in a cave;
or
(4) destroys, injures, removes, or harasses any cave-dwelling
animal for other than scientific purposes;
commits a Class A misdemeanor.
As added by P.L.177-1983, SEC.2.
Last modified: May 24, 2006