Missouri Department of Conservation

Caves and Private Lands

• Video

Cave Gates Help Protect Endangered Bats

See how cave gates help protect endangered bats

Caves on Private Land

What We Do On Request:

• Promote cave conservation by helping landowners with biological surveys, reports, cave mapping, photography and management recommendations, as time permits. Contact the MDC cave biologist, William R. Elliott, about most cave-related issues.
• Design and build a proper cave gate if it is needed and feasible, especially for species of concern and protection against vandalism and trespassers. The budget is limited, however.
• Connect landowners with responsible caving organizations and scientists who can explore, map, photograph and describe caves.
• Help with educational, scientific or conservation projects.
• Designate a cave with high natural values as a natural area.
• Purchase a cave offered for sale if it contains high natural values and fits the Department's long-range needs.

What We Do Not Do:

• Take a cave away from someone, or buy it by eminent domain.
• Publicize cave locations.
• Buy a cave just because someone wants to get rid of it.
• Destroy, degrade or seal caves.
• Arrest trespassers unless our agents are already in pursuit.
• Gate caves