I haven't seen this posted yet, but the FS announced a 1 year extension to the closure order in CO, NE, KS, SD and WY. Not a surprise, but disappointing. Some of the Region 2 folks attended Convention last week and hopefully learned that caving is more than just a hobby to many. Both the regional forester and deputy regional forester have recently left, and those positions haven't been filled. This is likely one of many excuses for the status quo policy decision.
http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c5/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gDfxMDT8MwRydLA1cj72DTUE8TAwgAykeaxRtBeY4WBv4eHmF-YT4GMHn8usNB9uHXDzYBB3A00PfzyM9N1S_IjTDIMnFUBADW0rdA/dl3/d3/L2dJQSEvUUt3QS9ZQnZ3LzZfMjAwMDAwMDBBODBPSEhWTjJNMDAwMDAwMDA!/?navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&cid=stelprdb5319050&navid=091000000000000&pnavid=null&ss=1102&position=News.Html&ttype=detail&pname=Region%202-%20Home
and a media report:
http://summitcountyvoice.com/2011/07/28/forest-service-extends-cave-closures-to-protect-bats/