Orient Mine Closure effective May 2009

Orient Land Trust statement on access to the Orient Mine
Updated September 2010

In response to White Nose Syndrome which has killed over a million bats in the eastern and midwestern United States, Orient Land Trust (OLT) has taken the precaution of shutting down access to the Orient Mine to cavers.  We thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

In 2009 The US Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) called for a moratorium on caving activities in affected areas, and on 7/27/10 the US Forest Service issued an emergency order to close caves and abandoned mines in the Rocky Mountain region.  While there have been no reported cases of White Nose Syndrome west of Oklahoma and Missouri, it has been spreading to the west after starting in New England and the Mid-Atlantic states.  OLT initially took this precaution in order to err on the side of protecting our bat colony since the causes of White Nose Syndrome are not yet fully understood.  The Orient Mine is on OLT property and is rarely accessed by outside groups, so this closure should not affect many cavers.  This closure will remain in effect for the foreseeable future, pending further decisions and advice from the Colorado Division of Wildlife. 

Important Note: This closure only affects access to entering the cave and mine, and will not affect hikers or groups going to view the exterior of the mine, the cave (aka “Glory Hole”), or to view the nightly bat outflights in the summer.