Gates will be installed at five openings to the Palomas Creek Cave to protect sensitive bat and other wildlife habitat. Recent and ongoing vandalism within the cave system indicates human activities and presence within the cave system that may harm bat habitat through disturbance and disease spread.
Location
Palomas Creek Cave is located within the South Fork Palomas Creek Watershed within the Black Range Ranger on the Gila National Forest, Sierra County, New Mexico. It is located adjacent to the South Fork of Palomas Creek in T13S R9W.
Project timeline
1
NEPA Start Date
1/6/2026
2
Finding/Decision Date
1/26/2026
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Categorical Exclusion | TVA 30 (18 CFR Appendix A to Subpart C of Part 1318(30)) |
| Decision Signed Date | 1/26/2026 |