The Mark Twain National Forest, which is situated in the Ozarks of Missouri, announced that all their caves would be closed until 2016. This unwise and overkill of a decision was in response to the White Nose Syndrome threat (WNS). Although a couple of bats have been found to have the fungus that causes WNS, there are ZERO cases of WNS in Missouri.

You are encouraged to contact the US Forest Service and let them know that you do not support this decision. For more information on this topic, please visit the National Speleological Society's forum.