Have you ever found a cave on your property? If so, did you report it? Or did you just kind of look at it? Maybe the state owns the cave even though it is on your property. I’m here to answer just that.

If you find a cave on your land, you generally own the cave. Although you own the cave that is on your property, Texas has laws that protect caves from altering, damaging, or excavating the cave. Under “NATURAL RESOURCES CODE TITLE 10. CAVES CHAPTER 201. CAVERN PROTECTION” “No person may excavate, remove, destroy, injure, alter in any significant manner, or deface any part of a cave owned by the State of Texas, unless the person possesses a valid permit under Section 201.012.” This permit, however, can be revoked if misuse occurs.

Although you own the cave, and you might have a permit, caves can be dangerous especially with the lack of knowledge about caves the public has. It would be recommended to call the Texas Speleological Survey (TSS) as they can help discuss management strategies and concerns as well as registering the caves’ location. Another great resource and recommendation would be contacting “The Texas Cave Management Association” as they can help you manage your cave, figure out what kind of resources are within the cave, and even build a gate for your cave so that it is properly secured. The TCMA is also willing to map your cave out for you and if you are interested, they would be willing to acquire the cave from you if you want to sell it and not worry about maintaining the cave.

Caves can also be financially rewarding. There are different types of grants you may be eligible for to preserve your cave as well as eligibility for developers paying you to preserve your land for “conservation banking” it all just depends on the type of resources and species that are within the cave.

Caves are your property if you find them on your land, however they can be a big responsibility that requires managing and conserving the cave. Although you do own the cave, make sure to get the proper permits required so that you may use the cave as you wish. Whatever you do with the cave, the land is still yours to use, sell, and give to people as you are still the owner of the land.

As always, have fun, stay safe, and know your rights.