Adverse impacts to cave and karst areas would result from management that increases incompatible or excessive recreational use. The principle beneficial impacts to cave and karst resources, regardless of the alternative, result from managing the recreational use of caves to protect and maintain cave resources, while enhancing user experiences through ensuring compatible use levels and promoting the importance and research of cave resources. Under Alternative A, management of cave and karst resources as the Worland Cave SRMA would preserve the recreational setting in caves and provide protection of these resources by promoting appropriate recreational uses. Alternative B manages cave and karst resources as a separate Caves and Karst Extensive Recreation Management Area (ERMA), which would result in similar impacts to those under Alternative A, but to a lesser degree. Management of cave and karst resources under the general Bighorn Basin ERMA with no additional special protections for these areas in alternatives C and D would result in the fewest beneficial impacts. Protection for these areas through the designation of ACECs would be greatest under Alternative B, followed by alternatives A, D, and C, respectively. Alternative B would be the most beneficial for scientific research and data collection in cave and karst areas.