Abandoned Mine Lands: A New Legacy

DISCOVER RESTORE SUSTAIN

May 2013

327447_FINAL_Print.indd 1 7/23/13 11:35 AM Dear Friends,

For the past 19 years, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has worked diligently to change the legacy of hardrock mining on federally- managed lands. The BLM has changed this legacy by protecting the public and the environment by restoring lands and waters impaired by mining over the past two centuries, while preserving the historical significance of mining on the landscape. The BLM’s Abandoned Mine Lands (AML) program is highlighting our work at AMLs as the “New Legacy.” This program is guided by a phased approach that moves impacted mine lands and water to a restored, safe, and sustained state. While the BLM has already achieved significant success in restoring abandoned mine sites through this approach, we cannot do this alone—we rely heavily on valuable partnerships that enable us to leverage expertise and resources, apply best management practices, and utilize lessons learned. Collaboration and coordination with other Federal agencies, state cleanup programs, local governments, industry, non-profit organizations, and—most importantly—communities help to ensure that our actions are lasting and sustainable while preserving the historical significance of abandoned mine lands. Outreach is an essential part of this approach, and the BLM is committed to open communication and transparent public involvement throughout the decision-making process—starting early in the regulatory and planning process, well before action is taken. While leveraging past successes provides a strong foundation for moving forward, utilizing innovative approaches and new ideas can lead to even larger strides toward future success. Because it is often local leaders and experts that understand and bring acceptance of such innovative thinking to their communities, the BLM understands the value of listening and working closely with our local partners. While a great deal of work remains to transition from the old mining legacy to a New Legacy of restored ecological, cultural, and safe landscapes our commitment endures. Through our approach to restore abandoned mine lands, the BLM works to protect public health, public safety, and the environment; increase stewardship through sustainability of our national landscapes; and continue our progress toward moving all mining sites along the path to the New Legacy.

Edwin Roberson Bureau of Land Management, Assistant Director, Renewable Resources and Planning

Acidic mine drainage passive wetland treatment near Eureka on the upper Animas river. Animas river valley near Silverton, Colorado.

327447_FINAL_Print.indd 2 7/23/13 11:35 AM BLM Mission

The BLM’s mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

The AML program supports the BLM mission by restoring public lands and water impacted by historic hardrock mining in the West, while preserving the historic, cultural, natural, and wildlife habitat resources that they provide.

“The nation behaves well if it treats the natural resources as assets which it must turn over to the next generation increased; and not impaired in value” — Theodore Roosevelt

Animas river valley near Silverton, Colorado.

327447_FINAL_Print.indd 3 7/23/13 11:35 AM “The accounts of abundance of gold are of such an extraordinary character as would scarcely command belief were they not corroborated by the authentic reports of officers in the public service.”

—President James K. Polk, 1848 State of the Union Address A gold dredge in Alaska. A Long Legacy Of Hardrock Mining Mining in our nation’s western lands and waters and the mines that supported them went through for precious metals was a powerful force behind many “booms” and “busts.” the exploration and settlement of the American The large-scale gold rushes in Alaska, California, West. The lure of fortune-making and legislative Colorado, Idaho, and Nevada ushered in a incentives fostered by the 1872 Mining Law redistribution of our nation’s population. But, even provided the economic base on which many remote at the height of the gold rush, much of the West communities were established and on which our was not settled. Today, 11 of the 20 states with the country prospered. Often driven by economic fastest population growth are in the West, where expansions or wartime needs, these communities The Ester Creek BLM-administered public lands abound. As a result, Placer Mine in Alaska.

Western expansion begins: Mining Law of 1866 General Mining Millions of people migrate West gave discoverers Law of 1872 opens in pursuit of land and riches. California gold Hydraulic mining rights to stake mining public lands to Hydraulic mining In 1800, less than 7% of the U.S. rush begins. begins in California. claims to extract Placer mineral acquisition practices in CA end population lived in the West. Idaho gold, gold, silver, cinnabar Mining by locating/ by court order due Placer mining Nevada gold Colorado gold rush silver, and lead (the principal ore of Law maintaining Alaska gold to environmental begins, primarily for gold rush begins. begins (1859). rushes begins. mercury), and copper. enacted. mining claims. rush begins. degradation. 1848 1860 1870 1880 1890s Early 1852 1866 1872 1884 1800’s

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327447_FINAL_Print.indd 4 7/23/13 11:35 AM the number of visitors to BLM public lands has enhanced recoveries from lower-grade ores. doubled in the past 2 decades—to nearly 60 million Unfortunately, the necessary chemicals for these visitors in 2011. The West has become America’s new technologies, such as mercury and cyanide, Backyard. at times escaped into the environment due to inadequate controls and practices. When economic Until the latter half of the 20th century, few “busts” eventually arrived due to metal price environmental regulations existed to encourage drops, hardrock mining operations ended and the A mining dredge. mining companies to minimize or prevent the companies folded or moved elsewhere. The mines environmental impacts caused by their facilities. were shut down or abandoned and usually never Historic mines produced precious or profitable restored and/or remediated. Environmental and/or metals such as gold, silver, copper, lead, and physical risks remained leaving behind conditions platinum. However, the aftermath of such mining that are hazardous to people and our public lands left behind unrecovered or subordinate minerals and resources. As a result, it has left thousands of and other processing byproducts such as arsenic, potentially dangerous abandoned mine features mercury, cyanide, lead, and acids. Such wastes were left behind on the public lands. This is the made their way into the soil and water. Many Old Legacy of mining on public lands that the BLM of these mines involved extensive underground works to address. workings. Mines also needed processing facilities A mining operation such as mills to crush the ore and smelters to The old legacy of these abandoned mines, safety in Fairbanks, Alaska. produce the metals. Gold discoveries in streams hazards, and contaminated land and water forecast led to destructive “placer” mining in Alaska and the need for environmental cleanup and safety California. Hydraulic mining in California and dredge measures. The transition from the Old Mining mining in Montana resulted in stream siltation Legacy to the new AML program legacy was sparked A gold dredge in Alaska. and extensive erosion, scarring landscapes in the by the passage of environmental legislation in the process. mid- to late-20th century. Laws such as the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Federal Land Policy and Management Hydraulic mining required millions of gallons of water. Entrepreneurs Act (FLPMA), Clean Water dammed streams and built complex systems of ditches and wooden flumes Act, Surface Mining An open pit copper mine that to direct water to the mining operations. By 1859, 5,726 miles of aqueducts Control and Reclamation originated with mining claims on federal land near Ajo, Arizona. ran through the California mining region. Act (SMCRA), and Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) were As easily accessible ore deposits were exhausted, enacted to address environmental and public health individuals and companies developed new concerns. These laws help prevent environmental technologies to locate, extract, and process contamination and safety issues from developing in minerals and ores from more challenging locations. the future. The BLM’s programs and funding have Mining and mineral processing equipment became responded to the needs of AMLs on public lands more complex, and profitable mines began to and work in support of these laws. require larger footprints. Technologies such as heap leach and vat processing significantly An abandoned copper mine in Dillon, Montana.

Economic & Environmental technology Boom movement begins ushers in an and the federal increased need government enacts United States enters for base and federal law focused World War II. BLM created industrial metals on environmental Gold mines ordered to through a Korean War and minerals, such protection. close to focus mining Cold War begins. merger of increases demand as copper, lead, Hydraulic mining By 1900, U.S. on strategic metals U.S. Atomic Energy the General for strategic metals zinc, iron, nickel, • NEPA (1969) Use of cyanide practices in CA end population grows and minerals, such as Commission calls Land Office and minerals, molybdenum, • FLPMA (1976) heap leach by court order due Dredge mining with the geographic lead, zinc, copper, and upon prospectors (GLO) and the such as lead, zinc, niobium, tungsten, • CWA (1977) mining to extract to environmental technologies distribution shifting tungsten which were to begin a full-scale U.S. Grazing copper, tungsten, cobalt, sand, clay, • SMCRA (1977) gold and other degradation. introduced. West. needed for the war effort. uranium industry. Service. and uranium. gypsum, and barite. • CERCLA (1980) metals begins. 1890s 1941 1946 1960s 1970s 1900s 1945 1951 1969

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327447_FINAL_Print.indd 5 7/23/13 11:35 AM “BLM’s New Legacy is the Abandoned Mine The BLM defines an Abandoned Mine as an abandoned hard rock mine on or affecting result of the public lands administered by the BLM, at hard work of which exploration, development, mining, Lands Program: A New Legacy reclamation, maintenance, and inspection our committed of facilities and equipment, and other AML staff A New Legacy is unfolding as the BLM works to to the public and the environment are prioritized operations ceased as of January 1, 1981 (the who are restore public lands impacted by two centuries of for funding. All of this is done within the context effective date of BLM’s Surface Management historic hardrock mining. Consistent with its mission of the BLM’s available funding and the agency’s regulations codified at 43 CFR Subpart dedicated to to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of many programs and priorities. 3809) with no evidence demonstrating that public lands for the use and enjoyment of present the miner intends to resume mining. This not only the • Restore: Address the hazards at abandoned and future generations, the BLM is fostering a includes, but is not limited to: acid and mines with the goal of protecting the public restoration of New Legacy to bring unsafe and contaminated caustic rock drainages, waste rock, mill and environment. During this phase, the BLM abandoned mines to a restored, safe and sustained tailings, and retort waste. Physical safety our lands and and its partners implement intermediate and state. Building an enduring New Legacy requires hazards may include steep slopes, adits, permanent measures to restore abandoned waters but commitment of resources, actions, and expertise. winzes, raises, buildings, high walls, settling mines, and determine long-term monitoring and The BLM implements a phased approach, singularly ponds, other water retaining features, as well to the maintenance requirements. preservation focused on restoring and reclaiming lands and as other related dangerous structures. For waters. This approach consists of: • Sustain: Protect the public and the environment many abandoned mines, no current claimant of our western into the future. During this phase, the BLM and of record or viable potentially responsible • Discover: Locate and assess hazards at its partners monitor and maintain restoration party exists. Abandoned mines generally heritage.” abandoned mines. During this phase, potential measures to support safer public lands and include a range of mining impacts or features risks are evaluated and the measures for water for today as well as tomorrow. that may pose a threat to water quality, — Nancy Dean, addressing hazards are determined. The public safety, and/or the environment. Division Chief, BLM abandoned mines that pose the greatest threat

DISCOVER RESTORE SUSTAIN Restored mine buildings at the Duncan abandoned mine located PROTECT in the South Pass Historical Mining District and State Park in Wyoming. Bat-friendly gate constructed to cover a large open shaft at the Old Swansea abandoned mine in Arizona.

AML inventory grows to 8,000 sites. First 10 AML watershed AML Task Force reports that sites restored. in an area of 7.4 million acres, Clean Water Action Plan released; provides approximately 7,000 AML sites blueprint for restoring and protecting the Restoration projects Agencies develop regulations were verified containing over nation’s precious water resource. underway on 120 AML sites in 31 watersheds in and programs to implement new 6,600 safety hazards. Third AML pilot watershed project launched environmental laws. 12 states. BLM establishes AML program. in Cottonwood Wash, Utah. 50,000 AML safety BLM issues Surface Management BLM AML pilot watershed Mine Safety Health Administration (MSHA) brochures distributed BLM AML Task Force formed. Program regulations. (1981) projects launched in the Upper launches first national outreach campaign, to educate public land BLM Hazardous Materials BLM conducts initial AML Animas River (Colorado) and the “Stay Out-Stay Alive” initiative, to visitors and users about Program established. (1985) inventory activity. Boulder River (Montana). educate the public about AML hazards. AML hazards. 1989-1996 1998 2000

1980s 1997 1999

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327447_FINAL_Print.indd 6 7/23/13 11:35 AM Abandoned Mine The BLM defines an Abandoned Mine as an The BLM implements our approach in partnership abandoned hard rock mine on or affecting with other federal agencies, state agencies, local public lands administered by the BLM, at governments, and private and not-for-profit Lands Program: A New Legacy which exploration, development, mining, organizations. These partnerships provide the reclamation, maintenance, and inspection best way to collaborate on actions, leverage vital Restored stream along the of facilities and equipment, and other resources, and ensure success. South Fork of the Coeur operations ceased as of January 1, 1981 (the d’Alene River, in Since the inception of the AML program, the BLM effective date of BLM’s Surface Management Shoshone County, near and its partners have been committed to addressing regulations codified at 43 CFR Subpart Osburn, Idaho. high-risk and high-priority abandoned mine sites to 3809) with no evidence demonstrating that protect public health and safety. the miner intends to resume mining. This includes, but is not limited to: acid and Our shared commitment and approach for caustic rock drainages, waste rock, mill addressing hazards at these abandoned mine tailings, and retort waste. Physical safety sites is demonstrated in our on-the-ground hazards may include steep slopes, adits, accomplishments from Fiscal Years (FY) 2009 to winzes, raises, buildings, high walls, settling 2011 relative to the previous three-year time ponds, other water retaining features, as well frame (2006 to 2008). This report highlights those as other related dangerous structures. For accomplishments and our overall progress towards Fisherman at the many abandoned mines, no current claimant fostering a New Legacy for abandoned hardrock Big Hole River in Montana. of record or viable potentially responsible mines. party exists. Abandoned mines generally include a range of mining impacts or features that may pose a threat to water quality, public safety, and/or the environment.

Restored Zortman and Landusky abandoned gold mines located in the Little Rocky Mountains of north-central Montana.

Bat-friendly gate constructed to cover a large open shaft at the Old Swansea abandoned mine in Arizona.

AML inventory grows to over 11,000 sites. First 10 AML watershed Over 510 AML physical safety sites sites restored. AML inventory grows to over 8,500 sites. AML inventory grows to over AML inventory grows to over remediated. AML inventory grows to over Restoration projects Over 650 AML physical safety sites 9,500 sites. 9,800 sites. Over 70 AML water quality sites 12,000 sites. underway on 120 AML remediated. Over 500 AML physical Over 530 AML physical restored. Over 280 AML physical safety sites in 31 watersheds in Over 65 water quality sites restored. safety sites remediated. safety sites remediated. sites remediated. 12 states. Over 140 restored abandoned mine 50,000 AML safety Over 120 restored abandoned mine sites Over 45 water quality sites Over 90 AML water quality sites monitored and maintained. Over 330 AML water quality brochures distributed monitored and maintained. restored. sites restored. BLM begins using chemical tracers sites restored. to educate public land AML program performance measures Over 240 restored abandoned Over 150 restored abandoned to determine pollution sources, Over 115 restored abandoned visitors and users about established for accountability and mine sites monitored and mine sites monitored and time of travel of contaminants, and mine sites monitored and AML hazards. reporting accomplishments. maintained. maintained. track pollution flow. maintained. 2000 2002 2004

2001 2003

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327447_FINAL_Print.indd 7 7/23/13 11:35 AM As illustrated in Figure 1-1, during the BLM AML Program Funding time period between FY 2009 to 2011 (as FY2006-2008 $27 compared to 2006 to 2008), the BLM AML FY2009-2011 $77 program:

$0 $20 $40 $60 $80 $100 • Inventoried 250 percent more abandoned mine sites. Dollars (millions) • Addressed high-risk safety hazards at 144 percent more abandoned mine Sites Discovered, Evaluated, Prioritized for Funding sites. FY2006-2008 3,487 • Restored 7 percent more acres of FY2009-2011 11,840 impacted land. 0 5,000 10,000 15,000 • Monitored and maintained 112 Sites percent more restored mine sites, ensuring lasting protections for both Restored Abandoned Mine Sites the public and environment. Moreover, when compared to the FY2006-2008 1,288 previous eight years (2000 to 2008), there FY2009-2011 3,143 is a dramatic advancement of program Restored abandoned Maiden Rock mine. 0 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000 goals during the accomplishment period of FY 2009 to 2011. These 2009 to 2011 Sites accomplishments significantly advanced program mission and objectives by

Acres of Impacted Mine Lands Restored increasing: FY2006-2008 4,137 • The identified inventory of abandoned FY2009-2011 4,411 mine sites from 19,000 (in 2000 to 0 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000 5,000 2008) to over 28,000 (in 2011); Acres • The number of abandoned mine sites with safety hazards addressed from Restored Abandoned Mine Lands Monitored and Maintained 3,962 (in 2000 to 2008) to over 7,100 (in 2011); FY2006-2008 949 • The acres of impacted mine lands FY2009-2011 2,070 restored from 5,688 (in 2000 to 2008) 0 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 2,500 to close to 10,000 acres (in 2011); and Sites • The number of restored abandoned Figure 1-1: AML Program Accomplishments At-A-Glance. mine sites monitored and maintained from over 1,870 (in 2000 to 2008) to close to 4,000 (in 2011).

AML inventory grows to over 14,000 sites. AML inventory grows to over 15,000 sites. Over 300 AML physical safety sites AML inventory grows to over 16,000 sites. Over 500 AML physical safety sites remediated. remediated. Over 470 AML physical safety sites Over 1,540 acres of AMLs addressed to restore water quality. remediated. AML inventory grows to over 13,000 sites. Over 1,110 acres of abandoned mine lands addressed to restore water Over 345 restored abandoned mine sites monitored and maintained. Over 1,470 acres of AMLs addressed to 175 AML physical safety sites remediated. quality. BLM and the U.S. Forest Service report on a decade of progress restoring restore water quality. Water quality measured in sites from FYs Over 250 restored abandoned mine hardrock mines with a combined 5,000 physical safety sites remediated; Over 340 restored abandoned mine sites 2000-2004, changed to acres in FY 2005. sites monitored and maintained. hazardous substances cleaned up at over 400 sites; and water quality monitored and maintained. restored at 281 sites and over 3,000 acres. Over 930 acres of abandoned mine lands AML Program National Strategic Plan BLM launces the Fix A Shaft Today! FAST! addressed to restore water quality. released to communicate program BLM partners with Tread Lightly! And the National Off-Highway Vehicle campaign with multiple partners for Over 130 restored abandoned mine sites initiatives and planned projects to Conservation Council to provide AML safety information to the increasing purposes of eradicating AML sites on lands monitored and maintained. the public. number of OHV enthusiasts on public lands. on or affecting public lands. 2005 2007 2009 2006 2008

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327447_FINAL_Print.indd 8 7/23/13 11:35 AM As illustrated in Figure 1-1, during the time period between FY 2009 to 2011 (as “To me, the compared to 2006 to 2008), the BLM AML “New Legacy” program: of the AML • Inventoried 250 percent more abandoned mine sites. program provides • Addressed high-risk safety hazards at for responsible 144 percent more abandoned mine mining concurrent sites. with successful • Restored 7 percent more acres of reclamation. In impacted land. Montana, BLM • Monitored and maintained 112 percent more restored mine sites, has cooperated with ensuring lasting protections for both many partners the public and environment. like states, non- Moreover, when compared to the previous eight years (2000 to 2008), there profits, mining is a dramatic advancement of program Restored abandoned Maiden Rock mine. companies, and goals during the accomplishment period private landowners of FY 2009 to 2011. These 2009 to 2011 accomplishments significantly advanced to reclaim hundreds Guided by our phased approach for addressing program mission and objectives by abandoned mine sites, the remainder of this of old legacy mines increasing: report provides a closer look at our recent to protect public • The identified inventory of abandoned accomplishments. The examples provided mine sites from 19,000 (in 2000 to throughout the report offer insight into many of safety and restore 2008) to over 28,000 (in 2011); the environmental, health, and safety impacts the environment associated with abandoned mine sites, and the • The number of abandoned mine sites for clean water and lasting positive impacts of restoring them. The with safety hazards addressed from BLM’s goal is that these invaluable public lands and wildlife.” 3,962 (in 2000 to 2008) to over 7,100 water resources become safer now and long into the (in 2011); future. —Peter Bierbach, • The acres of impacted mine lands Montana BLM State Office restored from 5,688 (in 2000 to 2008) AML Program Lead Opening ceremony for the new ATV and to close to 10,000 acres (in 2011); and mountain bike-friendly trail system at the • The number of restored abandoned Bayhorse Unit of the Land of the Yankee Fork mine sites monitored and maintained State Park and Historic Area (BUYLF). from over 1,870 (in 2000 to 2008) to close to 4,000 (in 2011).

AML inventory grows to over 18,000 sites. Over 470 AML physical safety sites remediated. AML inventory grows to over 16,000 sites. Over 1,300 acres of AMLs addressed to restore water AML inventory grows to over 23,000 sites. AML inventory grows to over 28,000 sites. quality. Over 470 AML physical safety sites Over 1,200 AML physical safety sites Over 1,450 AML physical safety sites remediated. remediated. Over 420 restored abandoned mine sites monitored remediated. Close to 1,600 acres of AMLs addressed to restore water quality. and maintained. Over 1,470 acres of AMLs addressed to Over 1,500 acres of AMLs addressed to BLM develops 760 restored abandoned mine sites monitored and maintained. AML program receives approximately $30 million restore water quality. restore water quality. BLM develops Feasibility Study estimating costs for AML site validation and physical safety closures. in one time funding and an additional increase in Over 340 restored abandoned mine sites program funding. There are 76 projects launched that Over 880 restored abandoned mine sites Since FY 2000: monitored and maintained. focus on public safety. Work included major inventory monitored and maintained. • Over 7,100 AML physical safety sites remediated. BLM launces the Fix A Shaft Today! FAST! efforts and eliminating hazards at abandoned mines BLM releases an interim strategy on • Impacted land restored at over 600 sites (FY 2000-2004) and close to 1,000 acres (FY 2005-2011). campaign with multiple partners for located in close proximity to populated places, and combating spread of white-nose syndrome • Close to 4,000 restored abandoned mine sites monitored and maintained. purposes of eradicating AML sites on lands high-use areas such as trails, designated off-highway in abandoned mine openings that provide • Over 25,000 known abandoned mine sites remain to be assessed and restored. on or affecting public lands. vehicle areas, and picnic areas. bat habitat. 2009 2011 2010

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327447_FINAL_Print.indd 9 7/23/13 11:35 AM 327447_FINAL_Print.indd 10 “A sense of history history “A senseof should bethemost Hills ofEsmeralda County, NV Inventory work intheCuprite

rcosgf fprecious giftof DISCOVER identifies openadit. fthearts.” of science and — Aldo Leopold — Aldo 10 The Agent forChange Discovery andEvaluation: of The Art and status ofpast mines( available to supportquickvalidation ofthelocation those from theformer Bureau ofMines—were some cases, data orhistorical records—such as many ofwhichare located onpubliclands.In that operated mainlyinthe1800sandearly1900s, The West contains thousandsofabandonedmines be adifficult, random,andhighlyineffective which abandonedminesites to restore first would action. Withoutabaselineinventory, determining Such information supportsprioritysetting forfuture whether additionalsite characterization isneeded. discovery phaseforms thebasisfor determining The information collected duringtheinventory or and to prioritize their restoration and protection. locate andevaluate theseremaining historic mines The BLMiscontinuing to work withitspartners to locations and status involves additional effort. well documented soaccurately determining their the locations ofthesehistoric mines were not Phase At-A-Glance” Documenting mineshaft at Sylvania MillinEsmeralda County, NV. ). Unfortunately, inothercases see sidebar“Discovery • • • 0 At-A-Glance Discovery Phase • • • • • • the site by measuringitsoverall perimeter Recording on BLM-managed lands. confirm thesite exists andthat itislocated a mapsymbol, that needsto bechecked to there may bearecord inthedatabase, or AML sites andfeatures. For example, Validating and record new AMLsites. Observing public andtheenvironmental. mines that posethegreatest threat to the Prioritizing claimants. coordinate cleanupactionswiththemining that may overlap thesite inorder to Checking addressing them. hazards anddetermining themeasures for Evaluating Module (AMSCM). in theAbandonedMinesandSite Cleanup Entering cultural surveys are conducted. evaluation. Insome cases, concurrent visitation, andwildlife habitat for further resources, historic properties, evidence of Documenting other accesscontrols to keep peoplesafe. temporary fencing, andimplementing Posting conditions. digital images offeatures andgeneral site and individualfeature perimeters. Taking warning signs,constructing thedata collected from thefield thestatus ofany miningclaims GISdata for thefootprint of andsurveying anarea to identify preliminary information about potential risks posed by the fundingto theabandoned any surrounding cultural 7/23/13 11:35 AM DISCOVER

process. With the goal of addressing sites that pose the greatest threats to public safety and the The Art of environment first, BLM management works closely with state offices and partners to render effective decisions on potential risks and set project funding Discovery and Evaluation: priorities that are balanced with other partner programs and priorities. The BLM’s AML inventory provides the basis for informed decision making and The Agent for Change advances the New Legacy of restored public lands and water for today and tomorrow. During FY 2009 to 2011, the BLM, together with its partners, inventoried 11,840 sites—increasing Discovery Phase the BLM’s inventory from 19,000 (in 2008) to over At-A-Glance 28,000 abandoned mine sites. New abandoned 0 mine sites were discovered in all 12 western states including Alaska, with the greatest increases • and surveying an area to identify Observing concentrated in four states where population and record new AML sites. growth is increasing contact between people and • Validating preliminary information about abandoned mine sites, including: Arizona (1,912 AML sites and features. For example, sites), California (1,660 sites), Nevada (3,524 sites), there may be a record in the database, or and New Mexico (2,773 sites). The BLM’s ability to a map symbol, that needs to be checked to identify these additional sites was supported by confirm the site exists and that it is located additional funding made available to the BLM’s AML on BLM-managed lands. program. The funding increase supported efficiency improvements and innovative management • GIS data for the footprint of Recording initiatives. Such improvements included establishing the site by measuring its overall perimeter inventory teams and field validation studies to and individual feature perimeters. Taking improve the completeness of our inventory and digital images of features and general site enhance data quality. conditions. While inventory activities are resource intensive • warning signs, constructing Posting and often complex, they are critical to the temporary fencing, and implementing Open adit discovered in Nevada. decisionmaking process and essential to effective other access controls to keep people safe. program and project management necessary • Documenting any surrounding cultural to restore abandoned mine lands. For example, resources, historic properties, evidence of Cadastral surveys conducted in Elko County, Nevada, visitation, and wildlife habitat for further Boulder City, Nevada, and southern Nevada clarified evaluation. In some cases, concurrent land ownership and management responsibilities cultural surveys are conducted. in areas of historic mining activity. Wildlife, historic, The BLM Completes and cultural surveys resulted in recommendations • the data collected from the field Estimate of Field Entering for closure methods aimed at preserving resources in the Abandoned Mines and Site Cleanup for the thousands of sites and acres of impacted Module (AMSCM). Validation and mine lands restored during 2009 to 2011. For • Evaluating potential risks posed by the example, the BLM’s partner Bat Conservation Remediation of hazards and determining the measures for International, Inc. (BCI), conducted over 850 bat addressing them. surveys in abandoned mines in Arizona, Colorado, AML Sites 0 Utah, California, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. • Checking the status of any mining claims The BCI developed performance criteria and In September 2011, the BLM completed that may overlap the site in order to engineered designs for mine closure structures that BCI’s Subterranean Program the AML Program Feasibility Study for coordinate cleanup actions with the mining prevented human intrusion into AMLs containing Coordinator avoids a pool of acid Site Validation and Physical Safety Closures claimants. bat populations. Further, the BLM took prompt water while surveying an abandoned to estimate the costs and timeframe to gold mine near Medford, Oregon. • Prioritizing funding to the abandoned action at AML sites to protect the public by posting validate and address un-remediated AML mines that pose the greatest threat to the warning signs, constructing temporary fencing, and sites posing physical safety hazards. The public and the environmental. implementing other access controls as necessary study identified high, medium, and low risk while inventorying close to 12,000 abandoned mines sites; and estimated that the total cost for field validation and physical safety sites. hazard remediation at all 22,104-identified AML physical safety sites would be approximately $401.7 million. The following highlights from the innovative inventory team approach in Idaho, New Mexico, and in Alaska, further demonstrate the BLM’s success during the site discovery and evaluation phase.

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Idaho inventory team discovers open shaft near the abandoned New Mexico inventory team member documenting open adit.

Klondike gold mine easily accessible by recreationists on Idaho inventory team discoversIdaho’s open shaft Salmon near the River, abandoned famous Klondike for gold whitewater mine easily accessible boating by recreationists and fishing. on Idaho’s Salmon River, famous for whitewater boating and fishing.

AML Inventory Teams in Idaho and New Mexico Advance the Discovery of AML Sites and Mitigation of Safety Hazards

The Idaho and New Mexico State Offices have districts, collecting data for 5,200 mining sites taken an innovative approach to leverage and associated features, and constructing 15 resources and boost inventory activities in both temporary safety closures (fence and signs) states to ensure potential AML sites are identified around the most dangerous sites and features and added to the BLM’s AML inventory to help encountered in New Mexico. expedite the closures of high risk AML sites that • Surveying and collecting data and associated threaten public health and safety. Idaho and New features for mining sites across Idaho, Mexico have created state-wide AML inventory including 96 high-risk hazardous mine teams that cross BLM district and field office Idaho inventory team documents openings in the Salmon, Idaho region along historic mine buildings. boundaries. Accomplishments of these state teams the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, Nez include: Perce National Historic Trail, and Continental • Surveying 15 mining districts and conducting Divide National Scenic Trail all of which were on-the-ground inventory activities in six other closed during 2009 to 2011.

New Mexico inventory team identifies open shaft.

Open adit and shaft located in the Salmon, Idaho region near several 12 national trails identified by the Idaho inventory team.

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New Mexico inventory team member documenting open adit.

Documented cribbed shaft entrance in the Fairbanks Creek drainage in Alaska.

Klery Creek dredge in the Squirrel River drainage of western Alaska. Alaska Upper Koyukuk Mine Hazard Inventory— 2,000 Acres of Historic Mine Lands Inventoried

Recording early 20th century The BLM is undertaking a large-scale inventory Over 2,000 acres of BLM lands were inventoried mine workings on Gold Creek, Upper Koyukuk in Alaska. of federally-managed lands within the Fairbanks during 2011. Several hundred mining related District. The BLM-managed lands around Fairbanks features including pits, shafts, adits, tailings, piles, witnessed intensive industrial-scale, historic high-walls, hazmat occurrences, machinery, ore hardrock mining and those lands are, therefore, piles, trenches, buildings, and structures, were likely to possess a high density of physical and recorded with over 1,000 photographs and GPS Alaska Upper environmental hazards. These facts, coupled latitude and longitude coordinates. In addition Koyukuk Mine Hazard with a relatively large local human population to documenting the abandoned mine features, Inventory project active in outdoor recreation, led to the decision 46 previously unrecorded historic archeological included a variety to begin intensive inventory and survey efforts. sites were identified, recorded, and entered into of communication, Additionally, efforts were made to communicate BLM and State of Alaska databases. By collecting outreach, and the resulting information from the surveys to the a detailed record of cultural resources associated educational materials public. The inventory project team is composed of with abandoned mine land hazards, the need for including a poster BLM archeologists and faculty and students from additional archeological fieldwork prior to moving prepared for the fall Michigan Technological University and the University forward with remediation is minimized. The team 2009 Alaska Miners of Alaska-Anchorage under the direction of an is also inventorying and surveying several thousand Association convention, archeologist. The project team uses archaeological additional acres in the Fairbanks area and in the a paper at the 2011 field methods to systematically identify and vicinity of the Upper Koyukuk River and western Alaska Anthropological inventory environmental and physical hazards Alaska in Kobuk and Squirrel River drainages. This Association annual resulting from past mining activity. Additionally, the work is expected to be completed by 2013. meeting, and an article team collects a thorough record of mining-related in an industrial heritage cultural resources within the survey blocks. publication.

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327447_FINAL_Print.indd 13 7/23/13 11:35 AM 327447_FINAL_Print.indd 14 new relationship between people and theland. unfolding of ”Health isthe Conservation, to understand Conservation this capacity. the slowand viewed inits and preserve self-renewal. the landfor is oureffort RESTORE capacity of entirety, is —Aldo Leopold laborious 14 a ”

Tomorrow and Water forToday and Restoring PublicLands Before photo ofahazardous openinginYavapai County nearapopular they provide. safeguarding thecultural andecological resources that water to protect thepublicandenvironment, while Discovery phaseto restore mine-impacted landand BLM implements themeasures identified duringthe role indoingjust that. DuringtheRestore phase,the public landswe manage. TheAMLprogram plays akey users andthehealth,diversity, andproductivity ofthe working towards protecting themillionsofpublicland located onpubliclands.TheBLMiscommitted to hazards posedby thethousandsofabandonedmines and environmental exposure to themyriad ofpotential ecosystems, hasincreased thelikelihood ofhuman along withgreater pressures onwildlife andsensitive increased presence ofpeoplelivingintheWest, The West hasbecome America’s backyard. The hunting and recreation area in Yavapai County wasclosed. • 0 At-A-Glance Mine LandsPhase Restoring Impacted • • • Ensuring Implementing capping andcovering waste, andinstalling removing impacted soilorwaste piles, closing openaditsandmineshafts, environmental hazards. Measures include public safety andhumanhealth during thediscovery phaseto address restoration measures determined Implementing protected into thefuture. the restored publiclandsandwater are groundwater monitoring systems to ensure and maintenance requirements, suchas Determining fossils, andTribal artifacts. include historic minefeatures, prehistoric at abandonedminesites. Resources cultural resources whileaddressing hazards the discovery phaseprotect historic and free movement ofbats. prevent visitor exploration, butallow for or covered by bat-friendly cupolas)that mine closure structures iron (e.g., gates mine sites. Examples includeinstalling while addressing hazards at abandoned wildlife habitat andnatural resources during thediscovery phaseto protect water treatment systems. remediation. require furtherinvestigation and/or further action.The remaining 75percent planned orunderway, ordonotrequire remediated, have restorative measures percent ofthesites have either been 70,000 features. Approximately 25 28,000 abandonedminesites andover The BLM’s AMLinventory contains over measures determined during finallong-term monitoring intermediate andpermanent measures determined 7/23/13 11:35 AM RESTORE

Restoring Impacted Mine Lands Phase At-A-Glance 0

• Implementing intermediate and permanent restoration measures determined during the discovery phase to address public safety and human health and environmental hazards. Measures include After photo of a hazardous opening in Yavapai County near a popular hunting and recreation area in Yavapai County was closed. closing open adits and mine shafts, removing impacted soil or waste piles, capping and covering waste, and installing water treatment systems. Together with the collaborative efforts of the BLM’s Montana restored 3,207 acres of land—nearly 75 AML partners, we were able to make significant percent of all restored acres during this period. • Implementing measures determined progress over the last 3 years towards advancing Nevada restored 453 acres, while Arizona and Environmental during the discovery phase to protect a New Legacy of safe and hazard free public lands Colorado restored 304 and 203 acres, respectively. cleanups are wildlife habitat and natural resources and water for today and tomorrow. During FY 2009 While this represents a modest increase, the while addressing hazards at abandoned to 2011, the BLM and its partners addressed 3,143 impacts were significant as demonstrated in guided by important mine sites. Examples include installing physical safety hazard sites. This accomplishment the project summaries found at the end of this public laws such as: mine closure structures (e.g., iron gates nearly doubles the total number of safety hazard section. Also, a larger number of site restorations or covered by bat-friendly cupolas) that sites remediated since year 2000 to over 7,100 were initiated in this 3-year period, which is likely • CERCLA prevent visitor exploration, but allow for sites. While gains were realized in each of the 12 to result in a more significant increase in acres free movement of bats. states, including Alaska, the surge in addressing restored in the years to come. For example, Idaho • FLPMA • Ensuring measures determined during safety hazards sites was led by the same four states and Utah directed substantial funding and on-the- • NEPA the discovery phase protect historic and that led the inventory surge: Nevada (949 sites), ground work towards large, complex site cleanups. cultural resources while addressing hazards California (747 sites), Arizona (559 sites), and New Restoration of these impacted lands will continue at abandoned mine sites. Resources Mexico (268 sites). These accomplishments were until they are safely and fully restored. driven by both the initial inventory improvements include historic mine features, prehistoric During this period, the BLM also implemented and the sizable funding increases for the important fossils, and Tribal artifacts. multiple interim measures to reduce environmental work of addressing physical safety hazards at sites risk until permanent measures are put in place. • Determining final long-term monitoring in proximity to communities, public places, and For example, a temporary drainage system was and maintenance requirements, such as high-use areas (such as trails, designated off- constructed at the Kelly Mine in Red Mountain groundwater monitoring systems to ensure highway vehicle areas, and camping areas). For California to prevent storm flows from re-depositing the restored public lands and water are example, the BLM and Idaho Department of Parks arsenic-contaminated tailing material onto private protected into the future. and Recreation worked as partners to close 48 mine properties. This measure helps to immediately openings and construct 11,000 feet of protective protect the residents of Red Mountain from fence near a new all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and arsenic contamination until the removal of 65,000 mountain bike-friendly trail system at the Bayhorse cubic yards of mill tailings at the Kelly Mine and Unit of the Land of the Yankee Fork State Park and The BLM’s AML inventory contains over surrounding vacant properties is completed. 28,000 abandoned mine sites and over Historic Area in central Idaho. The BLM implemented innovative restoration 70,000 features. Approximately 25 The BLM restored over 4,400 acres of mine- measures, such as constructed wetland bioreactors percent of the sites have either been impacted lands during FY 2009 to 2011— an and the use of mushroom compost, to achieve remediated, have restorative measures increase of 7 percent over the previous 3 greater results with fewer resources. In line with planned or underway, or do not require year period (2006 to 2008). Four states were the Department of the Interior’s New Energy further action. The remaining 75 percent responsible for over 90 percent of the total acres Frontier Initiative, the BLM, where possible, require further investigation and/or restored through environmental cleanups. In fact, remediation. 15

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Removed 50 tons of contaminated mercury mine waste from the abandoned Archer mine and mill site in Fresno County, CA protecting the White Creek watershed and the wildlife and local residents downstream.

“This initiative integrates renewable energy and renewable fuels, helps to reinforce the BLM’s key message that continues such as wind, solar, and biofuels into site restoration abandoned mines are potentially hazardous and measures to promote the use of renewable recommends that mine claimants and members of the bureau’s resources on our nation’s public lands, offset cost, the public “Stay Out and Stay Alive.” and increase sustainability. The AML program worked commitment In addition, the measures identified during Discovery with the BLM’s Renewable Energy office to identify phase to help protect or recover wildlife habitat to reducing abandoned mine sites eligible for solar development, and sensitive ecosystems as part of the New Legacy as described in the “Programmatic Environmental abandoned were carefully integrated during the restoration of Impact Statement for Solar Energy Development in the 3,143 abandoned mine sites and 4,400 acres of mine hazards,” Six Southwestern States.” impacted mine lands. For example, the BLM and its “We’re taking In addition, the BLM and its partners conducted long-time partner BCI, closed 10 abandoned mines a pro-active community and stakeholder outreach to make sure posing significant safety hazards in northwestern approach our accomplishments are in-line with public desires Arizona by installing iron gates or covering with and that our actions have lasting on-the-ground bat-friendly cupolas, which allow for use of the to warning results. To meet long-term community needs, the mine openings by bats and other species while active mining BLM coordinates remediation efforts with the local preventing human intrusion. The BLM also helped community in designing and implementing remedial to develop decontamination protocols to help claimants projects at abandoned mine lands. For example, in reduce the potential human transmission of a fungus whose mining 2011, the BLM launched an initiative to reach out (Geomyces destructans), believed to be the cause of to mining claim holders to help mitigate abandoned the devastating white-nose syndrome (WNS) in bats. claims include mine hazards. The effort responded to growing The protocols are to be implemented when persons hazardous concerns about the number of accidents and hazards enter bat habitat during surveying or restoration of sites.” related to abandoned mines. Through this initiative, abandoned mine sites. the BLM contacted nearly 4,000 holders of active Finally, we took steps to protect the treasure trove mining claims, located mostly in the western United -BLM Director Bob Abbey of history and cultural resources revered by local States and Alaska, to advise them if hazards have communities and visitors alike. For instance, we been reported within or near the boundaries of their closed 10 potentially deadly mine shafts near claims. Along with this information, claim holders the Lost Arch Inn located southwest of Needles, were advised of their potential responsibilities if California while ensuring the remains of mining certain mining activities are occurring so they could implements and other historic artifacts were take appropriate action to reduce risk. This initiative

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327447_FINAL_Print.indd 16 7/23/13 11:35 AM RESTORE 7/23/13 11:35 AM 17 significant national landscapes and and landscapes national significant been have that resources wildlife basin in the Coeur d’Alene injured watershed. d’Alene the Coeur and Idaho, BLM, an to agreement in resulted Tribe, settlement damage environmental a North American LLC, with ASARCO the for mining conglomerate, and habitat, of wildlife, recovery by managed resources other natural and state of Interior the Department the Bunker at and tribal governments in the Coeur Hill Superfund Facility of Northern Idaho. Basin d’Alene is part of the largest This payment bankruptcy damage environmental with parent history, in U.S. case providing Grupo México corporation resolve of $1.79 billion to a total liabilities environmental ASARCO’s contaminated that operations from resources and wildlife land, water, tribal, and private state, on federal, of Because States. lands in the United and state, federal, of the cooperation those responsible tribal governments landscapes polluting the nation’s for for will be paying and waterways of and protection the restoration Stakeholder engagement among the among the engagement Stakeholder the thousands that assured This likewise protected. and to enjoy will continue each year of visitors and historical the unique cultural from benefit mining legacy. important of our nation’s artifacts stability implemented Mine, we the Davis At Mill the Davis protect to measures and longevity is that mining structure building—an historic mills of its type. This building was one of the last of Historic Register the National added to recently projects about these Places. Additional information summaries below. in the project is shared summaries further highlight project The following mine- success restoring on-the-ground the BLM’s while protecting public lands and water, impacted they that resources and ecological the cultural provide. Nevada State Office promoted safe and sustainable and sustainable safe promoted Office State Nevada on public Vehicles (OHVs) uses of Off Highway public service and announcements lands through with OHV user groups. collaboration the existing hazards the importance of steering steering of the importance hazards the existing and abandoned mines. In 2010, the clear of active Alive” Stay Out released a “Stay Office State Utah and the in both English and Spanish, CD available “Stay Out-Stay Alive” Initiative launched by the launched Initiative Alive” Out-Stay “Stay and Health Mine Safety Labor’s of Department U.S. the public about to educate (MSHA) Administration The BLM continues its long time support for the its long time support The BLM continues MSHA mine inspectors spoke to hundreds of hundreds to spoke MSHA mine inspectors schools across elementary at and teachers students posed by in 2011 about the dangers the West abandoned mine during 2011. 327447_FINAL_Print.indd 17 327447_FINAL_Print.indd 18 Before restoration shows acidic Winkle tailings inCoonCreek, Creeka tributary ofMaggie threatened Federally-listed and theHumboldtRiver in seepage from theRipVan Lahontan cutthroat trout. RESTORE northeastern Nevada. 18 Creek—critical habitat for the federally-listed, threatened to contaminate atributary ofMaggie mine drainage from leftover mine tailings piles tailings someplants showed signsofstress. Acid on thesite was sparse andinthevicinityof the uppermost tailings impoundment. Vegetation and cyanide barrels were found at themillandon tailings damswere identified inanearby creek, the late nineteenth century until 1944.Sixsmall lead andzincminingoperation was active from on LoneMountain, northwest ofElko, Nevada. This Remnants oftheRipVan WinkleMineare located Rip Van WinkleMine,Nevada armored creek channeldiversion isvisible, Rip Creek diversion andreclaimed ponds: moving flowing water around the tailings In themiddleforeground theextensive to avoid contact withthem. After restoration. as theHumboldtRiver innortheastern Nevada. threatened Lahontan cutthroat trout—as well term protection ofnative fish andwildlife. economy, even astheproject ensured thelong- Army Corps ofEngineers, benefitting the local work underthedirection oftheBLMand U.S. contractors andsubcontractors performed this the creek andreplaced withnative soil.Local the site. Acid-forming rocks were removed from contaminated minetailings across nineacres of In response, theBLMinitiated the removal of Before restoration. 7/23/13 11:35 AM RESTORE

Before restoration. Rip Van Winkle Mine, Nevada

Restored historic mine buildings along the new trail system at the BULYF.

During restoration of historic mining structures and trail system construction at the BULYF. Bayhorse Abandoned Mine, Idaho

During the 1860s, the Bayhorse Mine was a When the Idaho Department of Parks and bustling center of activity for those seeking riches Recreation announced plans to develop an ATV in silver. Today the mine is abandoned, resting on and mountain bike-friendly trail system at the the outskirts of the Salmon-Challis National Forest Bayhorse Unit, it recognized that several hazardous in central Idaho, adjacent to the Bayhorse Unit of conditions at the abandoned Bayhorse Mine the Land of the Yankee Fork State Park and Historic needed to be addressed before the project moved During restoration of Area. The Yankee Fork State Park is a 20.9-acre forward. In response, the Idaho Department of the open adit. site with historical interpretations and numerous Parks and Recreation partnered with the BLM recreational opportunities. Land of the Yankee to close 48 mine openings and construct 11,000 Fork State Park comprises several units scattered feet of protective fence. The opening of the new through the whole of the Land of the Yankee trail was marked with a ribbon cutting ceremony Fork Historic Area, including the Bayhorse Unit. where guests were treated to an extended ATV The units are surrounded by public land, which tour of ghost towns and old mines of the West. offer hundreds of miles of OHV/ATV trails and This collaborative effort earned a “Cooperative fishing, camping, hunting, backpacking, and hiking Conservation Award” for the IDPR from the opportunities galore. While wandering around in BLM for their collaborative effort in addressing these woods you will most likely come across old abandoned mine land safety hazards. abandoned mining sites. These abandoned mines can be hard to see by OHV users. Also, they can act as an attractive danger for outdoor enthusiasts. Before restoration of adit near Bayhorse abandoned mine.

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Backfilling collapsed mine features at the Maiden Rock with the Big Hole River in the background. Maiden Rock Phosphate Mine, Montana La Sal Creek Watershed, Utah

The Maiden Rock Phosphate mine is located in Silver response, the BLM implemented a remediation plan Bow and Beaverhead Counties, approximately 20 based on safety and rock stability. By the project’s miles south of Butte, Montana. The abandoned end, 76 individual dangers had been addressed: 42 mines, located near the popular Maiden Rock fishing were backfilled and 33 were either fenced or had site on the Big Hole River, posed extreme danger grates installed via helicopter. These efforts greatly to the public through a number of physical safety improved public safety in this popular, well-used hazards, including air vents up to 1,200 feet deep. In fishing area.

Helicopter installation of a grate over a mine shaft at Maiden Rock abandoned mine.

Maiden Rock mine trend before restoration. Aerial photo of the restored Maiden Rock abandoned mine.

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327447_FINAL_Print.indd 20 7/23/13 11:35 AM RESTORE 7/23/13 11:35 AM 21 Sal Creek Watershed. Sal Creek sites from impacting the from sites vegetation prevents runoff prevents vegetation the abandoned mines from materials from impacting the impacting from materials Sal Creek Watershed in Utah. Watershed Sal Creek Stabilizing slopes and planting slopes and planting Stabilizing to stop arsenic and radioactive and radioactive arsenic stop to Sealing of horizontal mine adits Sealing of horizontal Adandoned mine openning before sealing to protect the La Sal Creek Watershed. the La Sal Creek protect sealing to Adandoned mine openning before absorb further contamination. Ongoing monitoring monitoring Ongoing further contamination. absorb are these remedies that will ensure and maintenance health human protecting and designed functioning as and the environment. groundwater, and potentially impacting water water impacting and potentially groundwater, presented These contaminants supplies downstream. and residents as area as well campers a risk to both La Sal and nearby within life aquatic threatened Creek. Lion Canyon and sediment pasture, water, with detailed Starting a series sampling in 2000 and 2001, the BLM began caused the problems and correct address to of steps The BLM finalized mining legacy. the region’s by 2002, a and health plan in December a safety model in June 2003, a field sampling site conceptual plan in January2004, and an engineering evaluation/ actions, 2005. Resulting in October analysis cost in the summer of 2010, included constructing started and metals remove to bioreactor a sulfate-reducing water; and surface of ground pH the proper restore sealing mine adits; demolishing and disposing of radiation lower-level removing structures; unsafe to vegetation slopes; and planting debris; stabilizing confirmed that mining contaminants—including contaminants—including mining that confirmed leaching materials—were and radioactive arsenic and surface piles, polluting area rock waste from project were: Black Hat, Blue Cap, and St. Patrick Blue Cap, and St. Patrick Black Hat, were: project the below immediately located are mines. They quality samples Water rim of Lion Canyon. sandstone Firefly/Pygmy Mine (approximately 1 percent of 1 percent Mine (approximately Firefly/Pygmy System Forest lies on National the dump area) part of this were mines that lands. The other three northern rim of the canyon formed by La Sal Creek, La Sal Creek, by formed northern rim of the canyon the southern flank of drains that stream a perennial residences permanent Three the La Sal Mountains. the beneath area within the project located are rock, creating piles of waste materials that remain that materials waste piles of creating rock, abandoned). mines (now five on each of the area’s along the located are These abandoned mine sites vanadium in a zone that became known as the “La as the “La known became that in a zone vanadium these deposits, reach To Belt.” Mineral Sal Creek the through bored were passageways horizontal Mining in the area Colorado. enters and Utah the 1950s, when drilling programs back to dates and uranium the USGS discovered by conducted The La Sal Creek Watershed Project covers the covers Project Watershed The La Sal Creek as it leaves Creek of La Sal stretch to 4-mile final 3 Utah Watershed, La Sal Creek 327447_FINAL_Print.indd 21 Backfilling collapsed mine features at the Maiden Rock with the Big Hole River in the background. with the Big Hole River Rock at the Maiden features mine collapsed Backfilling 327447_FINAL_Print.indd 22 former Swansea miningtown. Historic structures from the RESTORE Multiple shaft andaditclosures nearthe Swansea historic miningsite. 22 the abandonedSwansea mine. Ground fillingceremony at continued risk to humansandanimals. safe, multipleopenshafts andotherthreats posed a mine’s closure, whilefencing kept most ofthepublic smelting facilities. Butinthe years following the and barbershops, inaddition to itsminingand lumber company, asaloon,theaters, restaurants, 25,000 workers andfeatured ageneral store, a good. Duringthetown’s heyday, Swansea housed continued upuntil 1937,whenthemineclosed for began in1862withthediscovery ofcopper ore and visitors andlocals every year. Mininginthearea Prescott, isapopular camp site for hundreds of Townsite, ahistoric ghost town southwest of Arizona’s Swansea Mine,located inSwansea Swansea Mine,Arizona During closure ofashaft near the Swansea historic miningsite. Open mineshaft prior to closure at theabandoned Swansea Mine. wildlife. historic landissafe for boththepublicandarea products purchased from local vendors. Today, this by local contractors andwithAmerican-made friendly closures installed. Thework was performed open mineshafts hadbeenfilledinor bat- celebration. By August 2010,8deep,abandoned the Townsite to helpBLMkickoffa “ground-filling” safety. InMay 2010,nearly50peoplegathered at expertise to correct theseissuesandensure public The BLMprovided fundingand thenecessary Closed shaft nearthe Swansea abandoned mineinArizona. 7/23/13 11:35 AM RESTORE 7/23/13 11:35 AM closure. prior to 23 of open adit Closure identified by the New by the identified Mexico inventory team. inventory Mexico the from structures Historic One of multiple open adits former Swansea mining town. Swansea former Closed shaft near the abandoned Carbonate Hill Mine. near the abandoned Carbonate Closed shaft development, environmental assessment, and assessment, environmental development, monitoring, with additional funding construction began Activities Mining. the Office of Surface from the following completed 2010 and were in March In all, 21 abandoned mine openings were month. such as backfilling, methods through addressed foam, and plugs using polyurethane constructing also utilized The project fences. building safety access offering structures and grate gates specialized mine habitats their underground to and owls bats for human disturbance. them from while protecting Mine Land Program, funded a $400,000 project funded a $400,000 project Mine Land Program, and The Minerals these dangers. address to project for time staff Mining Division also provided ORV enthusiasts—visiting the site every year. year. every the site enthusiasts—visiting ORV with the New In 2009, the BLM, in collaboration Abandoned and Mining Division’s Minerals Mexico years, the mine’s open shafts posed a significant posed a significant shafts open mine’s the years, users—rock of recreational the hundreds to danger and hunters, hikers, prospectors, hounds, amateur located on public land in New Mexico’s San Simon Mexico’s in New on public land located mined and and zinc were Lead, silver, Mining District. 1952, when up until Hill site the Carbonate milled at For was abandoned. ceased and the site operations Discovered in 1984, the Carbonate Hill Mine is in 1984, the Carbonate Discovered Carbonate Hill Abandoned Mine, NM Hill Abandoned Carbonate 327447_FINAL_Print.indd 23 abandoned mine in Arizona. Closed shaft near the Swansea Swansea near the Closed shaft Open mine shaft prior to closure at the abandoned Swansea Mine. Swansea at the abandoned to closure prior Open mine shaft 327447_FINAL_Print.indd 24 Removal ofacidminetailings from theLemhilandscape.

Acid minetailings deposited ontheLemhilandscape priorto restoration. RESTORE removal underway. Mine tailings dam 24 39,000 cubicyards oftoxic tailings, ores, andsoils that went into actionin2007.Inall,more than In response, BLMdeveloped acleanupstrategy breach. concern, withat least onehouseflooded by the of homeowners downhill from thesite was alsoof and already-threatened Chinooksalmon.Thesafety River, disturbing theecosystems ofthebulltrout sent lead-contaminated sediment into theLemhi breached adamononeofthetailings pondsand across the16-acre site. InAugust 2003,heavy rains of cumulative tailings insixdifferent tailingponds ago. Miningactivityleft approximately 5.5acres lead andsilver ore duringitsoperation decades Lemhi River, theformer BuckhornMillprocessed Located 35milessoutheast ofSalmon,Idahoonthe Buckhorn MillAbandonedLeadandSilver Processing Mill,Idaho Remaining millstructure priorto removal duringrestoration. wildlife habitat. site’s 16acres now serve asnatural openspaceand or local wildlife, includingfishintheLemhiRiver. The Buckhorn Millnolonger poseathreat to residents noxious weeds. Contaminants from theformer schedule that includestheannualeradication of The site isnow onamonitoring andmaintenance as itre-vegetated. Cleanupwas completed in2009. Protective fences were installed to protect thearea down, andtheareas were reseeded andmulched. of thedisturbed areas, topsoil was imported andlaid contaminated materials. Inorder to speedrecovery the repository to protect andprevent accessto the 3-foot cap ofcleancover soilswas constructed atop graded to blendinto thesurrounding terrain. A were placedinanon-site repository that was then 16 acres ofrange andwildlife habitat restored. 7/23/13 11:35 AM RESTORE

16 acres of range and wildlife habitat restored. Buckhorn Mill Abandoned Lead and Silver Processing Mill, Idaho

Fixing adit near the Lost Arch mining camp and trails. Lost Arch Mine, California

On the edge of the scenic Turtle Mountains among those in the California desert made safer Wilderness some 30 miles southwest of Needles, by increased funding for the BLM’s AML Program California, the intrepid desert traveler can discover in 2009. Some of the shafts and adits date back to the remains of long-ago prospectors at the Lost Arch the 1800s and could have easily resulted in serious Inn. Charley Brown and his mining partner Jesse injury or death to unsuspecting motorists or hikers. Craik built a mining cabin in the 1800s. The cabin, Several 20–foot by 20–foot steel structures were which remains mostly intact, was constructed in the used to close the shafts and adits, which allows owls center of a desert wonderland for lost mine hunters and bats to come and go at will, while preventing and those who like to follow forgotten trails through human intrusion. Additionally, the funding made scenic canyons. possible the establishment of primitive camping sites Lost Arch historic mining camp in the Lost Arch Historic Mining Camp, as well as the near newly renovated the Among the relics, until recently, an unsuspecting Mexican Hat Trail. renovation of the Mexican Hat Trail. hiker could have stumbled onto or into any of 10 potentially deadly mine shafts. These hazards were

Historical landmark sign near Lost Arch mine.

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abandoned minesite. RESTORE 26 Mine LandsProgram, theBLMhelpedaddress In collaboration withthe Wyoming State Abandoned routinely usingthesurrounding trails. threats to curiousvisitors, hikers, andcampers open shafts and exposed miningpits,posedserious and Atlantic City. Known physical hazards, including the historic miningcommunities ofSouth Pass City area ofWyoming nearhistoric emigrant trails, and abandoned Duncan Mineislocated intheSouthPass With anelevation ofnearly8,200 feet, the Duncan Mine, Wyoming Acid minetailings before restoration. Cribbed shaft closedwithpolyurethane foam (PUF)plugandbackfill atDuncan abandonedminesite. future education onthesite. and recreational users ofthelandandwillallow for abandoned miningarea safe onceagain for tourists District andState Park. Theseefforts have madethis eventual inclusionintheSouthPass Historic Mining for theirhistoric significance, were stabilized for and exposed pitsfilledin.Existing structures, valued while nearlyanacre ofminingwaste was removed backfilled orclosedwithbarricades orbat gates, the concerns. Three mineopeningswere either Open aditneartheabandonedmine priorto closure. 7/23/13 11:35 AM RESTORE 7/23/13 11:35 AM pulp still intact. pulp still 27 Davis Mill building. Davis Inside view shows mill shows Inside view ore was pulverized and pulverized was ore including the equipment stamp battery where the where battery stamp Side view of the stabilized Side view mixed with water to form a form to with water mixed Stabilized Davis Mill building in Nevada County, California. County, Mill building in Nevada Davis Stabilized the U.S. Geological Survey. Elevated levels of arsenic, of arsenic, levels Elevated Survey. Geological the U.S. response, In identified. were lead and mercury remove to with a contractor the BLM worked and of tailings yards 6,400 cubic approximately storage, treatment, a permitted dispose of them at sampling in the Subsequent and disposal facility. were goals cleanup that confirmed area affected met. to recommendations The BLM also developed Mill building, the original Davis which is stabilize mills of its type and had been added one of the last In 2011, Places. of Historic Register the National to the Davis around constructed were areas drainage ensure Mill building, to along with other measures structure. of this historic and longevity the stability and specialists BLM technical by analysis for taken Creek and into a floodplain area, roughly 600 to 800 roughly 600 area, a floodplain and into Creek Mill. of the Davis northwest feet were of these tailings 2003, samples In February form bars of silver-gold bullion. The waste products products waste bullion. The of silver-gold bars form from away flowed this process from (i.e., mill tailings) Rock of nearby an unnamed tributary the mill across Mercury was vaporized and recovered for reuse from from reuse for and recovered vaporized was Mercury residue and gold silver this mix, and the remaining molds to into in a furnace and poured melted was where a series of stamps crusher and then to rock to with water and mixed pulverized was the ore with mercury, then mixed a pulp. This pulp was form tanks. settling into and fed sulfate salt and copper 3 miles north of Nevada City, the Davis Mill was Mill was the Davis City, 3 miles north of Nevada until intermittently in 1915 and operated founded a through fed was ore the mill, raw the 1940s. At Located in Nevada County, California, approximately approximately California, County, in Nevada Located Mill, California Davis 327447_FINAL_Print.indd 27 Cribbed shaft closed with polyurethane foam (PUF) plug and backfill at Duncan abandoned mine site. at Duncan foam (PUF) plug and backfill closed with polyurethane Cribbed shaft Duncan Mine, Wyoming Mine, Wyoming Duncan 327447_FINAL_Print.indd 28 received, andeach nation is worthy nation isworthy glorious heritage heirs tothemost heirs “We havefallen to showthatthe one mustdohis ati wewish if part Landusky gold minebefore resoration. A portionoftheabandoned Zortman-

—Theodore Roosevelt SUSTAIN a peopleever fitsgood of fortune.” 28 phase, includingMontana (791sites), Idaho(489), and entered themonitoring andmaintenance of thesites that completed therestoration phase Collectively, four states accounted for 86percent over theprevious 3-year period(2006to 2008). maintenance phase—anincrease of118percent abandoned minesites are inthemonitoring and “sustain” phase.By theendof2011,2,070restored continuum, more sites enter and remain inthe As sites move alongtheDiscover-Restore-Sustain protection for today as well as tomorrow. and maintain thosemeasures to ensure lasting at anabandonedminesite, we must monitor Once restoration measures are implemented final andlongest phaseoftheAMLprogram. Long-term protection of restored sites isthe Environment intotheFuture Protecting thePublicand Sustaining ANew Legacy: Restored Landuskyabandonedgold mine. to control acidminedrainage from entering discovered earlierefforts hadonlylimited success of restoration actions over time. For example, we Monitoring to isnecessary assesstheeffectiveness the “sustain” phase. come, thusanincrease inrestored sites moving to significant increase inacres restored inthe years to this three-year period.Thisislikely to result ina larger numberofsite restorations was initiated in completed. Asnoted earlierinthereport, amuch sites, aswell aslarge, complex site cleanups being work ofaddressing physical safety hazards at the sizable fundingincreases for theimportant by boththeinitialinventory improvements and (150 sites). Theseaccomplishments were driven Colorado (340sites), andWashington/Oregon • • 0 At-A-Glance Sustain Phase of publiclandstewards. lives ofthepublicandnext generation programs andinitiatives that touchthe stewardship by supportingorcreating Seeking death orstress to thebat population). been placedincorrectly andmay cause impacting wildlife bat (e.g., gates may have and ensuringmeasures are notadversely can bevandalized damaged, orotherwise over time,checking fences andsignswhich adits andshaft closures asthey can fail monitoring at water qualitysites, checking conducted duringthisphasemay include to achieve thedesired result. Activities andcontinuein placeaslongnecessary measures ensures that themeasures are Monitoring opportunities to cultivate andmaintaining restoration 7/23/13 11:35 AM directly into the Rogue River from an adit at the Projects have ranged from individual and troop SUSTAIN base of the abandoned Almeda gold and copper endeavors to complex Eagle Scout advancement mine in Josephine County, Oregon. The Almeda projects. The abandoned mine securing work mine is located within a steep canyon stretch of the performed by Eagle Scout candidates has helped the Rogue River and downstream from Galice, Oregon. Nevada Division of Minerals’ AML program in ways Recreationists—including sightseers, rafters, and that no one could have imagined a few years ago. fishermen—are all drawn to the site by its colorful A steady stream of eager and capable Eagle Scouts mineral deposit. The increased funding received in come forward each year to help the Nevada Division 2009 enabled the BLM to determine and implement fence, barricade, and sign hazardous mine openings. corrective measures that sealed the mine’s entrance For their part, the Eagle Scouts not only provide and prevented any further impact from acid mine one-time assistance, they also gain experience drainage on the river and the Galice community. and education that can benefit them in the future. Maintenance of restorative measures is necessary Any work performed by the Eagle Scouts is closely as well. In Nevada, we reapplied a surface sealant monitored for safety by the Nevada Division staff. to dry-holding ponds at the abandoned Caselton Between 2009 to 2011, the Eagle Scouts helped mine continuing to prevent lead, manganese, silver, fence, barricade, and sign 143 hazardous mine and other metal-processing tailings from becoming openings in Carson City, Churchill, Clark, Douglas, airborne. Prior to the draining–holding ponds at the Lyon, Mineral, Nye, and Washoe Counties. The BLM abandoned Caselton mine, the water was so acidic salutes Eagle Scouts for their hard work, dedication, from tailings contamination that it literally dissolved and genuine concern for the safety of all people shoes. using public lands. By continually seeking to improve the agency’s AML We seek opportunities to recognize and thank the reclamation and remediation efforts, the BLM looks current generation of public land stewards whenever for innovative methods for potential on-the-ground possible. Public land stewards are our partners remedial efforts and for cost savings. One example is who enhance the BLM’s work toward restoring our Corrective measures the installation of a wind turbine at the Zortman and nation’s landscapes and fostering the new legacy of include access controls. Landusky abandoned mine site. This effort should abandoned mine lands. Recently, we recognized a help to offset the long-term water treatment and BLM volunteer from Arizona who has donated more monitoring energy costs by $300,000 per year. than 12,000 hours of volunteer time under the BLM Volunteer Program. In another instance, the BLM We know that the long-term restoration of America’s Sustain Phase presented an archeological “Trowel” award to a public lands depends on citizens who are informed volunteer for supporting numerous interpretative At-A-Glance and willing to assist us in protecting these lands and 0 and stabilization projects at the historic Swansea water. We continue to seek opportunities to cultivate mine site. The BLM thanks all of our public land • Monitoring and maintaining restoration stewardship by supporting or creating programs stewards across the nation dedicated to promoting measures ensures that the measures are and initiatives that touch the lives of American sustainability of public lands for future generations. in place as long as necessary and continue youth, the next generation of public land stewards. to achieve the desired result. Activities The next generation of future abandoned mine site The following project summaries further highlight conducted during this phase may include experts are now receiving valuable on-the-ground the BLM’s success in sustaining measures put in monitoring at water quality sites, checking experience through BLM programs like America’s place at abandoned mine sites to support the View inside the reopenned adit at Almeda abandoned mine. adits and shaft closures as they can fail Great Outdoors; this program helps to match Eagle protection of the public and the environment into over time, checking fences and signs which Scouts who need to perform community service the future. can be vandalized or otherwise damaged, projects with work needed at abandoned mine sites. and ensuring measures are not adversely impacting wildlife (e.g., bat gates may have been placed incorrectly and may cause death or stress to the bat population). • Seeking opportunities to cultivate stewardship by supporting or creating programs and initiatives that touch the lives of the public and the next generation of public land stewards.

Acid mine waste flowing from the remediated adit near abandoned Almeda gold and copper mine before implementing corrective measure.

Eagle Scouts fence off an open shaft in Clark County, Nevada.

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327447_FINAL_Print.indd 29 7/23/13 11:35 AM Swift Gulch completed in2011. New water treatment plant for 327447_FINAL_Print.indd 30 mine to offset thelong-term water treatment andmonitoring energy costs. Installation ofa225kWwindturbine at the Zortman-Landusky abandoned SUSTAIN 30 Zortman and LanduskyAbandonedGoldMines,Montana continued upuntil 1998,whenthe mines’most activity stretches as far backasthelate 1860sand corner ofPhillips County. Thearea’s gold mining Fort BelknapIndianReservation inthesouthwest Both minesare ofthe nearthesouthernboundary Little Rocky Mountains ofnorth-central Montana. and LanduskyMinesare located 2milesapartinthe Spanning some1,200cumulative acres, the Zortman Environmental Qualityto construct andoperate fund was set upby theMontana Department of streams. A$13.8millionwater treatment trust cyanide from beingdischarged into thesurrounding excessive heavy metals, nitrates, selenium,and water capture andtreatment systems that prevent maintenance activitiesincludethemaintenance of Milk andMissouriRivers. Ongoing monitoring and from bothminesstill flows into tributaries ofthe completed inthemid-2000s,precipitation runoff While restoration activities atthese two sites were recent owner declared bankruptcy. safe for local populations andwildlife. nearby streams andtributaries, keeping thewater prevented contaminants from beingdischarged into Environmental QualityandtheBLMhave successfully plants established by theMontana Department of remediation efforts continue, the four treatment power costs suchtreatment plants require. While help offset theapproximately $300,000inannual completed, alongwitha225kWwindturbineto 2011, awater treatment plant for Swift Gulch was With assistance from theBLMinspringof Fort BelknapTribal Reservation. flowing into the Swift Gulch, which flows onto the additional water treatment system to treat waters This excessive precipitation alsonecessitated an available funds by more than$1millionannually. in thearea, water treatment costs have exceeded But inrecent years, dueto excessive precipitation three ofthesewater capture andtreatment systems. Long-term groundwater monitoring andtreatment system at Zortman-Landusky abanonedmine. 7/23/13 11:35 AM SUSTAIN 7/23/13 11:35 AM 31 Mine. adit near Contact Water flowing from a drainage a drainage from flowing Water Mine taillings migrating down the hill from the abandoned Contact Mine. the abandoned Contact hill from the down migrating Mine taillings With assistance from federal funding provided in funding provided federal from With assistance in 2010 and a cleanup effort 2009, the BLM began them with clean piles, capped waste consolidated Cleanup is plants. with native soil, and re-seeded are resources water ’s and the area complete now Monitoring wastes. by mining affected no longer streams the that to ensure 2014 until will continue mercury migrated from free remain and watershed contamination. Soil sampling at the abandoned Contact Mine in California. the abandoned Contact Soil sampling at Mine, California Contact in April 2001. steelhead trout. This contamination—and its source its source This contamination—and trout. steelhead and Sonoma mines—was piles on the Contact waste conducted by USGS sampling assessments confirmed Anna Belcher into mercury leached downstream) and the Russian River Big Sulphur Creek, Creek, for salmon and habitat spawning watershed—critical 1870 and remained active up until 1956. In the up until active 1870 and remained from products waste remaining following, decades Mine and the Sonoma Mine (located the Contact Located in the hills of Sonoma County, California, California, Sonoma County, in the hills of Located Mayacmas in the West Mine is situated the Contact of Anna Belcher near the headwaters Mining District in approximately operations The mine began Creek. 327447_FINAL_Print.indd 31 abanoned mine. Zortman-Landusky at system and treatment monitoring groundwater Long-term 327447_FINAL_Print.indd 32 Thank you! 32 abandoned hardrock minesitesforsaferpubliclandsandwater. Lands Program wouldliketosincerely thankallof restoration activities outeffective withoutpartners. The BLMAbandonedMine is oftenimpossibletocarry communities farbeyondasite’s actual borders. For asingle agency ororganization withlimitedresources, it theircontaminantrunoff jurisdictions, but restoring abandonedminelands. Notonly canformerlyminedlandsbelarge enoughtostretch overmultiple areCommunication andcollaboration essentialtoovercomingthecomplexitiesof amongproject partners Thank you, Partners! Great DivideSkiCorporation, Marysville, MT Granite County Commissioner, MT Freeport McMoRanCopperandGold,Inc. Fort BelknapTribes, Fort Belknap,MT Eureka, Pershing, andWashoe County (Nevada) Colorado DivisionofReclamation MiningandSafety Coeur d’Alene BasinCommission Clark County, NVMetro Police City ofSilver City, NM City ofCoeurd’Alene, ID California Water Resources Board California Department ofEnvironmental California AbandonedMineLandsUnit Butte County, ID Bureau ofAlcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, andExplosives Bristol Companies Batworks, Inc.,RapidCity, SD Bat Conservation International, Inc. Barrick GoldCorporation Arizona State MineInspector’s Office Arizona State MineInspector Arizona GameandFish Arizona Department ofWater Resources Arizona Department ofLand Arizona Department ofEnvironmental Quality Alaska Department ofNatural Resources, Divisionof Montana Department ofFish,Wildlife &Parks Montana Department ofEnvironmental Quality– Montana Bureau ofMines andGeology Lemhi County, Idaho KC Harvey Environmental, LLC (formerly Reclamation Idaho Historic Preservation Office Idaho Department ofLands–AbandonedMine Idaho Department ofFishandGame Idaho Department ofEnvironmental Quality Hydro Solutions,Inc,MT Hinsdale County, CO Sheriffs Conservation Lands Program LandandWaterMining, –AbandonedMine Abandoned MineLandsProgram Research Group, Bozeman, MT) Lands Program streams, individual watersheds, and landowners, canalsoaffect

toidentifyandrestore providing support thepartners

Natural Resources –AbandonedMineLandProgram New Mexico Department ofMinerals, Energy and New Mexico AbandonedMineLandProgram, Mining Nevada MiningAssociation Nevada DivisionofMinerals Nevada DivisionofEnvironmental Protection Nevada Department ofWildlife Nevada County Resource Conservation District Nevada AbandonedMineLandsProgram National Park Service Programs National Association ofAbandonedMineLands Union Pacific Railroad U.S. Geological Survey U.S. Forest Service U.S. Environmental Protection Agency U.S. Bureau ofReclamation U.S. Army Corps ofEngineers, OmahaDistrict U.S. Army Corps ofEngineers The University ofArizona The Great BasinInstitute Target Minerals Billings,MT Spectrum Engineering, South Dakota SchoolofMinesandTechnology South Dakota Department ofEnvironment and Shoshone County, ID Sawtooth National Forest San JuanResource Conservation District Salmon/Challis National Forest Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Placer County Resource Conservation District Pioneer Technical Helena,MT Services, Industries Oregon Department ofGeology andMineral Oregon Department ofEnvironmental Quality, OHV Ambassadors Northern Arizona University North West Inc,Butte, Services MT Noble Excavating, Libby, MT New Mexico State University and Minerals Division Natural Resources –Minerals andMiningProgram and Emergency Response Section Land QualityDivision–Environmental Cleanup 7/23/13 11:35 AM

Thank you! 7/23/13 11:35 AM working -James Corbett, Bat Coordinator, 33 relationship could not be things good in the strong “The overall between BCI partnership!” are We better. and the BLM Subterranean Program of achieving a lot and productive Conservation International the Metal Mining Sector Metal Mine Land Program Abandoned closure plan due to potential safety risks posed by posed risks safety potential plan due to closure This rotting timbers. and deep shafts the mine’s with in 2007, in collaboration developed plan was Teck Ultimately, and regulators. clubs ORV local using mine openings 47 hazardous secured American and backfill. foam polyurethane openings. Bat surveys were conducted by the by conducted were surveys openings. Bat Service The Forest of Wildlife. Department Nevada while the BLM conducted gates, bat constructed the secured closure grate steel backfills. A heavy was The work entrance. gaping Hummer Hole’s in feet, to 9,000 of up elevations at conducted or commercial any from hours terrain, remote these these obstacles, services. Despite emergency close the hazards to cooperated partners diverse addressed In all, the partners and efficiently. rapidly 47 mine hazards. Incorporated American, Teck lead, zinc, and tungsten silver, a century, over For mine in Mohave the McCracken at extracted were patent acquired American Teck Arizona. County, for in 1983 and leased the site the site claims for has been 1985. The site to 1983 from mining silver is County Mohave since. However, ever dormant and in riders, and ORVs hikers for a popular area American Teck approached enthusiast 2005, an ORV In a subsequent site. about acquiring the McCracken determined Teck American of the site, evaluation an extensive require mine would the McCracken that notorious “Hummer Hole.” This extremely deep hole This extremely “Hummer Hole.” notorious Hummers up three swallow to enough large was the around other hazards side. These and side by the OHV to threat a huge represented mountain state, with federal, The BLM partnered community. tackle the to volunteers and organizations and local located Division of Minerals The Nevada problem. warning signs posting the hazards, and inventoried shafts. of particularly dangerous the entrances at in selected fence helped to volunteers Girl Scout of Ecology Department Washington Resources of Natural Department Washington – Initiative Technology Acid Drainage Wyoming Geologists State of American Association Wyoming Quality – of Environmental Department Wyoming Remediation continued Partners,

California Department of Conservation’s Conservation’s of Department California Unit Abandoned Mine Lands Control Radiation Division of Utah Science Center Water Utah Utah Department of Environmental Quality of Environmental Department Utah Resources of Natural Department Utah and Response Environmental Division of Utah Utah Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program Reclamation Mine Abandoned Utah and I boom in lead, copper, War A post-World left Nevada, Spruce Mountain, mining around silver and adits such as the with shafts dotted the area Foundation Program, US Forest Service, and Private Service, and Private Forest US Program, Foundation Volunteers at no expense to the taxpayer. to no expense at Department Nevada Division of Minerals, Nevada Heritage Natural Nevada Nevada, of Wildlife, the positive spirit of the participants in this effort. in this spirit of the participants the positive fuel, and of equipment, donation The Union’s these hazards address the BLM to allowed operators openings as part of their bulldozer training. The training. openings as part of their bulldozer on safety; focus the Union’s by impressed BLM was at which the the pace of the trainers; the patience the machinery; and to operate learned apprentices the for center be the training turned out to Union, which quickly Engineers Operating Nevada to fill in abandoned mine apprentices its volunteered While evaluating the impacts of the area, the BLM the impacts of the area, While evaluating containing facility fenced-in a large encountered This equipment. and other heavy bulldozers In Nevada, the BLM has focused on working to to on working the BLM has focused In Nevada, like in areas public land users to hazards reduce and Sparks. of Reno east located Rock, Painted remediate more than 500 hazardous mine features. than 500 hazardous more remediate Joint Union Engineers Operating Nevada Nevada for Northern Committee Apprenticeship time. The unit has compiled data on nearly 24,000 compiled data time. The unit has 2002, the unit Since abandoned mine land features. to its partners than $650,000 to more has provided and remediating unsafe abandoned mine features on features abandoned mine unsafe and remediating than with more coordinating by lands in California and staff funds providing and by partners, dozen two with California’s 47,000 abandoned mines, with California’s of which lie on federal two-thirds approximately in inventorying a lead role lands. The unit has taken The California Department of Conservation’s of Conservation’s Department The California leader Abandoned Mine Lands Unit is a recognized associated hazards physical to eradicate in the effort We program. following partners Award Development and Sustainable Mineral the Reclamation through to protect impact they have had on-the-ground and the remarkable to highlight their achievements proud are public health and safety. the exceptional contribution Mining Association have recognized The BLM and the National of of List 327447_FINAL_Print.indd 33 327447_FINAL_Print.indd 34 we make ourselves we makeourselves our great future elte nyi realities only if osblte fpossibilities of responsible for Summary A bat-friendly closure installed over adeepabandonedmine shaft nearthe Swansea ghost town protecting thepublicandwildlife now and into thefuture. that future.” will become —Gifford Pinchot “The vast 34 with restoring abandonedminelands. term maintenance andmonitoring costs associated the useofrenewable energy to helpoffset long- and expedite closures ofhigh-riskAMLsites, and such asinventory teams to enhancesite inventory innovative approaches to restore landand water, have afforded ustheopportunity to demonstrate collaboration withourpartnership. These factors 3) leveraged resources through coordination and and sustainable state; 2)fundingincreases; and impacted minelandsandwater to arestored, safe, implementation ofaphasedapproach that moves can beattributed to three key factors: 1) positive impactsof restoring them.Oursuccess abandoned minesites, aswell asthelasting health, andsafety impactsassociated with offer insight into many oftheenvironmental, project highlights provided throughout thisreport accomplishments from FY2009to 2011.The lands asdemonstrated by ouron-the-ground success inrestoring impacted abandonedmine The BLMAMLprogram hasachieved much Our Past, Present,andFuture A New Legacy: such ascultural heritage awareness and Integrating otherpriorities into this process— the BLM’s Discover-Restore-Sustain process. the environment istheoverarching goal of Ultimately, protection ofhumanhealthand future generations. informative landuseinheritance for current and old mininglegacy to asustainable, protective, and agencies, andlocal communities to transform the local, andtribalgovernment partners, otherfederal approaches, andwork incollaboration with state, funding andresources, implement innovative western lands.We willcontinue to leverage will continue to forge aNew Legacy for America’s mine sites remaining in the AML inventory, the BLM is more work to do.With25,400known abandoned With ourachievement istherealization that there national landscape. the AMLprogram’s New Legacy isreflected inthe accomplishments willbehow safely andseamlessly the BLM’s efforts. Thelasting measure ofour recreational improvements—further enhances 7/23/13 11:35 AM Contact Us 7/23/13 11:35 AM 35 BLM AML staff and partners. BLM AML staff 5353 Yellowstone Road 5353 Yellowstone WY 82009 Cheyenne, 307-775-6092 [email protected] http://www.blm.gov/wy/st/en/programs/aml.html Office Washington SE 20 M Street, DC 20003-3503 Washington, (202) 912-7133 [email protected] http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/prog/more/ Abandoned_Mine_Lands.html New Mexico Mexico New Trail 301 Dinosaur NM 87508 Fe, Santa 505-954-2159 [email protected] http://www.blm.gov/nm/st/en/prog/more/ abandoned_mine_lands.html Office State Oregon Avenue 1st 333 S.W. OR 97024 Portland, 503-808-6538 [email protected] http://www.blm.gov/or/landsrealty/aml/index.php Office State Utah 500 200 South, Suite 440 West 84101 Utah City, Salt Lake 801-539-4026 [email protected] http://www.blm.gov/ut/st/en/prog/more/ Abandoned_Mine_Lands.html Office State Wyoming Abandoned Management Land

[email protected] http://www.blm.gov/nv/st/en/prog/minerals/ abandoned_mine_lands.html 1340 Financial Blvd. NV 89502 Reno, 775-861-6571 http://www.blm.gov/mt/st/en/prog/aml.html Office State Nevada 5001 Southgate Drive 5001 Southgate Billings, MT 59101 406-896-5033 [email protected] mine_lands.html Office State Montana 208-373-3864 [email protected] http://www.blm.gov/id/st/en/prog/abandoned_ Idaho State Office Idaho State 1387 S. Vinnell Way Boise, Idaho 83709 [email protected] http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/BLM_Programs/aml. html 2850 Youngfield Street 2850 Youngfield 80215 Colorado Lakewood, 303-239-3711 http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/prog/aml.html Office State Colorado Sacramento, CA 95825 Sacramento, (916) 978-4685 [email protected] http://www.blm.gov/az/st/en/prog/mining/aml.html http://www.blm.gov/az/st/en/prog/mining/aml.html Office State California W-1623 Suite Way, 2800 Cottage Phoenix, Arizona 85004 Phoenix, Arizona 602-417-9452 [email protected] Arizona State Office State Arizona 800 Suite Avenue, One North Central Anchorage, Alaska 99513 Alaska Anchorage, 907-271-4426 [email protected] http://www.blm.gov/ak/st/en.html Alaska State Office State Alaska #13 Avenue 222 W 7th of Bureau Program Lands Mine Information Contact 327447_FINAL_Print.indd 35 Legacy: A New Future and Present, Past, Our A bat-friendly closure installed over a deep abandoned mine shaft near the Swansea ghost town protecting the public and wildlife now and into the future. into now and the public and wildlife protecting town ghost Swansea near the a deep abandoned mine shaft over installed closure A bat-friendly Cover Photos (Top to Bottom and Left to Right): Gold miners sampling a remote placer mining claim using a prospector's rocker box, Old mine entrance, Almeda gold and copper mine in 1910, White Swan gold mine, A historic mining town, Upper Animas River Basin, Opening of an abandoned uranium mine discovered in San Rafael Swell area of Utah, Fixing adit near the Lost Arch mining camp and trails, and 225kW wind turbine installed at the Zortman and Landusky abandoned mine

ABANDONED MINE LANDS: A NEW LEGACY Publication date: May 2013 BLM Publication Number: BLM/WO/GI-13/007-3720 Bureau of Land Management: www.blm.gov/wo/st/ en/prog/more/Abandoned_Mine_Lands.html

The mention of company names, trade names, or commercial products does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use by the Federal Government.

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