BLM CA Statewide Abandoned Mine Lands Reclamation Project

The Bureau of Land Management BLM, through its cooperative government and nongovernment partners, mitigate hazards on public lands to protect public health and safety, and restore watersheds for enhance water quality and support a variety of uses to include but not limited to: recreation, fishing, hunting, wildlife watching, grazing and agricultural uses, and preservation of historical/cultural resources. Mineral extractive industry activities of the past have left degraded watersheds and abandoned mines on public lands throughout California. Abandoned mines pose physical hazards as well as environmental threats to groundwater, surface water, and soil creating risks to the health and safety of communities and public land users. The California State Office of the BLM and State of California, Department of Natural Resources, Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety, have partnered to work collaboratively to close hundreds of shafts and adits on public lands. This partnership has supported program priorities of both the State of California and BLM to improve land health and access to public lands by conducting surveys of potential sites and mitigating any physical and environmental hazards present. This work builds shared knowledge and resources to develop and implement an effective closure program and remediation program. The project promotes enhanced visitor safety, improves wildlife habitats, and protects the watershed for fishing and recreational uses. Through appropriate safety and remediation measures, this project aims to increase public access.