*MINING CLAIM MAINTENANCE & ASSESSMENT WORK

Surface Management

Most Federal agencies have regulations to protect the surface resources of the Federal lands during exploration and mining activities.

Reclamation of disturbed sites is a requirement after completion of exploration and mining activities.

Another requirement is the submission of a notice or a plan of operations before conducting any surface-disturbing activities, except for casual use activities.

Also, most State governments have mining and reclamation requirements. To avoid duplication, several States have entered into cooperative agreements with Federal agencies. Operators should check with Federal and State agencies to determine the proper lead agency before submitting a notice or plan.

Forest Service: Exploration and mining, activities administered by the Forest Service are subject to the regulations of the Secretary of Agriculture in 36 CFR 228(A).

These regulations require that anyone whose proposed operation could likely cause "significant disturbance of surface resources" must submit an operating plan.

The operating plan should describe the nature of the proposed disturbance and steps to protect surface resources. It must describe steps proposed to reclaim the land after mining,-related activities have stopped. Any proposed structures or occupancy must also be described.

The plan must be approved by an authorized Forest Service officer. Miners wishing to prospect or locate claims or sites in National Forests should contact the local District Ranger concerning questions about operating plans.