For Release: June 12, 2006
Contact: Anne Falcon, 661-391-6154
CA-CC-06-50

BLM and State Warn Public About Dangerous Historic Mine Sites

The BLM and the California Department of Conservation (DOC) are working together to prevent public access to dangerous mine sites in BLM's Keyesville Recreational Area. In May the two agencies installed four gates on mine entrances to prevent public access while still allowing wildlife access. Wildlife, particularly bats, use caves as habitat.

The BLM and DOC's Office of Mine Reclamation in partnership have been closing mine entrances and shafts since 2003.

Many mines in the Keyesville area are partially collapsed, have low oxygen levels, and have open entrances and shafts. The greatest danger of collapse occurs at the entrance and at an intersection of the shaft with a fault zone. Because most of these mines are in public areas, a person could easily get into serious trouble if they enter an old mine. Unfortunately, the public often ignores or destroys signs warning of the dangers of entering these mines.

There are many tragic examples of the hazards to the public. In April 2006, in the California desert, one person was killed after walking about 90 feet into a mine entrance and falling 60 feet down a shaft. A week later at the same mine site, another person was severely injured after falling down the same shaft.

Eight years ago, members of a Boy Scout troop entered a mine in the Keyesville Recreational Area, handled, killed, and disposed of a bat. Since the bat could not be found, several members of the troop had to undergo rabies shots as a precaution. At that time, this mine was unknown to the BLM. Since then, a gate has been installed.

The BLM and the state warn the public to stay away from all shafts and mine entrances. Members of the public should report abandoned mines by calling a toll free number, 877-OLD-MINE (653-6463). The two agencies will continue to work together to close additional sites in the Keyesville Recreational Area.

- BLM -

Bakersfield Field Office, 3801 Pegasus Dr., Bakersfield, CA 93308