Abandoned Mine Closures and Protection of Bat Habitats

Photo of an arched mine entrance with a grated closure.

This entrance to the Fireplace mine was used as a camp site.

The Mountain Top Ranger District, on the San Bernardino National Forest, and the State of California, Department of Mine Reclamation has successfully closed seven (7) mine entrances for public safety and protection of bat habitats along Forest System Road 3N03. The gates not only prevent the public from entering into dangerous mine openings but also protect bat rooster and maternity wards.

The bat gates were constructed by Louie Nuno and his son Bryan who are working as private contractors. Louie is a retiree and while working as a Forest employee, he constructed three (3) bat gates last year with design and direction from the Joshua Tree National Park Service, Branch Chief Luke Sabala.

Don Buyak helped construct and install the road gates, Randy Ridges of Americorps helped with the logistics and the County of San Bernardino helped remove truck loads of trash from the mine site.