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Figure 1. Example of methods of Monumenting Mining Claims in California Drawing of an ideal lode mining claim (Metes and Bound survey method) in California (Cal. Pub. Res. Code, Chapt. 4, Sec. 2316). GMamr~ of Balm (GmarGn~ of wln, Ytlpa, bd, IaDUfar a.poan, rc zonr~ sf Most State laws require conspicuous and substan- tial monuments for all types of claims and sites. Stone ~ 31/2"+ ~ 2"+ t Mound ~ d ,~~ Wood ~ Melal ~ `'r (I ~ Post ~ Post -~' - '-+l - ~' - NOTE: Other states have other requirements for mounments. Other mounments can be used in Califomis as long as they are conspicuous and substantial. However, it is BLM policy not use perforated or uncapped pipe as a monument. 10 Forest Service: Exploration and mining activities on lands 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 "siF~ttificant 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 occu- pancymust 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. - $L-Ni:~tplorationaztdzttirtutgactivltieson BLM-administered land are subject to the regula- tions of the Secretary of the Interior in 43 CFR 3809 and, for Wilderness Study Areas, 43 CFR 3802. These regulations require an operator to prevent unnecessary or undue degradation of the land. For activities other than casual use, they require the operator to submit either a notice or a plan of operations and a reclamation plan. A plan of operations and a reclamation plan are required where activities involve the surface disturbance of more than 5 acres. Also, Special Category Lands, as defined in 43 CFR 3809.113, always require a plan of operations. The plan of operations must include a description of the proposed activities, road access and construction, reclamation mea- sures, timeframes of non-operation, and a sketch or a map of the area to be disturbed, including all access routes. An environmental assessment (EA) or an environmental impact statement (EIS) must be prepared by the BLM or the claimant/operator prior to commencement of any surface-disturbing activities. A plan of operations must be approved by the BLM. Operations at the plan level may not commence until the plan is approved. 23