Most of these are abandonments that occurred before responsible site reclamation. Nevertheless, the presence of these bygone operations may be hazardous to the environment and to humans, wildlife, and livestock. Problem sites contain mining byproducts and tailings that are sources of water and soil contamination. The former mines also have open workings and dilapidated structures attractive historic nuisances perilous to the adventurous and unwary. In 1996, the Idaho Geological Survey began recording the inactive mines in the northern part of the state.
Researchers visit sites where they identify the hazards and map locations.
They also videotape and photograph the locale for future reference. Individual histories have been prepared for some of these mines. The deaths in 1995 of two young men exploring an old mine awakened interest in the fateful importance of this work. The project has been funded by Region I of the U.S. Forest Service and the Idaho State Office of the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.