Thanks to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act), the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is better protecting the public after six deep shafts are filled and secured on public lands near Wickenburg, Ariz. The open shafts, ranging from 60 to over 100 feet deep, were abandoned nearly a century ago after gold mining ceased. Prior to having them secured, these caverns posed serious safety concerns for citizens who recreate on public lands – especially for the off-highway vehicle or all-terrain vehicle clubs. All are located immediately adjacent to highly popular motorized recreation paths in the Wickenburg and Morristown areas. 

“It feels great. That is the whole purpose to not get anybody hurt, and we thank the BLM for having us do this job to protect the community,” says Carlos Martinez the owner of Eagle Pass Construction.

Using $14,300 of Recovery Act funds, the BLM Phoenix District hired the Sahuarita, Ariz. construction firm to secure the sites. “With the economy the way it is, these Recovery Act jobs help us,” he added. “We have no complaints; we’re all fortunate if we have a job.” Martinez and three of his five employees began the project on Thursday, January 14, 2010 and today, all six sites are secured. The crews successfully completed back-filling of the mines near the Vulture Mine Road, 18 miles southwest of Wickenburg. These are called the Mammoth Spar Mines.

The contractor is certified by the Small Business Administration’s 8 (a) Business Development Program that provides federal contracts to firms owned and operated by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. “This will help us. We’re grateful.”

The BLM Phoenix District is acting aggressively to protect human safety in these areas by using the Recovery Act funds. Abandoned mine sites are being fenced and filled throughout 2010. For more information, contact: Matthew Plis at 623-580-5518 or Kathleen Depukat at 623-580-5681.