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Conservation crew helps make public lands safer for recreational users

Mar 5, 2020

A hardy and dedicated group of young adults from Arizona Conservation Corps (AZCC) worked alongside Lake Havasu Field Office staff improving and enhancing public recreation areas in the Swansea Historic Mining Townsite, near Parker, Ariz. Copper and gold mining in Swansea began around 1862 and was very productive and successful for 48 years until the mining company slowly dwindled into bankruptcy in 1912.

crew members in a hole caused by erosion — **AZCC crew members stand in hole caused by erosion.** *BLM Photo*

Since the mines were abandoned, equipment, chemicals and undetonated explosives were left behind. Over the past 100 years the unused mine structures have deteriorated and become dilapidated, the shafts have filled with water and are commonly home to bats, venomous snakes, and other predators.

Because abandoned mines are dangerous, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) installed “cupolas” or metal structures over top of the shafts to protect visitors from serious injuries. Due to strong winter rains and summer monsoons, flash floods washed out the soil around the cupola foundation creating a large sinkhole. To make the historic site safer, BLM staff and AZCC crews worked in a very dusty environment to fill in the hole and secure the cupola.

Working with Conservation Legacy, AZCC operates programs across the state focusing on connecting young adults with conservation work on public lands. Thank you, AZCC for your help!