Claims on BLM land may also be in National Forests. From BLM 2020 Mining Claim Packet pages 41 and 42: file:///C:/Users/XMAN~1/AppData/Local/Temp/2020_CO_MiningPacket_JanRevise.pdf A mining claimant without an approved Notice or Plan of Operations, is considered a visitor of the BLM Public Lands. Further, the use and occupancy will be different on US Forest Service lands. The local office of the Federal agency who manages the surface where a mining claim is located will have policies and procedures applicable to any surface disturbing activity within their jurisdiction. Visitors may occupy the land no longer than 14 days in any 90 day period within a 25 mile radius of the initially occupied site unless the BLM has concurred with a proposed extended Use and Occupancy request (43 CFR 3715). Any occupancy on the Public Lands longer than this allowable timeframe, for the purposes of conducting activities under the Mining Law, must be conducted under an approved Notice or a Plan of Operations with a concurrence for Use and Occupancy. You may not construct permanent structures, mobile structures, store equipment or vehicles or use unauthorized roads or trails without prior approval from the agency. Further, intermittent or casual mineral exploration and development does not normally justify the use of such structures or travel off designated routes or any rights to camping or occupancy beyond the time period allowed for the general public. From USDA bulletin "Unpatented Mining Claims" file:///C:/Users/XMAN~1/AppData/Local/Temp/2015_UnpantentedMiningClaims1.pdf Can I camp on my unpatented mining claim? All users of our National Forests have the opportunity to camp within time limitations established by the Forest on which you are operating. Camping on your unpatented mining claim beyond those limits must be reasonably incidental to locatable mineral activities, and may require an approved plan of operations if cumulative impacts result in a significant surface disturbance. Consult with the local Ranger District prior to any occupancy on your mining claim.
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