Socorro West Mine Saftguard project
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1999 Western Region Award: Socorro West Mine Saftguard project |
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Located outside Socorro, New Mexico this project reclaimed 24 abandoned mine shafts, adits, and stope openings while preserving a highly significant bat habitat in the mine workings. Because the mine workings were home to a large population of bats, gates were constructed that allow ventilation and bat entry; but, keep people safely out. The hibernating populations of Townsend's big-eared bats have increased steadily since the mine features were protected with bat-compatible closures. The recovery of the bat populations at this abandoned mine site is a direct result of the well designed bat compatible closures applied to the mine openings. Enlarged Photo (21 KB file)
Eliminating the danger of vertical shafts
Grated shaft closure
The dangerous open vertical shafts have been covered with bat gates and people who visit the site no longer have to fear they will fall into an open mine shaft. With public ownership and good rock-climbing opportunities in the area, the land around the mine site is used for both cattle grazing and recreation. Today the dangers have been eliminated and the habitat in the mines now aids the survival of at least one bat species.
Enlarged Photo (38KB file)
Grated closures allow for ventilation of the mine workings, essential to maintain this habitat for bats. In 1992, a biologist from the University of New Mexico, found the largest recorded hibernating population of Townsend's big-eared bats in this mine complex. This species is in decline and the year-around use of the mine environment is important to maintaining a viable population. When completed the project eliminated 24 abandoned underground mine hazards and ensured the long-term bat habitat. Enlarged Drawing (6 KB file) or Larger Drawing (9 KB file)
