That picture needs a little explaining. It's not actually a door but rather a wood air control wall. These are put in place (and often moved) when a mine is operating to control airflow and keep fresh air moving in active parts of the mine. Since part of our work involves detailed mapping, we have to gain access to any closed off sections in order to be accurate and properly document the true structure of the mine. Our goal is the documentation and preservation of abandoned mines so we only open walls or sealed areas when absolutely necessary.
The issue with the BLM (and other agencies) was their monitoring of our web site and Facebook page in order to identify mines for reclamation (which almost always means permanent closure). With regard to mining claims, only patented claims are real property. Placer and lode claims must be renewed every year (and are also supposed to have ongoing mining or site improvement activities). They are not real property and only give claim holders certain rights.
