County approves posting of mine-site map with safety warning after revisions

San Juan County commissioners on July 23 agreed to post a public map identifying historic mine sites in the San Juan Triangle area, subject to small wording changes and a safety disclaimer.

The map, prepared by a local contributor, lists locations of historic mine workings. Commissioners and staff debated wording for safety guidance and technical terminology before approving the posting. They agreed to change "mine shafts" to "tunnels" for public clarity, to pluralize warnings about gases, and to replace the phrase "equipment remnants" with "historic remnants." They also agreed to caution readers that many map sites are private property and that entry may be restricted or prosecuted if posted.

"I think the big thing is just letting people know that they could be on private property — just to respect it," one commissioner said. County staff and commissioners discussed the limits of enforcement and noted that civil trespass prosecutions often require property to be posted under state law.

The map author, Norm, was authorized to place the map at county facilities and was asked to post a similar disclaimer on his website. Commissioners emphasized keeping warning language short and readable while flagging major hazards: tunnels, unstable ground, water traps and gated sites.

Why it matters: Historic mine workings and tailings present safety and trespass issues. Outreach that directs people to sites without clear warnings can increase risk to visitors and county search-and-rescue resources.

The commission advised using straightforward language to reach nonexpert visitors and to avoid implying that removed items are marketable artifacts. The board approved the map posting by motion; staff will forward the revised warning language and confirm online posting with the map author.

Ending: The county will proceed with map posting and website posting by the map author after the edits discussed on July 23 are incorporated.