Land and wildlife managers began securing abandoned hard rock mine portals with bat compatible closures (BCCs) in Nevada in the 1990s. Managers in Nevada have been working together for more than 20 years to systematically survey and protect mines that provide important roosting opportunities for wildlife and for preservation of cultural artifacts. To date, more than 1,300 BCCs have been constructed on abandoned mine lands (AMLs) in Nevada, however no systematic system of monitoring gates was ever implemented. Beginning in 2020, managers have assessed the status of approximately 80% of Nevada’s gated AMLs. Data presented will include rates and types of vandalism and natural subsidence, lessons learned regarding gate designs and portal stability, and considerations to increase the efficiency of gating programs into the future.

Jason Williams earned his Master’s degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He has been a wildlife biologist in Nevada for 28 years, with the last 20 years spent working for the Nevada Department of Wildlife. Jason lives in Ely, Nevada, and has spent the majority his profession researching bats, including: characterizing cavernicolous roosting requirements, studying impacts to bats from abandoned mine reclamation programs and wind generation, and investigating bat migration patterns.