This data was pulled from the BLM's MLRS database for each state using the case code (380910,380913,380911). The data was joined with the calculated centroid for each section in the states presented. Some sections did not have the proper designation or a point for plotting and in those instances the developer made every attempt to make a point in the logical place.For each state the first division of the PLSS for each state was obtained from either: a local government agency, the BLM Navigator, or from the USGS. Data was pulled in November of 2021. A snapshot of mining claims listings in each state from the BLM’s MLRS online database (Date Specified on Mining Claims Map) For each state, the projection of the PLSS layer is the projection that was used to create the claim points. From the PLSS first division for each state, the centroid was calculated using the calculate geometry function in ArcMap. A SectionID field was added to generate unique values. These unique values consist of the Meridian, Township, Range, and Section identifiers formatted to match the MTRS field when pulling the mining claims listings. Fields where concatenated together to generate the Section ID. Mining claims with a status of Active, Pending, Submitted, and Filed claims were queried from the Bureau of Land Management’s MLRS online database using the PUB MC Serial Number Index under the Public Mining Claims Reports. The claims data was joined with the SectionID data to assign an easting and a northing, based on the MTRS description for the given claim from the MLRS database. A “claim point listings” feature class was generated using the coordinates from the centroid of the section it is listed to be within. Some plans or notices did not plot. plans or notices that did not plot were visually inspected by and modifications were made if possible, to display the plans or notices. The reason for plans or notices not plotting was due to protracted blocks and the absence of a first division polygon. The section numbers for protracted blocks are greater than 36, so in areas where claims were present on protracted blocks, the section numbers were reassigned the section number of which the general public would refer to it as (1-36 only). For any states where the first division was not available for a Township, section centroid points were made with the INFERRED PLSS description assigned to the points. Understand that assumptions were made during this process. Polygons were not made for missing sections.

This data was pulled from the BLM's MLRS database for each state using the case code (380910,380913,380911). The data was joined with the calculated centroid for each section in the states presented. Some sections did not have the proper designation or a point for plotting and in those instances the developer made every attempt to make a point in the logical place.For each state the first division of the PLSS for each state was obtained from either: a local government agency, the BLM Navigator, or from the USGS. Data was pulled in November of 2021. A snapshot of mining claims listings in each state from the BLM’s MLRS online database (Date Specified on Mining Claims Map) For each state, the projection of the PLSS layer is the projection that was used to create the claim points. From the PLSS first division for each state, the centroid was calculated using the calculate geometry function in ArcMap. A SectionID field was added to generate unique values. These unique values consist of the Meridian, Township, Range, and Section identifiers formatted to match the MTRS field when pulling the mining claims listings. Fields where concatenated together to generate the Section ID. Mining claims with a status of Active, Pending, Submitted, and Filed claims were queried from the Bureau of Land Management’s MLRS online database using the PUB MC Serial Number Index under the Public Mining Claims Reports. The claims data was joined with the SectionID data to assign an easting and a northing, based on the MTRS description for the given claim from the MLRS database. A “claim point listings” feature class was generated using the coordinates from the centroid of the section it is listed to be within. Some plans or notices did not plot. plans or notices that did not plot were visually inspected by and modifications were made if possible, to display the plans or notices. The reason for plans or notices not plotting was due to protracted blocks and the absence of a first division polygon. The section numbers for protracted blocks are greater than 36, so in areas where claims were present on protracted blocks, the section numbers were reassigned the section number of which the general public would refer to it as (1-36 only). For any states where the first division was not available for a Township, section centroid points were made with the INFERRED PLSS description assigned to the points. Understand that assumptions were made during this process. Polygons were not made for missing sections.