“OTHER CORNER DESCRIPTIONS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA” is a very important part of the notes since it contains the report on prior surveys. Do not report another mineral surveyor in error for minor discrepancies in bearings and distances. The phrase, “substantially correct as approved” may be used, or “approximately correct as approved.”
Under “MEMORANDUM” differences with the calls given in the location certificate may be explained, as well as typographical errors in the certificate.
Because of corrections that may be required by the Bureau of Land Management it is well to prepare a preliminary draft of the notes for submitting to the BLM. The final typing, in triplicate, can be accomplished after all differences have been resolved.
5–11 The field notes and preliminary plat should be sent to the State Office of the Bureau of Land Management by either certified or registered mail with a return receipt requested. A copy of the preliminary plat may also be sent to the claimant with a copy of the letter of transmittal to the BLM.
As a rule, the returns of mineral survey should remain confidential until the survey is approved. The mineral surveyor should maintain this confidence. If a demand is made of the Bureau of Land Management under the Freedom of Information Act, then the preliminary nature of the work should be clearly stated to the recipient.
Processing the Survey
5–12 Preliminary Examination of Field Notes: The examination of the survey may begin by reading the notes and comparing them with the preliminary plat. As a general rule the mineral surveyor will write the notes from the plat. If inconsistencies appear, they will usually be typographical errors in the notes. However, this must be verified by the mineral surveyor.
Particular attention should be given to the format as shown by the specimen notes of the Manual of Surveying Instructions, 1973.
Corner descriptions must be proper and adequate. Ties should agree with the preliminary plat. Discovery points must be on public domain.
By posting the mineral survey to the connecting sheet or similar plat with a pencil, conflicts and other surveys within 100 feet may be determined.