The Virginia City National Historical Landmark District (VCNLHD) was established in 1961as a property with exceptional value to the history of the nation. VCNLHD was listed in 1988 as "endangered" by the National Park Service due to cumulative effects of surface mining on the historic landscape. These effects have recently accelerated under large scale surface mining activities. The Secretary can take steps to mitigate or abate effects of surface mining in VCNLHDas provided by 16 U.S.C. 1908, "Mining in the National Parks Act of 1976, Section 9."