9496

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 9496
• Author: Colorado Riparian Association
• Title: Editor
• USFW Year: Series
• USFW - Doc Type: no date
• Copyright Material: NO

~ ummm

Location: Bonanza area (Bonanza quad. map). Kerber Creek
Drainage just below Elkhorn Gulch confluence.

Land Owner: Public land managed by: Bureau of Land Management
U.S. BLM
Saguache Field Office
46525 State Highway 114
Saguache, CO 81149
[phone]

Riparian restoration project performed by:
ASARCO Incorporated McCulley, Frick & Gilman, Inc.
495 E. 51 st Avenue and 4900 Pearl East Circle, Suite 300W
Denver, CO 80216 Boulder, CO 8030 I
[phone] [phone]

Directions: From Poncha Springs, travel south 22 miles on Highway 285 to
Villa Grove. Turn west on Saguache County Road LL56. For the next 14 miles
one can view the area adversely impacted by mining operations.

Goals: The goal of the project was to improve water quality by
reclaiming an area along Kerber Creek that was impacted by the lluvial deposi-
tion of mine tailings. The mine tailings were impounded behind a series of old
beaver dams along Kerber Creek.

Methods: Tailings and tailings-impacted soils were amended with tine-
grained limestone, and organic matter and consolidation/closure to these materials
was conducted in two areas above the floodplain. Stream stabilization was facili-
tated by the installation of rock barbs, tree root wads and rock vortex weirs, and
the planting of streamside willows. Disturbed areas were re-seeded using upland
and riparian seed mixes. Temporary fencing was installed to facilitate vegetation
establ ishment.

Results: One year after completion of the project, sediment and metals
loading to Kerber Creek have been effectively reduced. Vegetation has re-estab-
lished and the stream structures have withstood high flows and provided stability
to the stream banks. Recently planted supplemental willow shoots are experienc-
ing good survival rates.

8 Driving Guide. Arkansas Watershed - - -- --