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is expected to migrate over time. The channel was constructed in the fall of 1998 to take <br />advantage of low flow conditions and diverted the flow of Dutch Creek upstream of the former <br />location of the flume. The reconstructed channel has functioned as designed. <br />Pond Reclamation <br />This project was designed to transform the sediment ponds on private and public lands throughout <br />the mine into maintenance free water retention structures, while providing benefits to wildlife and <br />other area values. <br />Pond reclamation entailed removal of the corrugated metal pipe (CMP) discharge structures, <br />relaxing the embankment cuts created by CMP removal, lining the embankment excavations with <br />rock rip rap, planting all areas at the water line elevation with a wetlands seed mixture and willows <br />and planting areas above the water line with an appropriate upland seed mixture. Two ponds <br />below Mine 2 and one pond below Mine 5 were not reclaimed and will remain as permanent <br />features to support the post mining land use of rangeland and wildlife habitat. <br />Tree Planting <br />Volunteer efforts to plant a total of approximately 5,000 trees were undertaken on two occasions <br />in 1997. Trees were planted at the Mine 1 bench area, along the upper quarter mile of portion of <br />Road D, and at the Mine 2 loadout area. Trees were also planted at the Mine 4 bench and at the <br />former location of the powder magazines adjacent to Road B. Groups of volunteers from local <br />schools and public interest groups were supervised by Division and OSM staff. Two - year -old <br />seedling trees were planted. <br />In 2000, eighteen thousand seven hundred fifty (18,750) seedling trees were planted at the site. A <br />mixture of Engelmann Spruce, Sub Alpine fir, Colorado blue spruce and Douglas fir were planted at <br />disturbed areas throughout the mine area. The trees were planted in clumps by species, depending <br />upon species and site characteristics. Trees were planted primarily by contractors, but school and <br />community volunteers assisted with the tree planting. <br />Weed Control <br />A noxious weed infestation in Coal Basin was threatening the reclaimed areas. Over the course of <br />several years, noxious weed control work was undertaken to relieve the infestation. The work was <br />conducted primarily from the Lamphouse area, easterly through the facilities area, Old Refuse Pile, <br />and the Sutey Refuse Pile. Both public and private properties were treated for weed infestations. <br />10 <br />