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PERMIT#: M-2017-045 <br /> INSPECTOR'S INITIALS: TCI <br /> INSPECTION DATE: October 12,2017 <br /> OBSERVATIONS <br /> This inspection was prompted by an anonymous complaint received by the DRMS alleging illegal mining from <br /> mining claims in the Bear Creek area of the Pikes Peak National Forest, west of Colorado Springs in El Paso <br /> County. The complainant attended the inspection in order to help find the mining sites as they are in an area <br /> characterized by forested, steep, rugged terrain. This was a joint inspection with Jeff Hovermale, Janelle <br /> Valladares, Amy Titterington and Sergio Perez representing the US Forest Service. Tim Cazier was present for <br /> the inspection representing the DRMS. <br /> The DRMS used a handheld Juno 3B GPS unit to collect location and area data. Only five satellites were found <br /> with the GPS due to the tree cover and steep terrain. As a result, the area measurements appeared to be <br /> suspect. However, the point locations appeared to have better accuracy. Six dig sites were identified totaling <br /> an estimated 1,200 +/- square feet. A post inspection map is enclosed. <br /> Backfilling and Grading: Backfill material appeared to be available for the digs observed, but was spread out <br /> from each dig (see Photos 1 and 2). The dig in Photo 1 appeared post inspection to be on the Sky High Hopes <br /> claim (CIVIC 287324) rather than on either the Crow Feather or Spider Pocket claims. <br /> Excess Spoil and Dev. Waste: The available backfill material discussed above appears to be primarily <br /> development waste as is typical for this type of mining activity. Trash was observed at two of the did sites <br /> Fish and Wildlife: The digs are upgradient of the area trail. No immediate impact was noted on Bear Creek <br /> (below the trail). However, the terrain is quite steep in the area (generally varying between 1.3H:1V and <br /> 2.25H:1V). Erosion if not controlled could have an impact on the creek which is purported to contain rare fish <br /> (greenback cutthroat trout). <br /> Hydrologic Balance: No stormwater or exposed groundwater was observed at any of the dig sites (see Photos <br /> 3 and 4). <br /> Reclamation Success: No reclamation had been initiated at the time of the inspection. <br /> Revegetation: No revegetation had been initiated at the time of the inspection. <br /> Sediment Control: No significant erosion was observed. However, evidence of excavated material having been <br /> moved by stormwater runoff was observed. <br /> Topsoil: No discernable evidence of topsoil salvaging and stockpiling was observed. <br /> Summary: The DRMS recommends a 110(1) mine reclamation ONLY permit as the appropriate type given the <br /> affected area is less than 5 acres. Please reference Permit # M-2017-045 in future correspondence. The <br /> application can be found on our website at: <br /> http://mining.state.co.us/SiteCollectionDocuments/Hardrock110(1)App.pdf <br /> Or a fillable form can be found at: <br /> http://mining.state.co.us/SiteCollectionDocuments/Hardrock/`20Metal%2OMining/`20Limited/`201mpact%20 <br /> Ope ratio n%20110(1)%20%20(2).pdf <br /> Please contact Tim Cazier (303)866-3567 ext. 8169 or email at tim.cazier@state.co.us if you have any questions <br /> regarding this report. <br /> Page 2 of 5 <br />