Laserfiche WebLink
t, FROM:SH ~ ~"^t T0: 303 832 8106* <br />Reclatnatiorr Plon <br />SI"' ~14. 1993 11:43RM tt280 P.02 <br />.~ <br />Itemoval o[ dredge rock is the first stop in moving toward restoration of river corridors in Summit County to <br />a historic natural condition. While there is some value in retaining examples of dredge mining [or historical <br />purposes, the County favors reclaiming these corridors and rutoring the natural riparian,wetland, aquatic end <br />wildlifo values that existed prior to disturbance. <br />Post Mining Land Use: '1'hc application indicates that rangeland will be the post mining land use. The <br />County feels strongly that this [s inapproprlato for two reasons. Itrat, there is no rangeland in this area and <br />is no historic basis for rangeland. Secondly, reclamation to the natural preilredbro mining cottdiliott is <br />preferable. Prior to drodgo mining, this valley was Gkely a typical high mountain valley with a meandering <br />stream, riparian corridor, associated wetlands and upland areas. Evidence of this natural wndition can be <br />seen in the forks of the Svan )fiver and In Hrcnch Gulch to the south above the dredge mine areas. <br />Although tho County does not have any regulations that would require restoration of this arcs to a natural <br />riparian corridor, we do have a master plan for the Upper lllue Basin which conttlins politics directly <br />appticablc to the proposal. 7ltceo politics include: <br />° enhance and rccltim river corridors and wetL•Inds to improve wildlife habitat <br />° recognirx the signiGcancoof tho Rluc River end tributaries as a spawning arcs for the llitlon <br />Reservoir brawn trout fishery and take measures to preserve and improve these areas <br />° enoouragcprescrvationofuniqueendsigni[irentfeaturesindudingvcgelation,wctlancla,river <br />corridors, meadows, ridgos, tundra end alpino areas <br />° require rcvegctation of disturbod areas <br />These politics, together with the evidenco of tho historical nalurel conditivne likely in the area arc the bncic <br />fvr tho County's strong feeling that reclamation to tho historical natural condition as wo have generally <br />described it should be required. The reclamation plan should be revised and IocJudo spcdfic plans for <br />reclamation as mining proceeds. Ilelaw arc moro spociGc comments on the reclamation plan as submitted. <br />Grading: The application indicates that the site will be graded to blend with the natural surroundings. We <br />agroo that blending to iho natural surroundings is desirable. laowcvcr, consistent wish our wmmcnts above, <br />we do not want to sec a llat "table top" cimllar to some of tho roclamation that has otxvrred along the lilac <br />River north a[ 13reckenridge. The grading should accommodate restoralioo to lho historic natural condition <br />as we have generally described it. <br />Topsoiling: Topsoiling is critical lv the preferred post mining use. Topsoil was historically present within the <br />mining area. 1)reclge mining rasultcd in topsoil end other fine materials being mixed iu with the dtcdge ruck. <br />Itovogotation: Rcvcgotalionis absolutely necessary to aocomplislt reclamation to tho historic nalurel condition. <br />Preferred rcvegctation would include wetland and riparian spcciw, ground covers, grasses and sage typical to <br />Summit County. <br />WildGfc IIabital: The gust of lho roclamalion plan is resloralion to the historical natural condition which <br />probably provided habitat for a variety of wildlifo. <br />1)usl Control: The proposed operation is within 30 milts o[ a Class I air shed (Eagles Noet Wildcrncat). <br />Tedetal air quality regulations require that the impnd of any use within this area be analyzed fvr potential <br />impact. <br />r>UI11AHr~Drb16 <br />