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~JSDA--NP.TURA~. TF_LLER-PARK SOIL 112 S. 8A1_UW~IN <br />RESOl1FCES C'ONSLR- CONSERVATION WOODLAND PAFk. <br />NATION SEHVP~E UISTF.ICT OFFICE CO 80863 <br />Mobile: 719 337-2930 Ofc:719 686-9405 Fax: 68ti-940: <br />June 18, 2001 <br />Walt Rubeck <br />Topaz Mtn. Gem Mine <br />P.O. Box 522 <br />Lake George, CO 80827 <br />I have the following commrnts based upon my site visit to your property an June 12th to assess past mine <br />rechunation treatmrnu and future needs. <br />As discussed with you verbally-whereby you reviewed the history of past mining efforts and <br />environmental impads, and showed that you fully understood the reclamation process and dtev individual <br />steps, my summary of recommendations are: <br />1. Sites are present that have been disturbed and are planned for reclamation soon, while other, future <br />impacts will necessitate a plan for longer term reclamation. As you pointed out, your plans are to continue <br />to reclaim "as you go" in increments rather than waiting until all mining adivities cease. <br />2. The site phumed for the earliest work is partially covered with native and invasive grasses, forts, and <br />shrubs and is no more than a third of an sere in size. This site has been partially dressed with topsoil <br />salvaged from past operations, while the portion of site with ongoing disturbance to the south wiN need to <br />be treated with at least a ti inch layer of topsoil. Control the downy brome with mechanical methods such <br />as hand raking and madtine shape and fill the area to be planted to ereate a clean and firm seedbed and 611 <br />m the smell rills present. Leave existing areas of fringed sage if you wish, as this is a native plant and part <br />of the local range site flora. <br />Plant a grass mixtttre which is comprised predominantly of native species that are adapted to the local area: <br />see Seeding Recommrndation, attad~ed. Hand rake the seed so it is covered with from %. to'/. of an inch of <br />soil, or back drag and pack it. Localized MRCS reoommrnded planting dates are: Summer-Jima 15 thru <br />July 31; Fall and Winter--October 1 thru April 30 <br />If the final graded slopes are steeper than 4:1, a suitable mulch, possibly anchored with jute netthrg, may <br />be required. Cellulose blankets (American Excelsior type, etc.) may also be used, but hay a straw and <br />netting should since and would be more reasonably priced. <br />3. Vou described some small areas which will be'vnpaded by future mining end 1 had no objedions to <br />your planned operations due to the small scale ®pects involved and your understanding of the local [stain <br />and reclamation requirements. Applicable permits, if any, should be seamed prior to disturbing [fie ground <br />In conclusion, my recommendations are based on past experiences with small mining 5tms such as yours, <br />up to the very large heap leach operations ut the Cripple Creek Mining Distrid, and are geared toward <br />accomplishing practical reclamation. If you have any questions or need clarifications, please cooled me. <br />~~ /~ <br />:iL~ ~~t• <br />Lean S. Kot <br />Distrid Conservationist <br />Encl. <br />