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VSDA--NP.TUR:aI.. T~LLEF--PAFY. SOIL 1].2 S. BALDWIN RESOURCES CONSER- CONSFRVATTON WOODLAND PARK vnTION SF RVIC~ i)ISTF:IC~T OFFICE C:O 80863 Mobil: 719 337-2930 Ofc:719 680-9405 Fax: 686-94UZ June I8, 2001 Walt Rubeck Topaz Mtn. Gem Mine P.O. Box 522 Lake George, CO 80827 I have the following comments based upon my site visit to your property on June 121° to assess past mine reclamation treatments and Cuture needs. As discussed with you verbally-whereby you reviewed the history of past mining efforts and environmental impacts, and showed thaz you fully understood the reclamation process and then individual steps, my stwmary of recommendations are: I . Sites are present that have been disturbed and are planned for reclamation soon, while other, future impacts will necessitate a plan for longer term reclamation. As you pointed out, your plans are to continue to reclaim "as you go" in increments rather than waiting tmtil all mining activities cease. 2. The site planned far the earliest work is partially covered with native and invasive grasses, forts, and shrubs and is no more than a thud of an aae in size. this site has been partially dressed with topsoil salvaged from past operations, while the portion of site with ongoing disturbance to the south will need to be treated with at least a 6 inch layer of topsoil. Control the downy brome with medtanipl metttods sudt as hand taking and macJtine shape and fill the area to be planted to create a clean and firm seedbed and fill N the small rills present. Leave existing areas of fringed sage if you wish, as this is a native plant and part of the local range site flora Plant a grass mixture which is comprised predominantly of native species that are adapted to the local area: see Seeding Recotnmendation, attached. Band rake the seed so it is covered with from '/. to'/. of an inch of soil, or back drag and pack it. Localized NRCS recommended planting dates are: Summer-June 15 lhrv July 3l; Fall and Winter~cxober 1 thru April 30 If the final graded slopes are steeper titan 4:1, a suitable mulch, possibly anchored with jute netting, may be required. Cellulose blankets (American Excelsior type, etc.) may also be used, but hay or straw and netting should suffice and would be more reasonably priced. 3. You described some small areas which will be vnpaded by future mining and 1 had no objections to your planned operations due to dte small scale impacts involved and your understanding of the local terrain and reclamation requirements Applicable permits, if any, should be secured prior to disturbing the ground In conclusioq my recommendations are based on past experiences with small mining firms such as yours, up to the very large heap leach operations in the Cripple Creek Mining District, and are geared toward accomplishirig practical reclamation. If you have any questions or need clarifications, please contact me. ~-s,-,~f y~~ - Leon S. Ka District Conservationist Encl.