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~. <br />.. ~ N, <br />r 21~~ Colorado <br />Gunl~n, CO 81230 <br />~~ Umfed States Soil <br />;= ~ h,' Department of Conservation <br />~.~;~ AgncuRUre Service <br />May 9, 1984 <br />Schmalz Construction <br />C/0 Fred Schmalz 88 <br />719 South Boulevard ~~~J~~~ <br />Gunnison, CO 81230 <br />MAY 1 41S,9r~ <br />PAINED LAND RECLAPAAnRr; gl+gSIDPJ <br />Colo. Dept. of Natura; ttc;u~rces <br />Dear Fred: <br />In response to your request for soils and re vegetation/reclamation infor- <br />mation concerning your gravel pit operation (location: NZNW4, Sect.34, <br />T.50N., R.1W), I am enclosing several observations and recommendations in <br />summarized narrative form. <br />As depicted on the enclosed soils map of the area in question, the major <br />soil of potential impact is an Evanston loam. General aspect is basically <br />east-southeast, with moderate (less than 10%) slopes. The soil is somewhat <br />gravelly and stony on the surface, with no previous disturbance apparent. <br />The soil is more fully described in the additional enclosures, which in- <br />clude tables describing potential uses, limitations and hazards (i.e. soil <br />and site suitability for various purposes) and significant engineering pro- <br />perites. As indicated, the soil is probably best suited to livestock graz- <br />ing or included in a larger grazing unit. From a revegetationJreclamation <br />standpoint, the soil would exhibit some limitations, chief of which would <br />be shallow topsoil layer, high mineral and low organic matter content in the <br />soil,slow-moderate permeability, poor compaction characteristics, relatively <br />short growing season for seeding establishment, and dry open slope exposure. <br />For purposes of mining, the soil, subsoil and parent material are relatively <br />stable, and drainage of the area either during mine operation or after re- <br />clamation presents no apparent problem. Other than excavation activities, <br />livestock grazing is the only other beneficial use of the area at present. <br />Other considerations of general concern regarding reclamation of the site <br />include: <br />1) All topsoil present should be saved and stockpiled by soil layer <br />or horizon in an easily accessible area, where practical. How- <br />ever, natural topsoil depth in the area is already minimal, es- <br />pecially on slopes and occasional ridge tops. Additional topsoil <br />may need to be obtained to supplement native topsoil removed and <br />stockpiled. If the stockpiled topsoil is to be stored for an <br />extended period (longer than one year), it should be reseeded as <br />0 Th¢ soil Conservation $¢r viC¢ <br />V ~S an ape ncy of the <br />D aparlmem of Agnc ult ure <br />