Laserfiche WebLink
the National Forest lands currently within the "footprint" of the mining <br />operations on Taylor Mountain. Although the Forest Service is open to <br />entertaining this idea, Land Exchanges/Purchases can sometimes take many <br />years to complete, and an interim approved POO needs to be in place for <br />Colorado Mazble's mining and reclamation activities on Taylor Mountain. <br />Furthermore, Colorado Marble must provide this office with documentation <br />that the company has secured a bond through the state DMG, naming the U.S. <br />Forest Service as an interested party. <br />Colorado Marble needs to assess its past business practices as they relate to <br />Best Management Practices, as well as those operators the company selects to <br />conduct its mining activities. <br />The Forest Service's mission related to mining on public lands is to; "foster <br />and encourage the development of mineralogical resources when the activities <br />are compatible with other management goals". I agree wholeheartedly with <br />this mission statement. However, mineralogical development and company <br />profit does not take precedence over doing what is necessary to protect natural <br />resources during development, and implementing concurrent site reclamation <br />throughout the life of a mining operation. <br />I truly hope that Colorado Marble is successful in getting its Reclamation Permit Application <br />approved through the state DMG. Mitigation of the environmental impacts to the site, and <br />minimizing the cumulative effects the mining activities are having on water quality is the "first <br />step" in getting the operations on Taylor Mountain on the right track. I look forward to hearing <br />from either you or your company soon, and I hope that the Forest Service and Colorado Marble <br />can begin a relationship based upon solid communication. If you have any questions concerning <br />the content of this letter, or if you need clarification regarding the FS-2800-5, Plan of Operations <br />form, please don't hesitate to contact Chris Welker at this office. <br />Sincerely, <br />~~ M~ <br />District Ranger <br />Ken Klco, Azurite Inc. <br />Erica Crosby, Colorado Division of Minerals and Geology <br />