REV12894

• Permit No: M1974015
• IBM Index Class Name: Revision
• Doc Name: EXHIBIT E RECLAMATION PLAN
• Type & Sequence: AM6
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

Open Valley Reclamation Benefits
In light of the inherent difficulty in developing a more specific planting plan for
the Open Valley areas, it is helpful to reiterate the exceptional benefits of this type of
reclamation, including:
1. Reduction of evaporative loss of ground water from lake surfaces
2. Greater biodiversity in the St. Vrain Creek terrace than open water
typically created by gravel mining
3. Reestablishment of a landscape similaz to the historic, native floodplain
Reduction of Evaporative Loss of Ground Water from Lake Surfaces
The reclamation plan for the Lyons site maximizes the opportunity to limit lakes
in new mining azeas, and so greatly reduce the evaporative loss of ground water. By
comprehensively planning the entire site rather than individual parcels, the length of
the mine area and the relatively steep fall of the land are utilized to drain the mined
azea rather than create a series of lakes. Although they are not easily identified as
mined lands, several mine sites in this vicinity have utilized this technique of draining
the mines: some intentionally, some not. Examples of the success of this mine
reclamation technique can be seen at White Rocks and the Deepe Pit mines in Boulder
County, and Riverbend Ponds in the City of Fort Collins.
Greater Biodiversity in the St. Vrain Floodplain than Open Water Typically Creased by
Gravel Mining
It is widely recognized that a diversity of plant communities and wildlife habitats
provides important values and ecosystem functions. While open water typical of
gravel mines provides aquatic habitat for fish and waterfowl, the creation of lakes to
the exclusion of other ecosystems diminishes the habitat potential of the mined lands.
The mines previously mentioned that have reclaimed as "Open Valley" landscapes are
examples of highly diverse ecosystems.
Reestablishment of a Landscape Similar to the Historic, Native Floodplain
The value of restoring indigenous landscapes and ecosystem functions goes
without saying. Reestablishing native plant communities in the floodplain at the
Lyons site also broadens the functional habitat corridor of the St. Vrain. This is
pazticularly beneficial here in the ecotone region of the foothills and the plains.
Western Mobile Lyons - Rockin' WP E-l5