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A combination of open water ponds, lined water storage reservoirs, wetlands and upland <br />pastures will be created by the mining and reclamation process. Creative use of materials <br />generated by mining and processing operations will enhance and compliment the existing <br />riparian corridors. Silts will be used to form diverse silt basin wetlands. Excess overburden <br />will be used to vary the shape and slopes of the finished unlined ponds. Several of the <br />mined ponds will be lined to create water storage reservoirs. Wetland mitigation efforts <br />will enhance existing vegetation and restore portions of the eroded river banks. Native and <br />adaptive plantings and ground covers will be used to restore and enhance all areas <br />disturbed by mining activities. <br />Future trail corridors are identified on the map. The main corridor is located along the <br />conveyor alignment for the mining operation. This will allow future trail construction to <br />utilize the road installed to maintain the conveyor and provide a good base for the trail. <br />There are additional opportunities for smaller, low impact trail loops. These trails could <br />provide limited access to riparian habitat for education and wildlife viewing. Potential <br />connections to planned local and regional trails are also identified on the plan. <br />This reclamation plan was developed based on: <br />• A thorough evaluation of the environmental resources and existing conditions on <br />and adjacent to the property; <br />• The context of the property relative to existing and planned land uses in the area; <br />• The volume, depth and configuration of the mineral resource; <br />• The landowners' plans for their properties; and <br />• The rules and policies of Weld County, the Colorado Division of Minerals and <br />Geology and other applicable local, state and federal agencies. <br />Key considerations include the following: <br />• There are two riparian corridors that pass through the property. They include the <br />South Platte River and portions of the existing irrigation ditches. All efforts have <br />been made to preserve and enhance these resources. <br />• This site is located southwest of the City of Fort Lupton. Key opportunities <br />include potential parks, trail links, preservation of the existing homestead for a <br />museum, and education opportunities regarding mining, agriculture, oil and gas <br />facilities, wetlands and the river corridor. <br />• There is an opportunity to enhance wildlife habitat through the creation of a <br />combination of open water ponds, silt basin wetlands, river corridor restoration and <br />shoreline plantings. <br />• Portions of the reclaimed property have been designated as lined water storage <br />ponds. <br />• This site is located near the current alignment of the Front Range trail. This site can <br />be linked to the trail or provide an alternative off-street location for the trail. In <br />addition, shorter, low impact trail loops may be constructed within the property to <br />provide additional opportunities for trail users. <br />• There are several opportunities to enhance and stabilize eroded river banks and <br />restore the adjacent vegetation as part of the wetland mitigation plan for the project. <br />lafarge Wes(, lnc.. - Riverbend <br />Weld County USR Permi( <br />Page ISof4/ <br />