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In 1999, a slump caused by harsh spring rain and snowstorms dislocated approximately 350 of the Douglas Fir seedlings in the south end reclaimed area. The azea will be reworked in 2000 to stabilize the slope and replant seedlings where necessary. Rock staining Early in the project there were high expectations that staining the exposed limestone would contribute significantly to a reduction in contrast between the light-colored limestone and the darker rock in the surrounding area. Rock staining along portions of Colorado's scenic highways has had very positive results, notably Vail Pass and Glenwood Canyoq and some mines have used rock staff"~ with favorable results. However, because the Pikeview benches are covered with unstable rock, it is predicted that stained rock would eventually slough and expose the light- colored, unweathered layer. For this reasoq rock staining was suspended until the stability problems wuld be addressed. The layback plan addresses the stability problem. The Layback Plan Since the initial enhanced reclamation plan was developed, Castle Concrete and the community have continued to consider alternatives to achieve the best possible reclamation for Pikeview. The better-than-expected results at Queens Canyon Quarry and concerns over the stability and unsightly appearance of the benched rock have led to the development of a plan to create a gentler slope on the mined north face and remove the crumbly limestone veneer. This would leave a foundation of stable granite. The granite base would be bacldilled with quarry waste, wvered with topsoil and revegetated. Remaining granite outcroppings would be stained to enhance the natural look of the slope. Tltis plan would include filling the pit to achieve the overall dewed final slope. The layback plan would take several years to achieve because the area would be re-mined, but the end result would be a more stable slope and a greatly improved visual appearance. One reason the layback plan was not part of the original plan and not addressed by MRAC is because the layback will affect the land managed by the U.S. Forest Service to the west of the quarry. Historically, Castle Concrete has not had access to this land, which has limited its mining and its ability to resolve some of the stability and visual impact problems. Within the past few yeazs the layback concept has been discussed with U.S. Forest Service representatives and presentations have been made to the Colorado Springs City Council and the EI Paso County Commissioners, with favorable response from all to date. The concept is currently being presented to groups within the community. RECLAMATION OF SNYDER QUARRY History and Description of Snyder Quarry The Snyder Quany, first mined in 1871, is located south of Queens Canyon and north of Manitou Springs. It had been mined periodically during the 1900s. Castle Concrete acquired the property in December 1969 and commenced mining in 1970. Initially most of the mining was conducted by underground methods, so the surface disturbance was not extensive. By 1980, when Castle Concrete obtained a Mined Land Reclamation Permit, all but a small amount of the mining was (15)