Laserfiche WebLink
reclamation to occur on the more visible portions of the quarry before the mining operation is <br />completed. <br />MRAC's emphasis on the reclamation of the benches prompted Castle Coucrete to develop a <br />mathematical model that improved its planning of bench configurations. It is anticipated that the <br />use of this model will enable reclaimed slopes to be created with greater accuracy and <br />consistency than was previously possible. This will improve bench construction and provide a <br />stable foundation upon which to place topsoil and grow vegetation. <br />Visual Berm Reclamation <br />Between 1996 and 1998 approximately 600 Pinyon Pine and Juniper seedlings were planted on <br />the berm. As of 1999, most of the seedlings had suffered storm damage, but the survival rate is <br />still about 80%. In addition, 50 two-to-three foot tall trees were planted on the berm in 1996. <br />About half of the 50 trees survived. Replanting of some of the areas that were damaged is under <br />consideration. Vegetation growth on the berm from plant material remaining in the salvaged soil <br />has been very successful, particularly the establishment of Mountain Mahogany. <br />Other Activity <br />One of the visible features at Snyder Quarry was a large waste pile that was a remnant of past <br />mining activity. Castle Concrete has reduced the size of the waste pile by pushing most of the <br />material into the pit. This has removed what some considered an unsightly feature at the quarry. <br />SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS <br />The 50-year mountain scars controversy has produced a remarkable story. For many years the <br />citizens in the community and Castle Concrete were unable to resolve the controversy because of <br />their competing interests: the desire to preserve the scenic beauty of the foothills versus the need <br />to supply rock products to support economic growth in the region. In the late 1980s a series of <br />events created an atmosphere that mobilized state and community leaders, Castle Concrete <br />Company and citizens to begin to look for ways to resolve the controversy. The governor's <br />commitment of $75,000 in seed money for enhanced reclamation helped spur the community's <br />progress towazd a resolution. The next critical step was the creation of MRAC by the city and <br />county governments and the development of a process that encouraged communication among the <br />parties and the exploration of reclamation ideas. The process enabled the parties to educate each <br />other and to learn how to work together. Once MRAC and Castle Concrete agreed upon the <br />enhanced reclamation plans, the elements were in place to develop community support and <br />citizen participation in the reclamation projects. This was accomplished through the efforts of <br />the CMRF. After five years of working together on the quarries, a cooperative relationship has <br />been developed between Castle Concrete and the community that will enable them to solve <br />problems as they arise and to complete the enhanced reclamation. <br />REFERENCES <br />Annual Reports, 1994 - 1999. Colorado Mountain Reclamation Foundation, Colorado Springs, <br />Colorado. <br />(17) <br />