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visualized what could be accomplished in the short term and what the quarries could look like <br />twenty to thirty years later. In the spring of 1993, MRAC completed the enhanced reclamation <br />plans. The plans described the vision of the community and identified the objectives that were to <br />be achieved. Objectives included items such as the establishment of trees in specific areas in <br />greater number than required under the base reclamation plans, re~ontouring the mined land to <br />improve the visual appearance of the topography of the quarries and retaining the Bighorn Sheep <br />habitat at Queens Canyon. <br />At about the time that MRAC was formed, the Colorado Mountain Reclamation Foundation <br />(CHAP) was created. While MRAC was developing the enhanced reclamation plans, the CMRF <br />developed its structure and organization. In 1994 the CMRF hired apart-time Project Manager <br />and Executive Director, Wanda Reaves, the foundation's only paid member. The CMRF <br />assumed the responsibility for administering the enhanced reclamation projects for each quarry. <br />It also became the liaison between the community and Castle Concrete. From 1991 to 1995 the <br />CMRF created its administrative structure and developed a campaign to raise funds to match the <br />governor's $75,000 commitment, plus the additional funds needed for the enhanced reclamation. <br />A procedure was developed where Castle Concrete performed the necessary earthwork to prepare <br />the quarries for the revegetation work and the CMRF recruited a large number of volunteers to <br />plant trees, seed and maintain the reclaimed areas. The physical work of enhanced reclamation <br />began on the quarries in 1995. <br />Mobilizing the Community <br />Through the efforts of the CMRF, the enhanced reclamation projects gained support and attracted <br />volunteers who wanted to participate by "doing something about the scars." Funding and in-kind <br />support have come from a variety of organizations and individuals. To date approximately <br />$500,000 in cash has been raised, with an additional $800,000 of in-kind contributions. <br />Numerous businesses, organizations and individuals within the region have donated cash. In-kind <br />donations have been invaluable for acquiring goods and services that otherwise would be difficult <br />to obtain. For example, the receipt of topsoil and organic material is treated as an in-kind <br />donation, and logistical support for the spring planting events, such as Burger King providing <br />brraldasts for the volunteers, is also an in-kind donation. The annual "Scale the Scar" event <br />has attracted hundreds of people who contribute cash and participate in a hike to observe <br />the reclamation progress. A major supporter providing cash and in-kind contributions has bee^ <br />Castle Concrete, which has supported the foundation's mission and the work on its quarries. <br />Community volunteers have been mobihzed by offering numerous oppommities for individuals <br />and groups to participate. As many as 350 volunteers have participated on Saturday mornings <br />during April and May to plant trees. Volunteers have included soldiers from the U.S. Army at Ft. <br />Carson who have provided transportation within Queens Canyon Quarry during the spring <br />pkrnting events. Maintenance crews volunteer for weekday and weekend shifts to water the <br />seedlings and repair wind-damaged tree protectors. And volunteers prepare planting materials and <br />occasionally provide clerical assistance throughout the yeaz. <br />Individuals and companies within the community have donated organic material to supplement <br />the soils in the quarries. Discarded lawn material has been delivered to the site, which has an <br />added benefit of reducing the amount of space consumed by such wastes in the local landfills. (It <br />is estimated that such waste accounts for approximately 20% of Colorado's solid waste). <br />(6) <br />