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was no recognition ~he fact that the reclamation r~ done at this time <br />predated reclamation work by most other companies and predated any legal <br />requirement to reclaim by at least 5 years. To this day, the reclamation work <br />done on the top 12 acres remains as the best reclamation on the entire site. <br />This is not because of a lack of effort on the lower areas, but because of a <br />serious error which was unintentionally committed in the early 1970's - leaving <br />limestone on the surface. This action was suggested by the same public <br />interest groups that so strongly criticized the efforts. The company followed <br />the suggestion because they were told by the public interest groups it would <br />make the vegetation grow better. What has resulted is an even more severe <br />degradation of the visual character and a revegetation problem which is truly <br />astounding in its severity. <br />DESCRIPTION ~ ~Bw.T @Qj~j SU(:CESS: As stated before, the success of the <br />early reclamation efforts has been truly astounding. In the early 1980's the <br />MLRB released bond on this area. Today the grass growth over much of this area <br />has developed into a nearly solid turf of Blue GYama and Wheatqrass which far <br />exceeds the grass cover of the surrounding natural vegetation. The shrubs are <br />slowly developing as well, but it will be many years before they develop any <br />strongly visible cover. <br />The tree plantings were primarily experimental and have met with mixed <br />success. The primary problem with the trees !s the impact of Hig Horn Sheep <br />rubbing their horns on the trees and the effects of porcupine. But other than <br />these problems, it is clear that trees will grow on the site provided the <br />medium is deep enough and of a proper chemistry. <br />DESCRIPTION QE RE(ZAMATION PROBLEMS: The successful revegetation at the top <br />of the quazry was implemented primarily on .the Saguache Sandstone which <br />underlies the Manitou Limestone. There was a small amount of limestone left on <br />the surface, but it was quite small. <br />In the early 1970's ecologists working as representatives of the Springs <br />Beautiful Association (SPABA) suggested that some limestone be left on the <br />surface. It was believed that this would result in a better growth. Castle <br />Concrete accepted the suggestion and promptly starting leaving a thin veneer of <br />crushed limestone on the surface. Ever since, the revegetation has been <br />8 <br />