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<br />Reclamation Plan <br /> <br />Removal of dredge rock is the first step in moving toward restoration of river corridors in Summit County to <br />a historic natural condition. While there is some value in retaining examples of dredge mining for historical <br />purposes, the County [avors reclaimingthcse corridors and restoring the natural riparian,wetland, aquaticand <br />wildli[e values that existed prior to disturbance. <br />Post Mining land Use: The application indicates that rangeland will be the post mining land use. The <br />County feels strongly that this is inappropriate for two reasons. First, there is no rangeland in this area and <br />is no historic basis for rangeland. Secondly, reclamation to the natural pre-dredge mining condition is <br />preferable. Prior to dredge mining, this valley was likely a typical high mountain valley with a meandering <br />stream, riparian corridor, associated wetlands and upland areas. Evidence of this natural condition can be <br />seen in the [orks of the Swan River and in French Gulch to the south above the dredge mine areas. <br />Although the County does not have any regulations that would require restoration of this area to a natural <br />riparian corridor, we do have a master plan [or the Upper Blue Basin which contains policies directly <br />applicable to the proposal. These policies include: <br />° enhance and reclaim river corridors and wetlands to improve wildlife habitat <br />° recognize the significanceof the B-ue River and tributaries as a spawning area for the Dillon <br />Reservoir brown trout fishery and take measures to preserve and improve these areas <br />° encouragepreservalionofuniqueandsignificant[eaturesincludingvegetalion,wetlands,river <br />corridors, meadows, ridges, tundra and alpine areas <br />° require revegelation o[ disturbed areas <br />These policies, together with the evidence of the historical natural conditions likely in the area are the basis <br />for the County's strong [eeling that reclamation to the historical natural condition as we have generally <br />described it should be required. The reclamation plan should be revised and include speci[ic plans for <br />reclamation as mining proceeds. Below are more speci[ic comments on the reclamation plan as submitted. <br />Grading: The application indicates that the site will be graded to blend with the natural surroundings. We <br />agree that blending to the natural surroundings is desirable. However, consistent with our comments above, <br />we do not want to see a Clal "table lop" similar to some o[ the reclamation that has occurred along the Blue <br />River north o[ Breckenridge. The grading should accommodate restoration [o the historic natural condition <br />as we have generally described it. <br />Topsoihng: Topsoiling is critical to the preferred post mining use. Topsoil was historically present within the <br />mining area. Dredge mining resulted in topsoil and other tine materials being mixed in with the dredge rock. <br />Reyegetation: Revegetationisabsolutelynecessarytoaccomplishreclamationtothehistoricnaturalcondition. <br />' Preferred revegetation would include wetland and riparian species, ground covers, grasses and sage typical to <br />Summit County. <br />Wildlife Habitat: The goal o[ the reclamation plan is restoration to the historical natural condition which <br />probably provided habitat for a variety of wildlife. <br />Dust Control: The proposed operation is within 30 miles of a Class I air shed (Eagles Nest Wilderness). <br />Federal air quality regulations require that the impact o[ any use within this area be analyzed for potential <br />impact. <br />Goa RInNPBP616 <br />