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West Elk Mine <br />(North Fork). This is an area that was used by the Beaz Mine as an access road and for <br />coal-loading activities during operation of Bear Mines 1 and 2 (now closed). <br />2. Se''/a, Section 9, T13S, R90W, on the south side of the North Fork. This is an azea <br />formerly used by the Bear Mine for its Beaz Mines 1 and 2 portals, supply and office <br />facilities. <br />3. SW'/<, Section 9, T13S, R90W, on the north side of the North Fork. This is currently <br />undeveloped site, except for what appears to be a small pumphouse. <br />A brief reconnaissance of the azeas showed no evidence of historic or current agricultural activity. <br />Mr. Bill Beaz, a lifelong resident of this vicinity, confirmed that none of the terraces in question had <br />ever supported any type of agricultural activity. He further stated that the Beaz Mine portal and <br />office facilities had been at that location since the mine was fast developed in 1935. These facilities <br />have now been removed and the azea is now being reclaimed. Coal loading facilities for the Bear <br />Mine were first installed on the north bank of the river, at approximately their present location, in <br />1940. <br />The 40-year coal haulage, general access road and coal-loading land use pattern associated with the <br />small terrace on the north side of the river (SE '/<, Section 9, T13S, R90W), has totally altered the <br />site with respect to discerning any predevelopment characteristics. <br />• These and other high terraces along the North Fork have amining/residential land use history dating <br />back to at least 1935. Valley cross sections of the North Fork of the Gunnison River can be found in <br />Exhibit 21. Terrace sites' isolation from modern river terraces and general site and soil <br />characteristics indicate that agricultural development prior to its present use is not likely. <br />The only AVF chazacteristic that the sites might have is a flood irrigatibility capability. But because <br />of their topographic position, an elaborate network of diversions would be necessary to provide <br />flood irrigation. Thus, if sufficient water rights were available, some form of flood irrigation is <br />possible although not necessarily economically viable. Furthermore, the immature soils would not <br />be adequate to support general agronomic activities, and development would probably be limited to <br />improved pasture. <br />• <br />2.Ofi-7 <br />