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1985 ANNUAL RECLAMATION REPORT <br />CYCC MINES 1, 2 AND ECKMAN PARK <br />This report addresses the disturbance and subsequent reclamation of <br />federal coal and associated private coal mining operations conducted by <br />CYCC in Routt County, Co]orado. These mined areas are delineated on the <br />enclosed maps titled CYCC Mines 1, 2 and Eckman Park Reclamation. <br />The method of mining currently employed at CYCC consists of a drag- <br />line operation. Topsoil is stripped by scrapers and is either stockpiled <br />or reapplied directly onto regraded mined surfaces. After the mining <br />operation is completed, spoils are graded to the approximate original <br />contour and, as conditions permit, topsoil is replaced over the spoil <br />material. A seedbed is then prepared and the area is planted when condi- <br />tions are favorable. Contour furrows are installed which help stabilize <br />the site and enhance soil moisture conditions. A detailed description of <br />the cultural practices employed as part of the reclamation process is <br />presented in our Mining and Reclamation Plan (Permit No. C-81-071). <br />Enclosed are two maps which delineate the areas disturbed by mining <br />and the subsequent extent of reclamation. The major catagories of dis- <br />turbance and reclamation are open pit and spoil, graded spoil, haulroads, <br />topsoiled, and seeded. The maps also show the number of acres, the date, <br />and the seed mixture which was planted for the seeded area. Seed mix- <br />tures as coded on the reclamation maps are presented in Table 4. <br />Tables 1 and 2 present the calculated acreage for cumulative distur- <br />bance and reclamation and current reclamation within Mines 1, 2 and <br />Eckman Park permit boundaries. During the 1985 reporting period, 420.7 <br />additional acres were disturbed by mining activities. The cumulative <br />total of disturbance and reclamation as of December 31, 1985 is 3,185.2 <br />acres. In 1985, a total of 317.0 acres were seeded. Of this total, six <br />acres represent the Aspen Regeneration Study (Area 41) and 14.1 acres <br />(Area 60) are seeded with live handled topsoil. Adding this disturbance <br />to that of previous years, a cumulative total of 2,016.0 acres have been <br />seeded, which includes 33.8 acres of live handled topsoil spread in 1980. <br />This value represents approximately 63 percent of the total disturbance. <br />The 525.7 acres of regraded, recontoured spoil will be topsoiled and <br />seeded as conditions allow. Combining the acreage of seeded land with <br />regraded, recontoured spoil indicates about 80 percent (2,541.7 acres) of <br />the total disturbance is either reclaimed or in some stage of reclama- <br />tion. Acreages include both federal and private coal mining operations <br />and support facilities. <br />Reclaimed sites at Mines 1, 2 and Eckman Park were monitored in <br />1985. The parameters of cover (%) and production (g/%,m2 and lbs/acre) <br />are presented in Table 3 along with Erosion Condition Classes. Cover and <br />production values were obtained using the methodology outlined in the <br />C-81-071 permit. Erosion Condition Classes were evaluated using the <br />Bureau of Land Management Form 7310-12 - Determination of Erosion <br />Condition Class. The 1980 form was employed which is an updated, <br />slightly revised edition of the 1972 form utilized in 1982. For the most <br />part, reclamation has been very successful, both in terms of revegetation <br />success and soil stabilization. <br />