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1985 ANNUAL RECLAMATION REPORT CYCC MINES 1, 2 AND ECKMAN PARK ' This report addresses the disturbance and subsequent reclamation of ' federal coal and associated private coal mining operations conducted by CYCC in Routt County, Colorado. These mined areas are delineated on the enclosed maps titled CYCC Mines 1, 2 and Eckman Park Reclamation. ' The method of mining currently employed at CYCC consists of a drag- line operation. Topsoil is stripped by scrapers and is either stockpiled or reapplied directly onto regraded mined surfaces. After the mining ' operation is completed, spoils are graded to the approximate original contour and, as conditions permit, topsoil is replaced over the spoil material. A seedbed is then prepared and the area is planted when condi- ' tions are favorable. Contour furrows are installed which help stabilize the site and enhance soil moisture conditions. A detailed description of the cultural practices employed as part of the reclamation process is presented in our Mining and Reclamation Plan (Permit No. C-81-071). ' Enclosed are two maps which delineate the areas disturbed by mining and the subsequent extent of reclamation. The major catagories of dis- turbance and reclamation are open pit and spoil, graded spoil, haulroads, ' topsoiled, and seeded. The maps also show the number of acres, the date, and the seed mixture which was planted for the seeded area. Seed mix- tures as coded on the reclamation maps are presented in Table 4. , Tables 1 and 2 present the calculated acreage for cumulati ve distur- bance and reclamation and current reclamation within Mines 1, 2 and ' Eckman Park permit boundaries. During the 1985 reporting period, 238.1 additional acres were disturbed by mining activities. The cumulative total of disturbance and reclamation as of December 31, 1985 is 2,973.9 ' acres. In 1985, a total of 317.0 acres were seeded. Of this total, six acres represent the Aspen Regeneration Study (Area 41) and 14.1 acres (Area 60) are seeded with live handled topsoil. Adding this disturbance to that of previous years, a cumulative total of 2,016.0 acres have been ' seeded, which includes 33.8 acres of live handled topsoil spread in 1930. This value represents approximately 68 percent of the total disturbance. The 525.7 acres of regraded, recontoured spoil will be topsoiled and ' seeded as conditions allow. Combining the acreage of seeded land with regraded, recontoured spoil indicates about 86 percent (2,541.7 acres) of the total disturbance is either reclaimed or in some stage of reclama- ' tion. Acreages include both federal and private coal mining operations and support facilities. Reclaimed sites at Mines 1, 2 and Eckman Park were monitored in ' 1985. The parameters of cover (%) and production (g/~,m2 and lbs/acre) are presented in Table 3 along with Erosion Condition Classes. Cover and production values were obtained using the methodology outlined in the C-81-071 permit. Erosion Condition Classes were evaluated using the ' Bureau of Land i4anagement Form 7310-12 - Determination of Erosion Condition Class. The 1980 form was employed which is an updated, slightly revised edition of the 1972 form utilized in 1982. For the most ' part, reclamation has been very successful, both in terms of revegetation success and sail stabilization.