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Page 2 <br /> prescriptions emphasizing non-motorized dispersed recreation uses (as detailed <br /> in my August 24, 1992, letter to you) . <br /> Due to Coal Basin' s inherent geologic instability, none of the haul or <br /> exploration roads should be left open for use after the final reclamation is <br /> completed. The problems associated with maintaining the haul roads, even while <br /> the mine was in operation and the roads were being maintained, are enough <br /> evidence that the roads are causing significant environmental damage. Damage <br /> caused by flooding, debris flows, and accelerated erosion have all been <br /> intensified by the presence of the roads in Coal Basin. In addition to <br /> reclaiming the haul and exploration roads, consideration should be given to <br /> future plans for the main public road located in the active floodplain on Coal <br /> Creek. The status of this road is a long-term opportunity for us to determine <br /> at how it fits it into the transportation needs of Coal Basin, but in the <br /> interim for this reclamation effort, we would like to have the slopes along <br /> this road revegetated and the ditch serving the road repaired to be more <br /> effective in erosion con-:rol. <br /> Pitkin County' s Land Use Regulations will dictate the use of the private lands <br /> currently accessed by the roads on National Forest. If access to these private <br /> lands is needed, alternative methods and routes for accessing them will be <br /> studied by the Forest Service in a detailed transportation plan. Since we do <br /> not currently have any applications on file for uses on private land that will <br /> require access, utilities, etc. , across National Forest, our goal is the <br /> complete reclamation of Coal Basin. If we should receive applications in the <br /> future to cross National Forest, they will be looked at in relationship to the <br /> non-motorized recreation use we will be emphasizing in Coal Basin. <br /> We would like the following items included in the MCR approved reclamation plan <br /> to insure our plans for the publics enjoyment of Coal Basin will be fruitful. <br /> 1. Start reclamation work at the head of the individual watersheds <br /> comprising Coal Basin. This is necessary to avoid a hit and miss job, and <br /> the fact that mass soil movements caused by inadequate drainage patterns <br /> starts at the head of the watersheds. The end result will effect both <br /> private land and National Forest. <br /> 2. Reclaim the miles of old exploration roads. These roads are now <br /> abandoned, and some have had erosion control and site restoration work <br /> done, while others have not. Even though these roads are hidden from a <br /> cursory site inspection, they still require some level of treatment <br /> including outsloping, ripping, and seeding. Some gullies, resulting from <br /> concentrated road runoff have developed in or below these roads. These <br /> gullies should be treated to prevent any further migration and down <br /> cutting. <br /> 3. Reclaim the abandoned spoil piles before the roads accessing them are <br /> permanently reclaimed. Remove all spoils from floodplains, riparian areas, <br /> and wetlands. Relocate the spoils in approved disposal sites. <br /> 4. Restore the natural hydrology to the basin where it has been altered <br /> by mining activities. This would be accomplished by the following actions: <br /> a. Remove all road drainage structures. This would include removal of <br /> all existing culverts, ripping and revegetation of all roadbeds, and <br /> the construction of drainage dips. After the large culverts have been <br /> removed, the channel walls should be sloped back. Fills should be <br />