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Stream Morphology Instruction <br /> Yampah Mountain High School of Glenwood Springs has toured Coal Basin on an <br /> almost annual basis for four consecutive years as part of their science curriculum. This <br /> year, the Forest Service and the Division co-sponsored a Stream Morphology class for <br /> YMHS at Coal Basin. The class focused on the mechanics of stream channel <br /> development. Coal Creek, Bear Creek and the reconstructed portion of Dutch Creek <br /> were studied and measured as part of this outdoor instruction. Reclamation concepts <br /> were introduced and discussed at length, particularly as they relate to construction of <br /> stream channels as part of the restoration process. This could well become an annual <br /> class, and deserves the support of the Division as part of its Public Outreach activities in <br /> Western Colorado. <br /> One student at Yampah Mountain High School expressed a great deal of interest in <br /> reclamation sciences, particularly in learning more about the design phases of <br /> reclamation. As part of an Independent Study, the student helped Division staff survey <br /> an area to be reclaimed in 2001. She is currently in the process of designing a <br /> reclamation plan and construction specifications as part of her Independent Study <br /> program. <br /> Press Coverage <br /> The local press was very interested in Coal Basin this year. The history of the site, <br /> reclamation concepts and goals, environmental problems and solutions and community <br /> perceptions were all discussed in a number of Roaring Fork Valley newspapers during <br /> the late summer. The articles were all very positive and conveyed a sense of positive <br /> accomplishment when discussing the reclamation work. One Regional Paper, the High <br /> Country News, sent a reporter to the site for two days in October. This paper had <br /> written a few articles in the early to mid- 1990's which were critical of the operation and <br /> of the handling of the site by the Division. The Fall 2000 article was very positive, and <br /> emphasized reclamation success at the site. <br /> Financial <br /> Bond Forfeiture Account <br /> In 2000, the Division expended approximately $291,093.67 in reclamation related <br /> construction or supplies. This amount does not include personal services, per diem, <br /> vehicle expenses or any other administrative costs. <br /> Following completion of the 2000 construction, the Forfeiture Account balance is <br /> approximately $ 355,974.60. Note that these are preliminary figures from my records, <br /> and have not yet been confirmed with the State COFERS system, as it has not yet <br /> recorded all of the 2000 expenditures. <br /> 13 <br />