_GENERAL DOCUMENTS - C1981017 (263)

Home Browse Search

productive, leading to accelerated erosion of the reclaimed ground surface during snowmelt. Alternative methods of disrupting the slopes were developed and implemented to accommodate the volume of snowmelt water experienced here. These methods include the use of dozer created shelves and track excavator created pockets. • Weed Control: An invasion of noxious weeds threatened the successful establishment of desirable species at the Huntsman area. The weed invasion was thwarted by the implementation of an Integrated Pest Management(IPM) system. The IPM relied on a large-scale biologic control program, followed by periodic spot herbicide application. Goats were used to obtain initial control, and to significantly reduce the weed seed supply. Herbicide was applied in subsequent years via backpack-mounted sprayers. Applicators were trained to spot-spray only listed noxious weeds,while not impacting desirable species. • Wildlife Enhancement: Shrub and tree"islands"were planted at the Bear Creek area to enhance wildlife habitat, and to mimic the natural vegetation pattern on adjacent, undisturbed lands. Seedling trees were randomly planted on the Huntsman area. • Sediment/Erosion Control: Both project areas are covered by a Stormwater Discharge Permit. Sediment control measures, such as silt fence and barrier berms were employed throughout the construction sequence. Following construction, vegetative sediment barriers at the toe of the slopes, ground surface manipulation on the slopes and vegetative cover are used to minimize sediment generation, and delivery to adjacent water resources. • Public Land Management: The project areas are located on public lands managed by the U. S. Forest Service. The area is used for recreation, cattle grazing and wildlife habitat. The Division worked closely with the Forest Service and a local cattle grazing association when developing an appropriate seed mixture for the projects. Agreements were reached with both organizations to manage access during both the construction process, and during the vegetation establishment period. Eventually, the Forest Service allowed development of a horse-pack trail that now bisects the Huntsman area. • Educational Opportunities: The reclamation experience at the Huntsman and Bear Creek Projects has been used as an opportunity to educate the public about the reclamation process. Public meetings in the community were conducted prior to construction to explain the reclamation concept and to solicit comments. Tours of the site were conducted during and following reclamation construction to provide a first hand look at job progress and the end results for interested citizens. Subsequent to project completion, the areas have been used in an outdoor education program conducted jointly by the Inactive Mines Program and the Forest Service for area high school science students. 4