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Section Two <br /> 1. Briefly describe the estimated scope of the project. <br /> The Coal Basin mine is located southwest of Carbondale and covers 11,000 acres of which <br /> 430 were disturbed by coal mining surface activities. The coal mine operated from 1954- <br /> 1991 producing approximately 1 million tons of coal per year. The operator of the mine, <br /> Mid-Continent Resources Inc. (MCR) filed for bankruptcy in February of 1992. In August <br /> of 1992 the Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Board revoked the mine permit and the <br /> Division began reclamation activities in 1994. The reclamation is being funded through the <br /> bankruptcy court. Over 65 acres have been reclaimed to date and over $700,000 has been <br /> spent. Reclamation is scheduled to continue in phases over the next two years. <br /> The purpose of the Coal Basin Revegetation project is to improve the quality of the Coal <br /> Creek and Dutch Creek watersheds by planting seedling trees on mine bench outslopes and <br /> help restore the site to pre-mining conditions. A total of 48 acres of mine bench outslopes <br /> will be planted. Planting will occur on 7 different mine bench outslopes. It is estimated that <br /> 50 tree seedlings will be planted per acre. A total of 2,400 seedlings will be planted. <br /> 2. Describe how this project is part of your agency's master plan and how it will <br /> impact your mission. <br /> The Division of Minerals and Geology within the Colorado Department of Natural <br /> Resources, is responsible for mineral and energy development, policy, regulation and <br /> planning. The Division regulates mining and reclamation activities at coal, metal, and <br /> aggregate mines in Colorado. The Division ensures that mined land is returned to beneficial <br /> use. The reclamation of the Coal Basin Mine fulfills this mission. <br /> 3. Volunteer Experience <br /> The Division of Minerals and Geology has completed five cooperative projects with <br /> Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado. All the projects were at abandoned or inactive mine sites <br /> and involved volunteers assisting with the revegetation efforts, water quality improvements, <br /> erosion control and seeding. Many of these projects could not have been completed by the <br /> DMG without the use of volunteers. <br /> 1984 Dacono Park Project -- Weld County The Division regraded a coal waste pile in the <br /> park area then topsoiled and seeded the area. VOC coordinated 85 local volunteers to plant <br /> trees and shrubs. The volunteer effort was initially successful. The program has worked <br /> with local Boy Scout troops to do some re-planting at the site. <br />