Laserfiche WebLink
Project Need <br /> The watershed improvement aspects of the reclamation process has long been recognized, <br /> however, the vehicle to complete the work has not been available. This portion of the <br /> reclamation process can only be accomplished by intensive hand labor. Available funding is <br /> insufficient to contract a private sector labor crew. Further, the use of contract labor would <br /> minimize the involvement of the local community, an aspect of the overall reclamation project <br /> which the DMG views as very important. <br /> Community Objectives <br /> The Crystal River Valley community has been very interested and involved in both the mining <br /> and reclamation aspects of the Coal Basin Mine. At its zenith, the Coal Basin Mine was <br /> probably the largest regional employer. With the mine now closed, many residents of the <br /> Crystal River Valley have become concerned about the environmental impacts of the mine upon <br /> the local stream systems. An ongoing interest in the reclamation process is prevalent. In order <br /> to help satisfy this interest, the DMG has hosted a number of public meetings and tours to <br /> discuss the reclamation process, exhibiting reclaimed and unreclaimed portions of the mine and <br /> addressing future reclamation needs. <br /> Coal Basin has been virtually inaccessible to the public in the past due to mining activities and <br /> the previous private land ownership. Local citizens and interested groups have been looking <br /> forward to preserving the Basin and providing for recreational activities. Partially in response <br /> to the local interest, the Forest Service recently acquired the property where the proposed project <br /> will be accomplished. Because of this historic interest in Coal Basin, and because the area was <br /> just recently placed in the public domain, it is anticipated that the nearby community of Redstone <br /> and other interested citizens will participate in the proposed project. <br /> (D2) Tasks and Methods <br /> Corps Members will be involved in tree and shrub planting and the construction of erosion <br /> control structures. <br /> Tree and Shrub Planting <br /> The tree planting portion of the project will involve establishment of seedling trees on the mine <br /> benches, which are located at an elevation of about 10,000 feet. The tree and shrub planting <br /> portion of the project will occur at the base of the mine bench outslopes. The base of the <br /> outslopes are generally located at an elevation of about 9,500 feet. (See cross-section in <br /> Appendix) <br /> The tree planting portion of the project is anticipated to occur at each of the five mine entries. <br /> The mine entries have been safeguarded and backfilled, so that there is no underground access. <br /> 5 <br />