Laserfiche WebLink
DATE <br /> Mr. Tom----------- <br /> DirectorColorado Department of Agriculture <br /> RE: Coal Basin Noxious Weed Grant Application <br /> Dear Mr. <br /> Please be aware that the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, through the Division of <br /> Minerals and Geology, in conjunction with Pitkin County is submitting a grant proposal for <br /> noxious weed control at the Coal Basin Mine. <br /> The Coal Basin Mine, located in western Pitkin County, was an active coal mine for over forty <br /> years. However in the early 1990's, the operator of the mine filed for bankruptcy protection, and <br /> ceased operations. Subsequently, the operating permit was revoked and the reclamation bond <br /> forfeited by the Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Board. The Division of Minerals and <br /> Geology is in the process of accomplishing reclamation of the mine. <br /> An infestation of thistle at the lower portions of the mine potentially threaten the success of the <br /> revegetation efforts being undertaken by Minerals and Geology as a part of the reclamation <br /> process. Land uses of the areas being overtaken by thistle include grazing, recreation and wildlife <br /> habitat. <br /> Minerals and Geology has entered into a unique partnership with Pitkin County in an effort to <br /> control this infestation. This partnership is represented by the request for matching funds from <br /> Agriculture. During this process, we have enlisted the support of the Forest Service, in the form <br /> of cash or services, and from a number of local interests. <br /> I would certainly appreciate your consideration of the grant request in order to help further the <br /> reclamation process, and to help foster the inter-agency partnerships which we are developing in <br /> relation to the Coal Basin Mine site. <br /> Sincerely, <br /> Jim Lochhead <br /> Director <br />