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Mr. Scott Fitzwilliams <br />Page 2 <br />September 21, 2012 <br />reclamation concept outlined in the approved reclamation plan, adding additional <br />environmental enhancements which were funded by grant monies made available to it from the <br />Forest Service and from the Department of Interior. The Division began reclamation <br />construction at the site in 1995, and substantially completed work in about 2002. Some <br />reclamation maintenance work has been accomplished since that time as well as annual on -site <br />monitoring of vegetation and reclamation success. <br />Because the site was permitted, it is by statutory definition not an abandoned mine, as has been <br />reported by local media. This is an important distinction, as bond forfeiture sites are not <br />eligible for reclamation funding which is made available to States by the Federal government. <br />As a result, aside from a few grant opportunities that the Division was able to take advantage <br />of, the only funding source available to complete reclamation of the site was the forfeited bond. <br />Prior to the Forest undertaking significant land - disturbing activities in Coal Basin, it is <br />important that our agencies coordinate their efforts so that conflicts do not arise in the future. <br />Because the Forest is engaging new partners in reclamation efforts and developing new land <br />management objectives for the area, the Division is looking at strategies to terminate its existing <br />regulatory authority and resultant reclamation obligations at this site. <br />We would very much like to initiate a dialogue with the Forest and the Sopris District for the <br />purposes of discussing our remaining obligations at the site, and for the purpose of more <br />thoroughly vetting reclamation enhancement at Coal Basin. To this end, we suggest that we <br />meet in Glenwood Springs this fall to initiate these conversations. Please contact Sandy Brown <br />of my staff at (303) 866 -3567 X 8110 so that we may schedule a time to discuss these matters. <br />Sincerely; <br />r <br />- Loretta Pineda <br />Division Director <br />cc: David Berry, DBMS <br />Sandra Brown, DRMS <br />Steve Renner, DRMS <br />Scott Snelson (USFS, Sopris District) <br />Sharon Clarke (Roaring Fork Conservancy) <br />Bill bight (USFS) <br />