BLM-CO Watershed Support Abandoned Mine Reclamation and Characterization

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The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Colorado's 8.3 million acres of public lands, along with 27 million acres of mineral estate, are concentrated primarily in the western portion of the State. The lands range from alpine tundra, colorful canyons, and mesas in the southwest, to rolling sage-covered hills in the northwest. These public lands play a vital role in providing open space and contribute to Colorado's quality of life. The public lands and resources administered by the BLM are among Colorado's greatest assets, benefitting local communities and our nation. Colorado's public lands support diverse lifestyles and livelihoods on healthy and working landscapes in Colorado's backyard. BLM Colorado's National Conservation Lands encompass approximately one million acres, or one-eighth of all BLM land in the state. In addition, BLM Colorado manages the following:â¿¢ 3 national conservation areasâ¿¢ 53 wilderness study areasâ¿¢ 5 wilderness areasâ¿¢ 1 national historic trailâ¿¢ 1 national scenic trail â¿¢ 2 national monumentsIn historic mining districts such as Leadville, Boulder, and Central City located in Colorado, the BLM has the difficult task of managing a scattered pattern of public lands that often consist of less than one acre-sized islands of public lands that are surrounded by private lands. In these historic mining districts, the parcels of public lands are often encumbered by mining activities, which may be adversely affecting the environment. In the Sugarloaf historic mining district near Leadville, the BLM has successfully partnered with various organizations and stakeholder groups to address environmental concerns, improve habitats for recreational activities on public lands, and remediate the Tiger Mine. As an example, the Tiger Mine reclamation included the removal of a mine waste rock pile and stabilization of an adit and the drainage below it. This project successfully improved water quality and substantially contributed to improved fisheries on the Lake Fork of the Arkansas River. This project area involves various stakeholder groups to include private landowners, state and local governments, and residents to participate in remediation and education efforts. The Royal Gorge Field Office (RGFO) of the BLM is seeking a cooperator to ensure that reclamation work in the Tiger Mine Area sustains the harsh winters and spring run-off conditions that are typical of the high mountains in Colorado. In addition, the BLM is expanding this partnership opportunity to include an evaluation, site research and characterization of public lands affected by historic mining within the historic mining districts surrounding Central City in Gilpin County and historic mining districts in Boulder County, Colorado.

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