Best Practices for Ecological Reclamation of Gravel Mines
MCWC and partners published a science-based guide helping gravel mine operators, local governments and restoration practitioners design for substantive ecological recovery at retired gravel pit sites, above and beyond baseline site stabilization.
Why It Matters
Riparian habitats support the vast majority of Colorado's wildlife, yet gravel mining reshapes these areas throughout the watershed. Traditional reclamation at former gravel mines often stops once a site is simply stable, not fully restored to its original riparian habitat condition. The guide instructs how former mine sites can instead return to habitat corridors that support native plant and animal species and improve water quality.
Impact Numbers
A river corridor's health depends on habitat that may go unnoticed until it's gone.
An estimated 80% of the region's mammals depend on riparian habitat at some point in their lives
90% of bird species rely on riparian areas
Three-quarters of reptiles and amphibians depend on the same habitat
Budget
The guide was developed and published through a partnership between MCWC, Lotic Hydrological, the Colorado Water Conservation Board and Pitkin County Healthy Rivers.
Connection to IWMP
This guide advances MCWC's Aquatic & Riparian Habitat focus area, offering a science-based framework for restoring ecological function on gravel mine sites throughout the watershed.
Beneficiaries
| Mine operators and local governments | Riparian wildlife |
|---|---|
| Non-regulatory, science-based recommendations give operators a practical path to improve reclamation outcomes at their sites. | Habitat corridors restored for ecological uplift support native mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians that depend on riparian areas. |
Location
A resource for gravel mine operators anywhere in the Middle Colorado watershed, and applicable well beyond it.
Status
Guide published and distributed; available by request
Funders & Collaborators
Lotic Hydrological
Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB)
Pitkin County Healthy Rivers
