Restoring Historic Mine Lands

But as mining profits dwindled by the mid-20th century, many mines closed, leaving behind environmental issues. Waste from mining activities flowed downstream, creating fluvial deposits that degraded soil, killed vegetation, and caused erosion along the Upper Arkansas River.

Recognizing the damage, the EPA designated parts of the Leadville mining district as a Superfund site in the 1980s. Since then, successful projects have improved the area’s ecosystem and quality of life, but challenges remain. ARWC, in partnership with Trout Unlimited and other organizations, is launching four new restoration projects in Lake County to continue this vital work. TU, with its impressive track record of reviving abandoned mine lands in the area, will lend its expertise to transform these spaces. Other project partners that will help us accomplish these goals include EPS, USGS, BLM, CODRMS, CDOT, and Lake County Open Space Initiative.