Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety

Just when you think you're alone ... the marmot tracks appear. These were spotted by a project manager 13,500 feet above sea level! If you've been up in Colorado's high country, you've probably caught a glimpse of these portly, furry critters. Related to the squirrel, these omnivorous animals generally keep to themselves, making rock crevices and meadows burrows their home. You may see them sitting up and whistling; they're warning their friends and family — probably about those big bipeds with daypacks and water bottles nearby. If you see one, leave it alone! It has important work to do (resting in the mountain sunshine and fattening up for a long winter hibernation). When working on mine reclamation and safeguarding projects, marmots usually keep their distance — but have been known, on occasion, to enjoy the taste of wire insulation on equipment and trucks!

Just west of Glenwood Springs lies South Canyon. Today, it's a destination for mountain bikers, hikers, and others who enjoy the area's rugged landscape. Over a hundred years ago, it was a prime source for coal, which fueled both the smelters that refined the area's hard rock ore, and helped to warm homes and businesses throughout the county. Early on in the mine's history, however, the coal began to smolder, and eventually the seam caught fire to such an extent that the mine had to be abandoned entirely. The fire continued to burn underground, following the coal up two different sides of the canyon. Several years ago, DRMS began to monitor the fire, and has been working to slow its progress and reduce its impact. You can learn more about how the Division has been monitoring and mitigating the South Canyon Coal Seam fire here: https://lnkd.in/gD3S9nxy

The bat is the primary vertebrate predator of nocturnal insects. Nineteen species of bats live in Colorado. Bat roosting habitats are in decline, and abandoned mines provide habitat for some bats. Here, a scientist examines a Western Long-eared Myotis bat, extending its wings to examine its condition. According to Bat Conservation International, this type of bat captures its prey in flight, but also glean stationary insects from foliage or the ground. Their main diet appears to consist of moths, and their relatively quiet echolocation calls are well suited for sneaking up on prey without being detected and maneuvering through cluttered habitats.

Do you ever step outside your house and get that sinking feeling that something has changed? Perhaps you're literally sinking? If you live in a historical coal mine area along the Front Range, it's possible you're feeling the effects of mine subsidence. Wherever coal has been mined, underground voids are left behind. Overlying layers of rock and earth tend to sink or shift to fill these areas. When that sinking or shifting reaches the earth’s surface, it is called mine subsidence. The Mine Subsidence Protection Program was established to pay for damage to homes that results from coal mine subsidence. Any privately-owned residential structure constructed in an area of historical coal mining before 1989 is eligible; contact us at 1-800-44MINES or email Rachael.Nickless@state.co.us to find out if you qualify.

In the spring and summer of 1978 miners were continuing their work in the Sunnyside mine, near Silverton. As they followed a vein, they found themselves getting closer and closer to Lake Emma, a glacial lake which rested above timberline. The more they blasted, the more water they saw seeping into the workings. Then, one day, disaster struck. Watch the story from the people who were there: https://lnkd.in/ga7Awfc7 This short video is part of a series on the history and legacy of mining in Colorado. You can see the entire collection at drms.colorado.gov/videos

A project manager takes notes on a hazardous water-filled mine shaft next to an alpine creek. Evaluations are the first step in potential safeguarding or reclamation projects. Even above timberline, safeguarding inactive sites like this one can be important, especially if recreational trails or roads are close-by.

Claim markers, or monuments, take a few different forms across the west. One common marker is a stone, carved with the claim number. This one was discovered by a DRMS project manager while they were surveying an area above timberline for mine workings.

Time to play a game! Can you spot the Project Manager? See the second photo to see if you spotted them!

Gold mining in the Idaho Springs area has been taking place since the 1859, when George Jackson discovered gold there. Through the 1950s, mining was a primary activity throughout the area, with the Argo Tunnel operating from 1893 to 1943 (its distinctive red mill is preserved nearby, offering tours). The tunnel was built to access and also drain nearly every major mine between Idaho Springs and Central City. Even after the mines closed, the tunnel continued to drain water from their workings, running into Clear Creek. In 1983, the Environmental Protection Agency listed the Argo Tunnel as a Federal Superfund site, and built a treatment system at its mouth to neutralize and remove heavy metals from the 700-gallon-per-minute acid mine drainage flow from the Argo, as well as lesser flows diverted to the plant from three other nearby workings, before it flowed into Clear Creek. These photos show the historic Argo Tunnel portal, along with the newer outflow pipe which channels the water from the tunnel to the water treatment facility. Near the portal, DRMS staff collect water into sample containers, which are then analyzed.

Many abandoned mine sites are located far off the beaten path. While they were active mines, roads would have been constructed to them for transporting equipment and miners, as well as hauling ore away. After decades, sometimes more than a century, of inactivity, most sites are hard to get to. So it's no surprise that when a site is being safeguarded or reclaimed, it can be a bit of an adventure! Here, several DRMS staff ford a creek near Jamestown in Boulder County, during a pre-bid meeting with prospective contractors for a safeguarding project.