Many communities with mining legacies across the country are faced with major challenges of transitioning their local economies while also stewarding their lands and watersheds. Creative, community oriented reclamation can turn environmental liabilities into community centerpieces, generating valuable economic, environmental, and recreational opportunities. The Paonia River Park in Paonia, CO is a prime example of a successful and sustainable post-mining reclamation project. Formerly an in-stream gravel mine, the Paonia River Park is now a fully functioning public-access park with a boat ramp, beach and swimming holes, picnic areas, 1 mile of trails, and ADA accessible features.
The Western Slope Conservation Center invites community leaders and restoration professionals to attend a two-day community river restoration and mining reclamation workshop on June 1-2, 2017. At this workshop, attendees will tour the river park, learn about the technical aspects and social impacts of the park, discuss WSCC’s successes and lessons learned, explore new creative funding techniques, network with fellow practitioners and community leaders from mining regions, and leave with an overall sense of what it means to undergo a community-directed reclamation project. Stay for our 17th annual Float Fest on June 3 and tour the improvements along the North Fork of the Gunnison River. Registration will open January 2017, watch this space for more information.
For more information, contact Alyssa Clarida at [email protected] or 970-527-5307 x 204!