the upper Slate River watershed
upper Slate river
The Slate River runs through Crested Butte Colorado and drains approximately 34 square miles on the east side of the Ruby Mountain Range. There are about 71 miles of streams and rivers in the Watershed.
In 2011, the Coal Creek Watershed Coalition (CCWC) recruited local stakeholders to begin the watershed planning process in the Upper Slate River Watershed (Watershed).
The Gunsight Processing Area, located near Crested Butte, CO, was identified as a priority project during the watershed planning process in the Upper Slate River Watershed. Mine waste found at the Gunsight Processing Area poses a human health risk due to recreation on site. The site had also been identified as a potential source of heavy metal contamination to the Slate River.
After meeting with stakeholders and securing grant funding, CCWC staff collected water quality samples and mapped the extents of mine waste and seeps on the site.
Due largely in part to the work of the Coalition, in 2017 CCWC, DRMS, and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) secured over $350,000 to reclaim the Gunsight Processing Area near Crested Butte. Reclamation on site eliminated acidic and metalsladen seeps. The project removes approximately 260 pounds of cadmium, copper, lead, and zinc per year. Post-project vegetation monitoring and weed removal is on-going.
The CCWC hopes to execute more water quality improvement projects in the Upper Slate River Watershed in upcoming years, including reclamation of the Daisy Mine site.
In 2011, the Coal Creek Watershed Coalition (CCWC) recruited local stakeholders to begin the watershed planning process in the Upper Slate River Watershed (Watershed).
The Gunsight Processing Area, located near Crested Butte, CO, was identified as a priority project during the watershed planning process in the Upper Slate River Watershed. Mine waste found at the Gunsight Processing Area poses a human health risk due to recreation on site. The site had also been identified as a potential source of heavy metal contamination to the Slate River.
After meeting with stakeholders and securing grant funding, CCWC staff collected water quality samples and mapped the extents of mine waste and seeps on the site.
Due largely in part to the work of the Coalition, in 2017 CCWC, DRMS, and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) secured over $350,000 to reclaim the Gunsight Processing Area near Crested Butte. Reclamation on site eliminated acidic and metalsladen seeps. The project removes approximately 260 pounds of cadmium, copper, lead, and zinc per year. Post-project vegetation monitoring and weed removal is on-going.
The CCWC hopes to execute more water quality improvement projects in the Upper Slate River Watershed in upcoming years, including reclamation of the Daisy Mine site.
Select documents and data
Flow data
View real-time flow data the Slate River near Crested Butte, CO.
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watershed planView the 2014 Upper Slate River Watershed Plan
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Data analysis & summaryView the 2011 Water Quality Data Analysis and Summary
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SUPPORT THE COAL CREEK WATERSHED COALITION
The Coal Creek Watershed Coalition is a 501(c)(3) Organization.
Your tax-deductible donations help us fulfill our mission and support various programs and projects.
We can't do this without your help!
Your tax-deductible donations help us fulfill our mission and support various programs and projects.
We can't do this without your help!
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Coal Creek Watershed Coalition PO Box 925 Crested Butte, CO 81224 |
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In 2019, 88% of Coal Creek Watershed Coalition's total operating expenses were used for projects and programs that benefit our local watersheds. Learn More > |
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