Reclamation is most simply defined as returning mined land to its original use (or better). Mining in Oregon creates both important public benefits and at times deep public concerns. The vast majority of mining sites in this state are aggregate mines. Aggregate is the main ingredient in concrete and asphalt pavement and is used as a base on which roads and buildings are placed. Other important uses include gravel roads, dams, landscaping, drainage control, landfills, mortar, sanding icy roads, and railroad ballast.
According to the Oregon Department of Geology, currently 5807 acres (approximately 9 square miles) are under reclamation bond and 2560 acres have already been reclaimed to a variety of uses since the State’s reclamation program was initiated in 1972. The State program has two important non-regulatory tools; the Best Management Practices Manual and the Annual Mined Lands Reclamation Awards Program. Since Hooker Creek was founded in 1994 we have been honored with the award for the best land reclamation project in the entire state of Oregon twice - including most recently the 2004 award for the Tom McCall Ranch reclamation project in the O’Neil Valley.
To learn more about reclamation in Oregon click
here.
