Initially, El Paso County quarries were outside the Colorado Springs city limits not readily visible by the general population. This changed with rapid suburban growth which increased rock product demand, and resulted in more housing and business communities in the visual proximity of the quarries. Environmental and preservationist groups challenged quarry mining and the resulting visual impact. The community debate, centered primarily on the Queens Canyon Quarry, demanded to know why Colorado Springs would allow mining to destroy the natural beauty of the foothills backdrop. Despite strong opposition, in 1955 Castle Concrete secured State permits preserving its ability to continue mining operations.
Initially, economic needs took precedence over environmental and aesthetic concerns. That stance gradually reversed as citizens, business leaders, Coloradoâs Governor, U.S. Interior Secretary, and others made it clear that something had to be done about the infamous âscars.â In 1988, Governor Romer formed a State Commission of Mountain Scarring which emphasized local zoning work with the State to resolve the issue. Romer committed $75,000 toward the âEnhanced Reclamationâ of the Colorado Springs Quarries, defined as reclamation beyond the âbase reclamationâ required by the Colorado law. The Governorâs funds, restricted to the purchase of trees, wildflower seed and related materials, required matching funds from the community.
Initially, there were differing views among all parties involved. Eventually company representatives and community leaders formed the joint city/county âCharter for Additional Reclamation at Castle Concrete Company Quarriesâ and the El Paso County/Colorado Springs Mining Reclamation Advisory Committee (MRAC). For two years they met and implemented educational programs, and in 1993 completed an enhanced reclamation plan for the quarries. The plan detailed identified specific objectives including: planting additional trees, re-contouring to provide dimension and improve visual appearance, and retaining the Bighorn Sheep habitat on the Queens Canyon Quarry.
The Colorado Mountain Reclamation Foundation (CMRF) was later formed to administer the enhanced reclamation projects. CMRF raised funds and recruited volunteers to assist in the enhanced reclamation work. In 1994, Wanda Reaves was hired as a part-time Project Manager and Executive Director. During the next 16 years, CMRF developed a remarkably successful public/private partnership with solid support of Castle Concrete.
In 2004, Castle Concrete completed reclamation of the Queens Canyon Quarry and donated the site to the US Forest Service. The former Queens Canyon scar is now healed, and because of the 70+-bighorn sheep that reside there, it is now known as the Greg Francis Bighorn Sheep Habitat. Rather than viewing Castle Concrete as an opponent, the community now recognizes the company as a partner advocate along with CMRF in improving the visual quality of our mountain backdrop. Enjoy the viewâŠ..
Excerpted from a Generous Submission by David Isbell and Gary Bradley
