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U.S. Forest Service
Caring for the land and serving people

United States Department of Agriculture

Hope Mine Project

Hope Mine Project - Aspen Ranger District, White River National Forest

The following photos show the restoration of barren waste rock piles at the Hope Mine project, Aspen Ranger District, White River National Forest. The rock piles are perched above Castle Creek, one of Aspen's main municipal water sources. The project was conducted as a partnership using Biochar Solutions, Inc. Different rates of compost and bio-char were applied with a conveyer to create 'topsoil' on the slopes. The before and after shots, and the time lapsed photos from the 2011 growing season, demonstrate the efficacy of the soil amendment. The role of compost in this amendment (up to 95% by volume) was critical, as it served to reduce material costs, facilitate material handling, and provide a source of nitrogen and beneficial microorganisms.

Photograph: Hope Mine Project.  Plant Cam. June 30, 2011 at 08:47 am June 30, 2011. Slope vegitation at 30% cover.

Photograph: Hope Mine Project.  Plant Cam. July 5, 2011 at 08:50 am July 5, 2011. Slope vegitation at 45% cover.

Photograph: Hope Mine project; Plant Cam; July 20, 2011 at 08:48 am July 20, 2011. Slope vegitation at 90% cover.

Photograph: Hope Mine Project.  Plant Cam. August 1, 2011 at 09:00 am August 1, 2011. Slope vegitation at 100% cover.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/soils/hopemine.shtml