Reclaming the land

In keeping with Tri-State’s commitment to a healthy environment, the various surface coal mines supplying the G&T’s fuel needs invest in extensive reclamation activities.  Wildlife and plant life benefit from these efforts as the sites are returned to similar or, in many cases, better condition than before excavation.  

Trapper Mine, which supplies Craig Station in northwest Colorado, has received several state and national awards for its reclamation efforts.  At Trapper, reclaimed lands result in wildlife habitat improvements, steam channel-stabilization, woody-plant establishment and increased livestock-carrying capacity. Mining and reclamation operate on a continuous cycle, with reclamation specialists moving in after each section of coal is mined.  About 3,000 acres of the 10,000-acre mine have been reclaimed.