Mendocino County reviews Parker 10 Mile Ranch reclamation plan for mining extension

The Mendocino County Planning Commission convened on June 5, 2025, to discuss the renewal and modification of the reclamation plan for the Parker 10 Mile Ranch mining operation. The meeting opened with a public hearing, during which it was confirmed that all correspondence related to the item had been posted online.

Dirk Larson, the project planner, presented the details of the request from Geo Aggregates, represented by Compass Land Group. The mining operation is situated approximately eight miles north of Fort Bragg, covering 622 acres, with 15 acres dedicated to the active quarry. The operation has a history dating back to 1993, when a use permit was initially approved for the extraction and processing of up to 50,000 cubic yards of material.

The commission reviewed the history of the reclamation plans, noting that the most recent plan expired in February 2017. A renewal request was submitted in February 2018, which was approved for an additional five years. The current request aims to extend the mining operation for another five years and includes modifications to the final slope of the quarry to incorporate fill material from a nearby wetland restoration project led by The Nature Conservancy.

Larson explained that the partnership with The Nature Conservancy allows for the removal of overburden material from the wetlands, which will be used to fill the quarry site, thus minimizing transportation costs. The proposed modifications to the reclamation plan will create a more gradual slope, aligning with the area's natural landscape.

The commission also discussed the requirements under the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (SMARRA), which mandates annual inspections of mining sites to ensure compliance with reclamation plans. The operator is responsible for providing financial assurance cost estimates for both ongoing operations and full reclamation.

The meeting concluded with a clarification on the definitions of reclamation and restoration, emphasizing that reclamation involves minimizing environmental impacts and returning mined lands to beneficial uses, such as wildlife habitat or open space. The operator has indicated a desire to focus on reclamation efforts and is not planning to expand mining activities further.

Overall, the commission's discussions highlighted the ongoing commitment to responsible mining practices and environmental stewardship in Mendocino County. The next steps will involve further review and potential approval of the modified reclamation plan.