Board highlights reclamation wins: Weld County, Martin Marietta and Pikeview Quarry recognized

The Mine Land Reclamation Board concluded its meeting by presenting the 2025 Jack Starner Memorial Reclamation Awards to three recipients whose projects demonstrated notable reclamation outcomes.

Russ (minerals program director) described the Ash Bow Pit reclamation in Weld County, where county road and bridge crews restored 22.4 acres to native pasture grass, treated invasive weeds and worked with the landowner to remove cobbles to meet post‑reclamation land use needs. "This project restored the site to native grasslands and enhanced both the landowner's utility and wildlife habitat," staff said.

Martin Marietta’s East Windsor Pit received recognition for community outreach and mitigation of noise and truck impacts via site layout and topsoil placement; staff noted the company adjusted plans to reduce traffic on local roads and to protect riparian areas.

The Pikeview Quarry project (Riverbend Industries) was honored for engineering and habitat outcomes after a landslide‑prone, century‑old quarry was backfilled and stabilized beginning in 2021; staff highlighted use of prism monitoring and quality assurance checks and noted plans for donation of parts of the property to the City of Colorado Springs for open space and potential recreation.

The presentations will be posted to the division’s website and social media to highlight positive reclamation work by operators and public partners.