BLM begins Placer Mining Reclamation Project at Jack Wade Creek

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Alaska staff began project work June 15 on Jack Wade Creek in the Fortymile Wild and Scenic River Corridor with the goal of developing new reclamation techniques on placer-mined streams which will ultimately result in healthy fish and wildlife habitat.

The project was designed to accelerate the recovery of in-stream and riparian habitats in a historically mined area. The techniques used will take into account major limiting factors unique to Alaska, including significant ice accumulation and short growing seasons.

“We are testing new techniques with the hope that this project will help miners find new ways to approach reclamation so that streams are stable and functioning following completion of mining,” said BLM Alaska Deputy State Director for Resources Steve Cohn. “We have a great opportunity to help miners operate sustainably and provide for the recovery of public lands.”

Workshops are scheduled for the first week of September for miners and others to learn more about the techniques used in the project and evaluate stream recovery rates.

Under a contract with the Salcha-Delta Soil and Water Conservation District, local heavy equipment operators will perform the work. The work will include excavation of the stream channel, construction of riffles and pools, and transplanting of vegetation. Mobilization at the site began June 15, with completion of construction expected by the week of July 5.  

Additional project information will be posted and available at:  http://www.blm.gov/ak/st/en/prog/minerals/reclamation/jack_wade_creek.html   The date, time and location of the workshops will be announced in a news release, posted online at http://www.blm.gov/ak, and disseminated locally within the Fortymile Mining District.