2005 MLRR Awards - Good Neighbor Award


	Mineral Land Regulation and Reclamation Program, 2005 Mined Land Reclamation Awards

Good Neighbor Award - Freres Lumber Company, Lyons, Linn County

Contact: Randy Silbernagel, (503)-859-2121

Background:

It is not certain when mining at this site began. An aerial photo from 1967 clearly shows mine disturbance. Mining was conducted with a dozer and front end loader, creating shallow ponds.

Freres Lumber Company (FLC) purchased the property in 1969 and began deepening the pond with an excavator. The average depth of mining was 12 to 15 feet. Mining began on the northern end of the property and slowly progressed south. Mining took place on an annual basis and crushed rock every four to six years for as needed use.

The deeper pond became a refuge for water fowl, fish, and beaver. Over this time the City of Lyons grew up around the pond, which is now a central feature of the town.

FLC was issued a Grant of Limited Exemption (LE) in 1984 to allow production for off-site use in excess of 5,000 cubic yards. As a mine site eligible for exempt status, reclamation requirements are limited.

However, Freres Lumber Company (FLC) began reclaiming portions of this site in 1986. The in-water pond slopes were backfilled or cut to 3:1 or flatter. This slope angle is a requirement by state statute on permitted sites. The slope angle allows people to walk out of the pond and allows wetland plant species to establish. In 2002 an independent landscape architect drew up a plan to convert this site into a city park. In 2004 mining was complete, and FLC began the process of turning the property over to the city.

Final grading was completed to allow safe public use of the water features. By deeding this property over to the city Freres Lumber Company shows the commitment to give something back to the community they have been a part of for some fifty years.

FLC is recognized with the Good Neighbor Award for their commitment to give something back to the community they have been a part of for 50 years, but they could also have been recognized for Outstanding Reclamation award and/or the Voluntary Reclamation award.

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photograph of pond and adjacent paved path

Former mine site pond, now a recreational and wetlands feature of the City of Lyons, Lynn County.

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Mineral Land Regulation and Reclamation Program, 2005 Mined Land Reclamation Awards