Dry Creek Preserve - A Success Story
An Experimental Restoration Area
Prerestoration work at Dry Creek
On February 19, 2004, California Portland Cement Company donated the 152-acre Dry Creek Quarry to Sequoia Riverlands Trust (SRT). The quarry, located west of the entrance to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, cuts across the lower reach of Dry Creek. SRT is completing restoration work on the preserve, which will provide the public with a place to enjoy natural river environments and learn how retired gravel mines can again provide wildlife habitat, scenic beauty and an opportunity for community stewardship.
"We are deeply touched by the generosity, care and commitment to conservation that California Portland Cement Company demonstrates with this gift," said Sopac McCarthy Mulholland, Executive Director of SRT. "Together we are improving water quality, wildlife habitat and scenery in these spectacular foothills for Tulare County residents and visitors alike."
Gravel mining operations along Dry Creek began under a previous owner in 1992 and expanded in 1997, resulting in the felling of numerous mature sycamores and valley oaks. Years of mining also significantly altered the Dry Creek streambed. The restoration project will seek to re-establish natural stream patterns and associated woodland vegetation.
Verdant hillside view
at Dry Creek Preserve
"Donating the property seemed like the right thing to do," said John Renninger, Senior VP with California Portland Cement Company, whose company acquired the mine in the past year from creditor Artesia Ready Mix. "The quarry was nearing the end of its economic life so we were very interested when SRT approached us about donating the site."
Before giving the property to the land trust, California Portland Cement Company began the reclamation process by moving large piles of mining debris from the floodplain that might have washed downstream with the winter rains.
To complete its restoration plans, SRT has drawn on local experts and restoration specialists from around the state, including ecologists from The Nature Conservancy, to craft a comprehensive restoration plan for the property. Now, the Dry Creek Quarry project provides the first example of an ecologically-based aggregate mine reclamation in Tulare County.