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 plans to restore the
site, which when completed 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."
Dry Creek is widely popular for its spring wildflower shows and
is home to one of the largest remaining sycamore alluvial woodland
communities in the world. This unusual woodland provides critical
habitat for resident and migratory birds, and the Dry Creek landscape
supports native species such as great blue heron, bald eagle and
herds of mule deer.
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.
"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. Now SRT plans to draw 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. Once completed, the Dry Creek Quarry project
will provide the first example of an ecologically-based aggregate
mine reclamation in Tulare County.
Click
here to view Dry Creek Preserve Photos
