Union Pacific Resources

The Union Pacific Resources (UPR) award is for the successful reclamation of the Bear Creek Mine. The Bear Creek Mine initiated activities in 1976 and continued until 1985 when market conditions forced premature closure of the mine.

The premature closure of the mine required a drastic change in the reclamation plan. UPR was able to backfill all of the pits and restore the original drainage patterns. Innovative reclamation techniques included the broadcast seeding of bluegamma from the back of a pickup truck pulling a drag. The reclaimed lands are more productive than native and bond release has been granted for 1750 acres.