. An assessment of the forest and range land situation in the United States. Forests and forestry United States; Forest management United States; Rangelands United States. where. Phosphate, potash, uranium, and some metals (copper and iron, for example) are often mined in large pits. Many of the metals are typically in ore bodies that are best mined by underground methods. Sand and gravel, dimension stone, clays, and rock for aggregate are usually quarried or mined in open pits. Impacts of mining on forest and range lands vary greatly depending upon the mineral extraction method. Clearance of
. An assessment of the forest and range land situation in the United States. Forests and forestry United States; Forest management United States; Rangelands United States. where. Phosphate, potash, uranium, and some metals (copper and iron, for example) are often mined in large pits. Many of the metals are typically in ore bodies that are best mined by underground methods. Sand and gravel, dimension stone, clays, and rock for aggregate are usually quarried or mined in open pits. Impacts of mining on forest and range lands vary greatly depending upon the mineral extraction method. Clearance of vegetation usually amounts to an acre or two per well, less than 100 acres per under- ground mine, but frequently hundreds or even thou- sands of acres per surface mine. However, this is necessary to obtain access to the minerals and to pro- tect against fire. In some areas, construction of access roads and other ancillary facilities such as power lines may have greater impacts than the mining itself. Similarly, prospecting for minerals, especially for uranium and other metals, may have greater impacts on the surface than actual mining. Removal of vegetation obviously affects timber and forage production. It also results in a change of wildlife habitat, often with substantial effects on associated wildlife populations. Impacts on fish habi- tat can be drastic, too, but it is usually possible to avoid vegetation clearance adjacent to streams and bodies of water. Where this is not possible, mitigation measures are necessary. Effects of mineral development on air quality and on water yield and quality also vary greatly depend- ing upon the extraction method. Dust, combustion. Prospecting and access to mining sites may have greater surface impacts than actual engine emission, erosion, sedimentation, water pollu- tion, interruption of hydrologic regimes, and reduc- tions in water yield are associated with many mineral operations. These effects tend to be extensive in the ca
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Keywords: ., book, bookcentury1900, booksubjectforestsandforestryunitedstates
