In the 1960s, large uranium ore deposits were discovered in the Shirley Basin adjacent to the Little Medicine Bow River in southeastern Wyoming. In 1972, the river was diverted to accommodate open pit mining operations. Mining ceased in the mid-1980s, and the area was reclaimed by the early 1990s.

Currently, AML Project 86 is addressing degrading legacy conditions through regrading, stabilization, and revegetation of disturbed areas. Work includes careful management of unsuitable materials through permanent encapsulation in a designated repository, as well as cover and subsurface soil salvage. The site will be reshaped and regraded using natural landform geomorphic grading techniques, amended soils, and revegetated with native plant communities to restore stable landforms, reduce erosion, and reestablish ecosystem function.

One of the key focuses of the project is restoring sagebrush steppe habitat within Greater Sage Grouse Priority Habitat Management Areas, supporting wildlife species that depend on this ecosystem. Final restoration efforts will also enhance riparian and mesic habitats along the Little Medicine Bow River using low tech restoration methods to improve water retention, hydrologic connectivity, and overall habitat quality.

Upon completion, the site will function as a stable, self-sustaining landscape with improved ecological health, reduced environmental risk, and enhanced habitat for sagebrush dependent wildlife and riparian species. During this tour, we will view approximately 60 acres of completed reclamation, with a focus on native plant establishment and site recovery, as well as visually observe surrounding degrading lands scheduled for future maintenance and reclamation work. In addition the tour will also view river restoration work on the Heward’s 7E Ranch property.