Aggregates Manager Digital Magazine
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/85652
Slight changes to the perimeter of the operation allow Beverly Materials to reclaim the mined out portions of the site for use by a neighboring wildlife foundation. RESTORATION Beyond Beverly Materials partners with a wildlife foundation to expand a preserve that fosters research and education. A by Therese Dunphy, Editor-in-Chief s operators develop their mine plans, the site's final use is typically taken into consideration, but Hoffman Estates, Ill.-based Beverly Materials took recla- mation planning to the next level. The operation's mine plan was built around a reclamation proj- ect developed in partnership with its next-door neighbor, the Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation (MMWF). "Environmental roles are important in every industry. Our company strives for compliance with everything at all different levels of government. In this particular case, we're trying to go way above and beyond to make a real showcase of a reclama- tion project," says Dave Zumbrunn, general man- ager, Aggregate Division, Beverly Materials LLC, a member of the Plote Family of Companies. "We're trying to make something that's not just satisfying the reclamation regulations, but something that's a park-like setting and functional for the use of the McGraw Foundation." MMWF focuses on research and educational activities revolving around fish, game, and wildlife. Its 1,224-acre nature preserve is home to more than 250 species of birds, 52 species of fish, 18 species of amphibians and reptiles, 51 species of butterflies, and 33 species of mammals. More than 800,000 trees have been planted on the site, and approximately 30 lakes and ponds have been dug to provide habitat for fish and birds. As Beverly Materials was planning its site, the MMWF wanted to broaden its lakes to allow for expansion of its research and recreational fishing activities. "They contacted us because we have a common property line," Zumbrunn says. "We're in the mining business right on the other side of the property line, so it's a natural fit." Before mining began, the operator worked with the foundation's fisheries and wildlife biologists to develop a plan that would create an environment that would foster a good home for wildlife research and education. MMWF had multiple objectives for RECLAMATION42 SOLAR42