Those extractive mining activities that have significant surface expression are included in this category. Vegetative cover and overburden are removed to expose deposits. Quarrying of building and decorative stone and recovery of sand and gravel deposits also result in large open surface pits. Current mining activity is not always distinguishable, and inactive, unreclaimed, and active strip mines, quarries, borrow pits, and gravel pits are included in this category until other cover or use has been established, after which the land would be classified in accordance with the resulting use or cover. Unused pits or quarries that have been flooded, however, are placed in the appropriate Water category.
DISTRIBUTION:
This type occurs throughout California.
Source: Modified by the California Gap Analysis Project from Anderson et al., 1976.