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Hailing from Pennsylvania, Tara Tafi moved west for college and eventually put down roots in Crested Butte.  Today, she works for the state of Colorado, travelling to mines across the western half of the state, developing plans for their reclamation. Colorado is a state born from mining, and Crested Butte is a former coal mining town (not a hard rock mining town like Telluride or Aspen, which is why we've always been different).  So many of the roads and trails that we all hike, bike, and drive on owe their existence to the old mining days.  Those mines, however, were largely abandoned and Tara is the one who helps make them safer- which may mean simply closing an open mine shaft, or mitigating acid water drainage.  If you want a better understanding of Crested Butte's history and future, give this one a listen.

Want to learn more about mining in Colorado?:

Colorado State Mining Website