The Lake Woods Wildlife Management Area (LWWMA) is located three miles southeast of Petersburg, Indiana. Coal was mined by dragline in the former Alford Field Mine. The LWWMA is part of Kindill Mining, Inc., and was nominated for the Interstate Mining Compact Commission’s 2001 Excellence in Surface Coal Mining Reclamation Award. Two separate pits were mined and reclaimed. In order to get the dragline out of the bottom of the final pit, a large entryway had been left. Because the final pit matched the mineable reserve boundary, the final pit ended up being serpentine rather than straight. The combination of the long entryway and the serpentine final pit presented the opportunity to make two large lakes with several peninsulas and coves, as well as some islands.

"Note fishermen in the background at one of the water impoundments"

In addition to the large lakes, the tight lacustrine material provided the opportunity to make numerous smaller ponds and wetlands. The purpose of the comprehensive reclamation master plan was to ensure that the revegetation and post-mining management would maximize the area’s potential for use as fish and wildlife habitat. The area was reclaimed so it would have a wide range of capabilities. Replaced soils are consistently thicker than required by regulation, and open areas were left where these thicker soils can be used for pasture, hay and crop production.

The area was developed and is managed around a "multi-species" concept, targeting popular game species such as bobwhite quail, doves, cottontail rabbit, whitetail deer and waterfowl. All species, from crickets to crows, received consideration. The area offers wildlife all the necessities of life – food, water and cover, such as grasses, legumes, fields, indigenous plants, food plots, warm season grasses, forest and water.



"A short-eared owl enjoying the wildlife habitat"

The community and landowners will benefit from the reclamation of this mine through farming, timber production, hunting and fishing, or by simply enjoying the landscape and wildlife in natural settings. The LWWMA is an example of how reclamation, reforestation and wildlife habitat restoration can be successful at Midwestern coal mines.

"Sediment pond provides both deep and shallow water"