RECLAMATION SUCCESS

Former coal mine is now recreational facility

The Office of Surface Mining, Reclamation & Enforcement presented the 25th Anniversary National Excellence in Surface Coal Mine Reclamation Award to Arch of Illinois, Inc.’s Captain Coal Mine for exceptional reclamation. The OSM awards program began in 1986 to publicly recognize outstanding active coal mine reclamation and to highlight and show recognition for exemplary reclamation techniques.

At its production peak, Arch of Illinois Captain Mine was the largest surface mine east of the Mississippi. When combined with the adjacent Denmark Mine, the reclaimed land area was well over 11, 000 acres. Located just west of Pyramid State Park, the reclaimed land has been purchased by the state, making it the largest state park in Illinois.

Before the land transfer, reclamation was aimed at recreational/wildlife use. This included a mix of farmland, lakes, wetlands, and forests. Many of the trees planted in the 1980's are now becoming mature forests. Wildlife became established and the value of this extensive area has continued to grow. This reclaimed site will provide recreational benefits for years to come.