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Maintaining wildlife is a special concern on land that is
surface mined, and it has been demonstrated that mining and wildlife can be
compatible. Mined areas can be reshaped in many ways to provide and enhance
windbreaks, food, water, and suitable habitats for wildlife.
In North Dakota, studies show that the population of song
birds, game birds, mule deer, rabbits and foxes are higher than they were before
the land was mined and subsequently reclaimed. Deer and antelope thrive
alongside mine operations in Wyoming, and in response to encouragement by the
State Game and Fish Department, a number of operators have begun to allow
archery hunting in an effort to thin the herds. When large scale mining began in
the area the Department was concerned about possible reductions in wildlife
population, but the current realization is that the mines actually provide
refuge environments in which overpopulation can become a problem.
| In southern Indiana, Peabody Coal Co. has developed
a special habitat for Giant Canada Geese. And at another nearby mine,
the company has reintroduced a pheasant population to an area reclaimed
with native prairie grasses.
Across the state line in Illinois, Consolidation Coal Co. has
developed a 175-acre wildlife refuge on reclaimed land and established a
small flock of Canada Geese in a program to create a permanent nesting
ground for this bird. The refuge area lies in the Mississippi flyway,
and Consol’s efforts are attracting other geese to the reclaimed land. |
Flock of Canada Geese on Consolidation Coal Co.’s 175-acre
wildlife refuge on reclaimed land. |
Eagles in the Powder River Basin receive special treatment
from mining companies. Anaconda Minerals Co. and the Carter Mining Co.,
confronted with nesting golden eagles, set up special programs to relocate the
birds out of the way of the mining equipment. The birds are protected by laws
similar to those protecting endangered species. They must be lured to new nest
sites by placing the eaglets on nesting platforms, away from the operations but
within the eagles’ home range – a procedure that can take several seasons
and cost many thousands of dollars.
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