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Developing Wetland Habitats
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This abandoned mine land reclamation project in Southern Illinois has
resulted in the development of a large wetland habitat. Wildlife does
not usually come to mind when people think of the landscape that results
from surface coal mining reclamation. However, wildlife habitats are
actually one of the more common post-mining land uses. Many active coal
mining operations and abandoned mine land reclamation projects
re-establish or even improve wildlife habitats.
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Re-Establishment of Rangeland
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Re-establishment of rangeland after reclamation
provides forage for wild grazing animals, including these antelope on a
North Dakota mine site. Deer, elk, and antelope are an important part of
the landscape in the West, and mine reclamation offers an excellent
opportunity to enrich the rangeland habitat and help sustain a healthy
population of these native animals.
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Creating Ecological Niches
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Ecological niches that offer shelter and denning or
nesting opportunities leads to a greater diversity of wildlife on a
reclaimed site. This rock cairn in arid Wyoming is an example of the
practice that provides rodent habitat for animals such as this ground
squirrel. Species that prey on rodents are then likely to frequent the
site.
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