Wildlife restoration and enhancement
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Photo Lirbray: Wildlife restoration and enhancement |
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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 reestablish or even improve wildlife habitats.Enlarged Photo (22 KB file)
Reestablishment of rangeland after reclamation provides forage for wildgrazing 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. Enlarged Photo (16 KB file)
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 this practice that provides rodent habitat for animals such as this ground squirrel. Species that prey on rodents are then likely to frequent the site. Enlarged Photo (21 KB file)