![Reclamation Award](JavaScript:openPopWin("graphics/wb18full.jpg", 400, 200, "scrollbars,resizable", 120, 20))
The Wyoming coal mines have made a commitment to the environment. That commitment
is demonstrated by award-winning reclamation and the wildlife that make reclaimed
mining operations their home. The Excellence in Surface Coal Mining Award is given
by OSM each year to "those responsible for the nation's most outstanding achievements
in environmentally sound surface mining and reclamation." This award has
been won by several Wyoming coal mines since the program started in 1986.
![Seeding](JavaScript:openPopWin("graphics/web1full.jpg", 400, 200, "scrollbars,resizable", 120, 20))
What happens after the coal is removed? The overburden is put where the coal used
to be, and the topsoil is replaced on top of the overburden. Now, the area can
be re-planted. Many different types of seeds are planted on reclaimed ground.
Planting is usually done in both the spring and the fall of each year. Reclaimed
areas are not fertilized or watered. It is important for reclaimed grasses and
shrubs to rely on Mother Nature for the necessities. After a minimum of three
years (or growing seasons), reclaimed ground is grazed by domestic livestock.
After ten years, the area can be opened for public use or for any other designated
uses. Research shows the amount of vegetation on reclaimed coal mines is double
the vegetation found on native, unmined ground.
![Animals grazing](JavaScript:openPopWin("graphics/wb17full.jpg", 400, 200, "scrollbars,resizable", 120, 20))
Who benefits most from all the abundant vegetation on reclaimed coal mines? The
wildlife! Large herds of deer and antelope reside on all Powder River Basin Coal
Mines. In addition, a herd of elk--called the Rochelle Hills herd--have always
spent their summers in the Rochelle Hills; however, two coal mines adjacent to
the Rochelle Hills have planted 5,000 acres of reclaimed land. The elk now spend
their winters on the productive, reclaimed lands. Due to the increased productivity
of the reclaimed ground, the Rochelle Hills elk herd and all other big game have
increased in number and flourished.
![Helicopter](JavaScript:openPopWin("graphics/wb14full.jpg", 400, 200, "scrollbars,resizable", 120, 20))
Several Powder River Basin mines are currently funding a joint effort with the
University of Wyoming and the Game and Fish to study big game. The research is
utilizing radio collars to collect data on herd migration and habits. These radio
collars are put on antelope, deer, and elk by locating them from a helicopter
and then catching them in a net. The collar is put around the animal's neck, and
the animal can be located whenever necessary. Research like this helps us to understand
what big game eat, how they migrate, and how reclaimed vegetation contributes
to the increase in herd numbers and health.
![Rockpile](JavaScript:openPopWin("graphics/wb13full.jpg", 400, 200, "scrollbars,resizable", 120, 20))
But coal mines are home to more than just big game animals. Many other types of
birds and small mammals. Owls, eagles, fox, rabbits, and even muskrats can be
observed daily at Wyoming coal mines and are just as important as big game animals.
(Can you find the small mammal in front of the rockpile?)
![Habitat creation](JavaScript:openPopWin("graphics/wb15full.jpg", 400, 200, "scrollbars,resizable", 120, 20))
Wyoming mines have developed a lot of creative techniques to provide habitat for
small mammals. Large rocks, which are removed from the ground during mining, are
put in piles on the reclaimed. These rock piles provide a place to get out of
the wind and weather and a place to hide from predators. Other techniques to provide
habitat include burrowing owl dens (shown in the adjacent photo), tree
snags (dead trees put in the ground for birds to nest on), and Kestral boxes (nest
for Kestral falcons).
![Wetlands](JavaScript:openPopWin("graphics/wb27full.jpg", 400, 200, "scrollbars,resizable", 120, 20))
Another important habitat being built is wetlands. Wyoming coal mines have constructed
many extraordinary wetlands which provide a home to game birds such as duck and
geese. Goose nesting sites have been constructed from recycled mining materials
including used pipe, used tires, and scrap metal. Wyoming coal mines take great
pride in reclaiming the land and constructing vital ecosystems. Generally, re-constructed
wetlands at coal mines are much more productive and healthy than the pre-mining
wetlands.
![Sunset](JavaScript:openPopWin("graphics/wb25full.jpg", 400, 200, "scrollbars,resizable", 120, 20))
Wyoming coal mines are proud of the reclaimed ground that has improved the productivity
of the Wyoming prairie. Wyoming is a good place to mine coal because it is simple
to re-construct the rolling hills and dry-land vegetation. There are no forests
and complex ecosystems to remove and replace. In addition, Wyoming coal mines
release only release 12% of the methane which is release by the underground mines
in the eastern United States. Methane is naturally found with coal; and, when
released, is a "greenhouse gas". Further, Wyoming coal contains much less sulfur
than eastern coal. When released, sulfur reduces the quality of the air we breath.
The conclusion is simple. Wyoming coal provides the world with low-cost electricity,
better air to breath, and a flourishing ecosystem.