Priority is given to eliminating health and safety hazards, restoring impacted land and water resources, and eliminating off-site environmental impacts. Completed projects provide improved water and air quality and reduce sediment deposition and clogging of streams off-site. The AML program works with landowners in the design and development of a reclamation plan that will provide a suitable land use following completion of the project. While the sites remain fragile, landowners see their property returned to a manageable condition that allows an economic return or some productive or beneficial use. Potential liability from attractive nuisances and unwanted trespass is also reduced or eliminated.
Reclaimed sites function as pasture, hayland, recreational areas, wildlife habitat, and wetlands.
Both private and public landowners are eligible participants. Working partners include the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the State Office of Historical Preservation, and other federal, state, and local agencies. A strong, working relationship with private consulting engineering and design firms has been key to the program s continued success.