Before any mining can begin, a reclamation plan must be approved. During the permitting process, it is determined exactly how the land will be reclaimed. The native plants include grasses, shrubs or forbs. The watershed must be restored as near as possible to its original location. If streams are disturbed, they must be replaced.
Reclaimed lands are normally more productive than adjacent undisturbed areas.
Rocks are placed on the surface to build natural habitat for wildlife. Mine sites have the largest populations of wildlife because the animals feel safe on mine property, which is not heavily hunted. Most mines have large herds of antelope, deer and elk. Waterfowl, birds of prey and fox also are abundant. The photos show an area of reclaimed land where the coal has been removed.