Habitat diversity change associated with reclamation in Illinois

Conference · Sat Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1984 · Univ. Ky., Off. Eng. Serv., (Bull.); (United States)

OSTI ID:5287980

Hayes, L A; Nawrot, J R; Klimstra, W D

Surface-mined lands in 4 Illinois regions (Northwest, Southeast, Southcentral, and Southwest) were studied to compare land-use changes before mining and after reclamation in relation to Illinois reclamation laws. Reclamation requirements were designated as pre-law (pre-1962); post-law 1962-1970, 1971-1976, and 1977 and more recent. Two locations per law category were chosen in each region, resulting in 32 site studies. Land-use types were identified and their area calculated from aerial photographs and/or pre- and post-mining land-use maps. Pre-law reclamation was predominantly forest, while post-law reclamation during 1962-1976 was largely pasture. Reclamation for 1977 and more recent exhibited pasture and cropland as major reclamation types. As expected, more land-use types were encountered on pre-mine lands than on post-mine; the latter usually possessed fewer but larger parcels. Diversity decreased in the transition from pre- to post-mine within post-law categories. Pre-law and 1977 and more recent were most diverse; 1962-1970 and 1971-1976 were the least diverse due to the dominance of pasture. Cropland, pasture, and impoundments were the main post-mine habitats. Cropland and pasture were usually in large tracts and lacked diversity. Impoundments were beneficial in providing a water source and increasing diversity.

• Research Organization: Southern Illinois Univ., Carbondale
• OSTI ID: 5287980
• Report Number(s): CONF-841204-
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Univ. Ky., Off. Eng. Serv., (Bull.); (United States)
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
010900* -- Coal
Lignite
& Peat-- Environmental Aspects
29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290300 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Environment
Health
& Safety
510500 -- Environment
Terrestrial-- Site Resource & Use Studies-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
CROPS
FEDERAL REGION V
GROUND COVER
ILLINOIS
LAND RECLAMATION
LAND USE
LAWS
MINING
MINING LAWS
NORTH AMERICA
PASTURES
SURFACE MINING
SURFACE MINING ACTS
USA