Waterfowl habitats on reclaimed surface mined lands in southwestern Illinois

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

OSTI ID:5432910

O'Leary, W G; Klimstra, W D; Nawrot, J R

Loss of quality wetland habitat is probably the most important factor affecting populations of waterfowl in the United States. To counteract this problem programs for protecting critical habitats have been established and research for innovative methods to create wetlands are being pursued. Recently, attention has been given to evaluation of wetland habitats on lands surface-mined and to methods of reclamation to enhance their development as part of future planning. These data indicate quality wetland habitats can be a legitimate aspect of reclaimed surface-mined lands; and selective overburden handling, grading so as to maximize biologically productive zones and selective plantings contribute importantly to their value. Currently bond release criteria by the Illinois regulatory authority for wildlife habitat and developed water resources discourages reclamation that would maximize quality wetland habitats. Suggested changes in these criteria include alternative vegetation requirements for wetland habitats, more leniency on seasonally inundated shallow water areas, and variation from topsoil requirements when adequate unconsolidated substitute material is available. It is believed that such allowances would result in incentives for the industry to develop wetland habitats so vital to continued enjoyment of waterfowl resources.

• Research Organization: Illinois Dept. of Mines and Minerals, Marion
• OSTI ID: 5432910
• Report Number(s): CONF-841204-
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Univ. Ky., Off. Eng. Serv., (Bull.); (United States)
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
550100 -- Behavioral Biology
59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
ECOSYSTEMS
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
FEDERAL REGION V
HABITAT
ILLINOIS
LAND RECLAMATION
LAWS
MINING
MINING LAWS
NORTH AMERICA
PLANNING
POPULATION DYNAMICS
REGULATIONS
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
RESOURCE CONSERVATION
SURFACE MINING
SURFACE MINING ACTS
USA
WETLANDS