Impact of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act on Species of Special Concern in Pennsylvania

Abstract

Abstract:Since the enactment of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA) thousands of grassland habitats have been created in eastern North America. In western Pennsylvania over 50 species of birds including, eleven species that are either listed as threatened, endangered or as special concern, have been observed using grasslands and wetlands on reclaimed mines. In addition to these bird species, the endangered Massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus catenatus) has been observed foraging on grasslands on two mine sites in western Pennsylvania. Although the development of wildlife habitats can be incorporated into the reclamation of mine lands, the specific habitats for threatened and endangered species are generally not a defined objective of the reclamation of mine lands. Because threatened and endangered species nest and forage on grasslands and wetlands on mine lands, they should be given consideration during the reclamation of mine lands.