Wildlife Mitigation Techniques at Surface Coal Mines in Northeast Wyomingwildlife Mitigation Techniques at Surface Coal Mines in Northeast Wyoming

Abstract

Wildlife issues at surface coal mines in the Powder River Basin of northeast Wyoming have been a topic of discussion since operations first began in the early 1970s. Since then, wildlife monitoring and mitigation programs have evolved to address changing concerns, and incorporate new information and techniques. Over the last 26 years, biologists with Thunderbird -Jones & Stokes (J&S) have developed, enhanced, and/or implemented mitigation measures for numerous avian species of concern, including nesting raptors and mountain plovers (Charadrius montanus). The appropriate use of mitigation techniques has yielded proven methods to minimize conflicts between nesting raptors and surface coal mine operations, and thus reduced the potential for work stoppages. By February 2006, J&S had relocated (both active and inactive nests) or created more than 100 nests for seven different raptor species. Nesting raptors used 65% of the previously active nests after mitigation measures were implemented, and 22% of previously inactive nests. The establishment of mitigation programs for other avian species of concern has also benefited companies willing to experiment with innovative reclamation techniques for wildlife habitat. One coal mine supported a unique effort to reestablish mountain plover habitat by translocating black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) into man-made colonies in reclamation. Although mountain plovers have not yet been documented in those colonies, the prairie dogs have expanded the original boundaries and maintained the low, sparse vegetation characteristic of mountain plover nesting habitat.