show a potential for re-introducing the prairie chicken {Tympanuchus cupido) on 

 extensive contiguous acreages (10,000-20,000) of surface-mined lands revegetated 

 with forage crops. Reclamation practices also contribute importantly to habitat 

 needs of muskrats (Ondatra zihethicus). 



Argonne National Laboratory has established an extensive list of mammals, birds, 

 amphibians, and reptiles occupying a reclaimed coal refuse site." Available data 

 indicate that wildlife will repopulate reclaimed mined land, even problem sites, 

 where harsh environments existed. 



While reclaimed wildlife habitat in the Midwest and West is uniquely associated 

 with monocuhure. the contour-mined Appalachian area exhibits a "fractured" forest 

 habitat. This intrusion can be viewed in at least two ways. One is the newly created 

 habitats, largely strips of grassland, have provided for new and increased numbers of 

 given species, birds in particular. '^••"-"•^''''5'^^'-"'^*' Whitmore and Hall" noted that 

 such areas, produced by surface mine reclamation, represent an important (if per- 

 haps temporary) addition to the habitat of the region since 74 percent of West 

 Virginia is forested. The interruptions of forest habitat provides miles of linear edge 

 which creates opportunities for maximal diversity of animal and plant species." On 

 the other hand, a decline in forest species may occur because of reduced contact with 

 adjacent forest and an infringement on the natural woodland community. Yahner 

 and Howell'**found this to be true in their study of a mined area in eastern Tennessee. 



The Appalachian region has been involved in reclamation work reflecting advan- 

 ces in technology. An exhaustive amount of research has been done on wildlife 

 utilization of mined land which has been reclaimed or undergone natural revegeta- 

 tion. Tolin-"' investigated bioaccumulation of heavy metals in wildlife-inhabited 

 strip-mined areas in eastern Ohio. He found no significant trends reflecting concen- 

 trations of mercury, lead, or cadmium at toxic levels. In most cases, control popula- 

 tions showed levels higher than those from mined areas. This suggested that surface 

 mining actually reduced levels of available heavy metals in the soil. 



Fowler and Adkisson-*' evaluated trees and shrubs to determine which were best 

 suited for harsh conditions associated with surface mine spoil. Autumn olive 

 ( Elaeagnus embellata), elaeagnus cherry ( Elaeagnus multiflora), arnot locust ( Robi- 

 nia fenilis). sawtooth oak (Quercus acutissima). red maple (Acer ruhrwn), and 

 Toringo crabapple (Mains sieboldi) were recommended for quick improvement of 

 habitat over a wide range of spoil acidity. Species not recommended were bush 

 honeysuckle (Louie era latarica), barberry (Berberis thumbergi), Siberian crabapple 

 (Mains baccaia). ^^anchu cherry (Primus lumentosa), American beautyberry (Cfl///- 

 carpa americana), bear oak (Quercus ilicifulia), highbush blueberry (Vaccinium 

 carymbosum var.), rem-red honeysuckle ( Lonicera maackii), and red cedar (Junipe- 

 rus virginiana). 



There have been recent investigations which focused on the application of treated 

 sewage sludge on mined lands. Resulting data reflect such benefits as ( 1 ) an improved 

 pH soil media, (2) a source of nutrients, and (3) improvement in physical condition of 

 soil media. ■'-'^^ However, selected studies revealed that heavy metals and other 

 toxicity problems may arise. ■*-*-^'^--*'''-*' Gaffney and EUertson^^ investigated the 

 amount of heavy metal uptake in redwinged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) and 

 found that cadmium and lead seemed to pose a potentially serious hazard. They 

 recorded concentrations of cadmium in kidney and zinc in liver tissues. However, no 

 general broad-spectrum pattern of metal in concentrations was evidenced when 

 brain, liver, and muscle were analyzed. 



Research organizations are continuing to gather cost benefit information on 

 applications of sludge to mined lands. If the facts support large scale use of treated 

 municipal sludge to mined lands, part of the link of long sought control of nutrient 

 cycling may become reality. 



Although some abandoned mined lands reflect safety hazards and contribute to 

 water pollution, a large percentage have revegetated naturally thereby reducing 



189 



