ABSTRACT
The 1977 federal act placed a per-ton tax on coal production, with the proceeds to be used in the reclamation of abandoned mines. The Illinois and North Dakota abandoned mine sites discussed in this chapter were involved in reclamation studies sponsored under this law. The environmental variables discussed generally have the greatest impact on reestablishing vegetation in abandoned mined areas. Salinity can be a problem in the reclamation of abandoned mine sites, particularly where the water table is near the surface and evaporation rates are high. The waste material from many abandoned mines is concentrated in large piles with steep slopes, with resulting instability and excessive erosion. Selection of plant species suited for growth on abandoned mines is critical to revegetation success. Since moisture deficits often occur in both North Dakota and Illinois, the use of drought-tolerant species is warranted.
