Throughout the United States, outdoor recreation is more than simply a hobby. It boosts the local economy, aids in environmental protection, and betters public health. According to a National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) report, “local park and recreation agencies generated more than $201 billion in economic activity and supported more than 1.1 million jobs in 2021”. In Illinois, over $7.7 billion was contributed in economic activity in 2021, showcasing how vital our parks are to Illinois’ economy and community.
Hidden Potential of Reclaimed Mine Lands
Illinois has a long history of coal mining. In much of central and southern IL, coal was king. The work that miners did ushered in a new era for the United States, bolstering industry and the economy. Coal has been extensively mined on hundreds of thousands of acres in the southern two-thirds of Illinois. While thousands of acres are still in need of clean-up (i.e. reclamation), many sites have been reclaimed and redeveloped as parks and wildlife habitats.
Examples in Illinois
There have been several former mine sites in Illinois that have been reclaimed and redeveloped as parks and wildlife areas. A few examples include:
Sahara Woods State Recreation Area: Previously a strip mine, the park now houses an off-road vehicle trail system, hiking paths, prairies, and woodlands.
Pyramid State Recreation Area: Land once dominated by coal mining operations is now the largest Illinois owned recreation area, attracting anglers, hikers, and hunters.
Kickapoo State Recreation Area: On the mines that are considered the birthplace of commercial surface mining, the recreation area now offers canoeing, mountain biking, camping, and more.
Wildlife Prairie Park: Strip mine turned non-profit run park, visitors of all hobbies can connect with nature through the multiple recreation activities and education options available when visiting.
Many of these sites still have land in need of reclamation. These transformations show that the legacy of coal can be more than distressed lands, they can support life, leisure, and learning.
More than Just Green Spaces
Reclaiming mines as parks provide more than just a pretty place to visit and an economic boost to the local community. According to the NRPA, they provide other, measurable benefits.
- Improved Physical and Mental Health: Access to parks is linked to increased physical activity and reduces stress and anxiety.
- Enhanced Biodiversity: Parks help support native species, adding to wildlife corridors.
- Better Air Quality: Vegetation on reclamation sites filter pollutants and improves the air we breathe.
- Climate Resilience: Trees and vegetation provide shade, reducing ground temperatures and mitigating the urban heat island effect.
The Bad with the Good
While Illinois has many success stories of mine reclamation and redevelopment, the scars that coal mining left on the land will need support to heal for years to come.
Abandoned Mine Lands (AML)
Mines that were closed before 1977, Abandoned Mine Lands (AML), were not held to the same reclamation standards as modern mines and were often left unreclaimed leading to dangerous conditions and environmental hazards. In 1977, the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA) was passed which placed a fee on each ton of coal produced that would then be used for AML reclamation. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law expanded funding to address reclamation of AMLs; however, these funds are not guaranteed for the future and continued support is essential.
Zombie Mines
Even in the modern era (post-1977), there are mines that close without proper cleanup, threatening nearby communities with polluted water, unstable land, and long-term health risks. Policy reform is needed to ensure the proper reclamation of Zombie Mines in Illinois and across the country.
What Can You Do
There are many ways people can make a difference. Here’s a few:
- Visit and learn the history of your local parks. Illinois Department of Natural Resources has a list of state managed parks, click on your favorite, find the about page and see if you’ve been spending time on mines.
- Call, write, or email your elected officials. Urge them to support public lands and continued funding for mine reclamation projects. Find them here: https://whoaremyrepresentatives.org/
- Support Us. Prairie Rivers Network and our partners work hard to support land, water, air, and people through education and advocacy. Every contribution helps.
