Many benefits are provided through a state abandoned mine land program.
Submitted photo
Some of the best kept secret fishing spots are found in the wilds of reclaimed surface-mined lands. State and federal agencies, along with many conservation partners, have restored tens of thousands of acres of land and water in the Midwest. Most are now open for fishing and hunting. Small lakes and ponds scattered throughout these lands provide excellent small-water fishing experiences.
Rocky Fork Lakes Conservation Area is just north of Columbia, Missouri. The property offers 60 lakes or ponds big enough to fish. The largest lake is over 50 acres, but all the lakes combined only total a surface area of 116 acres. Some of these small ponds are tough to reach, but worth the effort because they are loaded with big bluegill.
Pyramid State Recreation Area is located near the town of Pinckneyville, Illinois. It’s just a little west of Rend Lake. The property consists of 19,701 acres. There are just over 500 acres of surface water, with strip pits ranging in size from one-tenth of an acre to 276 acres. Most of the typical Midwestern warm-water fish species are abundant, including largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie and catfish.
Indiana’s Greene-Sullivan State Forest introduced me to reclaimed mine land, and with its surrounding parks and recreation areas, remains the crown jewel of strip pit fishing for me.
The area is heavily wooded, creating a wildlife sanctuary. Little development exists on any of the public pits, so anglers are left to enjoy the solitude and serenity of the wild. There’s an abundance of bluegill, bass, crappie and catfish. One pit is even renowned for its holdover rainbow trout.
There is limited use of gas motors, no water sports and little competition on most waters. The hundreds of public fishing holes dotting the Greene-Sullivan range in size from an acre to many hundreds of acres. These strip pits are perfect spots to launch your canoe, kayak, inflatable pontoon or float tube. Jon boats with electric motors are welcome on these waters. Fishing from the shore is difficult in most places.
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources created a special outdoor destination in the Greene-Sullivan Region when they restored those mined lands. It has taken a lot of effort to maintain the lands in the years since they were opened to the public. Still, it seems the DNR is up to restoring more mined lands.
The DNR Division of Reclamation recently received the Interior States Region Abandoned Mine Land (AML) Reclamation Award. This is highest regional award the federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) presents annually. The award was received for a project completed in the Warrick County town of Lynnville. It was presented at the National Association of Abandoned Mine Land Programs conference Sept. 23.
In a press release, DNR director Dan Bortner, said, “This impressive award shines an important light on the dedicated work and commitment that Indiana’s DNR team puts into reclaiming former mine land for improved safety and recreation. This project in Lynnville is an excellent example of collaboration with local communities to provide a benefit for all.”
According to the press releases, the DNR Lynnville Highwall Project removed more than 3,200 linear feet of highwall and replaced it with a water cascade and naturalized landform, a safe swimming beach, and potential for new camping sites and mountain bike trails.
“The Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Awards honor the best examples of AML reclamation in our nation,” said Sharon Buccino, OSMRE principal deputy director. “Indiana is consistently recognized for reclamation projects that make communities safer while improving the quality of life for its citizens.”
Some daredevils may not be so happy. Before the project, people would jump from the highwall left by coal mining into a pit. There was a history of first responders being called to Lynnville Park to provide emergency care to people whose jump didn’t go so well.
“This project is a great example of the benefits that can be provided through a state abandoned mine land program,” said Kit Turpin, DNR’s AML program director. “This work in Lynnville demonstrates the recreational resources and beauty that can be provided by reclamation and restoration to a naturalized landscape. It also creates a safe and inviting space for the community to enjoy for years to come.”
See you down the trail…
Brandon Butler writes an outdoors column for The Republic. Send comments to [email protected]. For more Driftwood Outdoors, check out the podcast on www.driftwoodoutdoors.com or anywhere podcasts are streamed.
