Those
old strip mines carved through the landscape are no longer scenes of utter
desolation. They’ve become lakes brimming with fish and rich in waterfowl.
Adjoining wetlands, native grasslands, oak and hickory forests are now home to
deer, wild turkey, quail, cottontail rabbit, fox and mink. This is the Mined
Land Wildlife Area, a devastation-to-restoration story that plays out over
14,500 acres in Cherokee, Crawford and Labette counties.
The
Mined Land Wildlife Area includes 46 tracts of land. The land was reclaimed
following the departure of the coal companies, which had surface mined in the
region from the late 1800’s through the early 1970’s. The 200-plus strip mine
lakes vary in size and depth and are filled with different kinds of sportfish.
In addition to fishing and hunting, camping and canoeing are permitted on many
of the tracts.
So
grab your fishing pole or hunter’s gear, binoculars and hiking boots, load up
the boat or canoe – and prepare to enjoy some quality time on beautifully
restored wildlife habitat in the southeastern corner of the state. For
additional information go to www.ksoutdoors.com.
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