The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (D.E.Q.) recently awarded the 2023 Excellence in Mining Reclamation Award for non-coal to Little Missouri River Mine for their efforts in developing a bat box program to help improve foraging habitat for several bat species.
The Little Missouri River Mine is a bentonite mine operated by the American Colloid Company (A.C.C.). Their mine permit area encompasses 20,029 acres in northern Crook County in northeastern Wyoming.
Jonathan Madill, Supervisor of Environmental Affairs for A.C.C., said, “It’s a priority for A.C.C. to be good stewards of the land and wildlife where we operate. Through our bat box program, we hope to support the habitat that this critical species needs to thrive. It is an honor to be recognized for our work by receiving the 2022 Reclamation Award from the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality.”
A.C.C. is recognized for developing a bat box program to help improve bat habitat in bentonite mining areas. Bats are important pollinators and seed dispersers that consume large quantities of insects, including crop pests and disease-carrying mosquitoes.
A.C.C. voluntarily installed bat boxes in Northern Crook County, which has important foraging habitat for several bat species. The boxes mimic natural roosting sites such as tree cavities and rock crevices and will help mitigate roosting habitat loss.
Natural Resources Program Supervisor Matt Kunze said, “This project is a good example of a proactive approach to improve wildlife habitat in and near mining areas.” “The Land Quality Division looks forward to seeing this project progress and expand at A.C.C.’s other bentonite mining operations in Wyoming.”
