Mountain plover habitat at Kennecott Energy
Wildlife surveys conducted at the mine since 1978 have documented the presence of the mountain plover (Charadrius montanus), a Migratory Bird Species of High Federal Interest and a species periodically under status review by the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

For over 20 years, Kennecott Energy Company and others have monitored and studied the mountain plovers inhabiting the mine site and peripheral areas. Observations have shown they prefer to nest and raise their young among the closely cropped vegetation surrounding the colonies of the black tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus). The vegetation is kept short because the prairie dogs feed on it and it provides their sentinels with a clear field of vision against predators.

Antelope mine initiated a programme in 1999 to improve mountain plover habitat through the transfer of prairie dogs into artificially constructed colonies. After two years of preliminary experimental fieldwork, a plan to establish 160 acres of habitat was developed. Thunderbird Wildlife Consulting, Inc. (TWC) coordinated the efforts.

The project involved moving black tailed prairie dogs from three different colonies on or near the mine's permit area. The source colonies were selected based on their proximity to the mine, capture rates while trapping, their potential contribution to genetic variability in the relocated populations, and the opportunity to relocate animals from a previously disturbed colony and from colonies in the mining advance.

Two areas in reclamation were chosen as release sites based on several factors, including topography, vegetative structure and composition, proximity to historic mountain plover sightings, proximity to each other, future potential to attract mountain plovers, and accessibility to the public for use as educational exhibits.

Little success was achieved in 2000 and 2001 translocation efforts. Methods continued to be refined and, in 2002 the first prairie dog colony was established. In 2003, the project was expanded to a total of four colonies that are currently viable.

The successful relocation of the black tailed prairie dog colony promotes efforts to establish mountain plover habitat. As the relocated prairie dog colonies become established, mountain plover habitat will develop. This is essential to achieving reclamation goals and the ultimate release of mine reclamation bond requirements.

During 2003, this project received the National Excellence in Surface Mining and Reclamation Award from the Office of Surface Mining, the Wildlife Habitat Reclamation and Stewardship Award from the Wyoming Game & Fish Department, the Wyoming Wildlife Habitat Conservation Award and the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality Excellence in Surface Mining and Reclamation Award.