Mine Land Reclamation

Mahaska County and neighboring Marion County contain over 80% of the un-reclaimed abandoned mine lands in Iowa. Un-reclaimed abandoned mine lands are often high in acidity, poorly vegetated and impair water bodies with acidic runoff.

Reclamation projects are costly and are most successful when multiple partners can help fund each project. Pathfinders receives a $100,000 federal Office of Surface Mining grant available to non-profit organizations for each reclamation project is partners in. Pathfinders has partnered with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship Mines and Minerals Division, Mahaska Soil and Water Conservation District, Mahaska County Pheasants Forever and Mahaska County Izaak Walton League to reclaim sites in Mahaska County.

Pathfinders is involved with four active reclamation projects: Westercamp II, Waal West, Edwards Wash Plant and McLandsborough. To date, Pathfinders has helped reclaim 8 sites totaling 295.5 acres with an investment of $5.26 million.

NEWS & EVENTS

New Leadership for Forestry Program

The Total Forestry Program (TFP) is pleased to announce the arrival of Phil Simmons, Consulting Forester...Learn more

Women Caring For The Land

March 17 Field Trip

Van Buren County, Jefferson County and Keokuk County County .Learn more

Pathfinders RC&D Bi-Monthly Board Meeting

Wednesday, April 28, 7:00 pm

Tracht Conservation Farm

Annual Report

Download a copy of Pathfinders 2009 Annual Report