Marquette Iron Mine, Michigan: Reclaimed as Wetlands

The establishment of the wetland habitats on the former tailings basins has been dramatic. The wetland plant communities are evolving as the indigenous native species become established. With the evolving communities, the character of the RWP is evolving, showcasing that previously mined land can be reclaimed not only with traditional methods, but with techniques designed to create high-quality diverse wildlife habitat to mitigate for impacts at other active mines.

The historic iron mines of Marquette, Michigan impacted wetlands. But subsequent to mining wetlands have successfully been reintroduced. Five years of environmental monitoring post reclamation demonstrates the successful creation of new wetlands and wildlife habitat. Read more here.