Restoring Elk Country - Contrary Run Pennsylvania

Описание: In 2015, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces with the Pennsylvania Game Commission and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to carry out the Contrary Run Project on State Game Lands 100.

The goal was to transform what were 40 acres of abandoned mine lands from pits, steep berms and spoil areas into lush grasses, shrubs and other vegetation for elk, deer, turkey and a wide range of other bird and animal life.

But what you see now is much more than meets the eye.

Contrary Run is actually a tributary of Beech Creek which, for years, was contaminated by toxic water from abandoned mine drainage.

Crews installed a tributary that reroutes that drainage from the previous mine pits filled with toxins through a passive limestone filtered water treatment system. The result is improved water quality for wildlife along 2,400 feet of stream.

Crews also leveled more than 3,300 feet of high wall features making it easier for hunters, hikers and others to more safely access and enjoy the area.

Today, Contrary Run stands as a vivid restoration example for similar projects to follow. What was once a landscape deeply scarred is now teaming with healthy vegetation and quality wildlife habitat.

Restoring elk country is core to RMEF’s Managed Lands Initiative.

Since 1984, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and its partners completed nearly 12,000 conservation and hunting heritage outreach projects that protected or enhanced more than 7.4 million acres of wildlife habitat.