Cloud Peak Energy Mine Receives Wildlife Stewardship Award for Eagle Protection from Wyoming Game and Fish Department
Cloud Peak Energy Inc. (NYSE:CLD), one of the largest U.S. coal
producers and the only pure-play Powder River Basin (“PRB”) coal
company, today announced its Antelope Mine received the Wyoming Game and
Fish Department’s Industry Reclamation Wildlife Stewardship Award. The
mine, located in Northeastern Wyoming, was recognized for its successful
efforts to promote population numbers of Golden Eagles and other raptors
through habitat enhancement and use of effective protection measures,
including rescuing a young eaglet that was later released at the mine
following rehabilitation.
“Environmental safeguards and restoration at Antelope Mine are a key
priority for us,” said Steve Cowan, General Manager of the Antelope
Mine. “The Powder River Basin provides natural habitat for a wide
variety of birds and animals. Working with a broad team across the
company and outside experts, we’ve been able to mitigate potential
impacts while mining activity proceeds. We are demonstrating the ability
to produce coal that provides safe, affordable and reliable electricity
while at the same time being responsible stewards of the environment.”
Antelope Mine implemented a unique and intensive monitoring program for
the Golden Eagle territories located within the mine permit area. Since
2011, the mine has worked closely with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service Ecological Service Office and Migratory Bird Permit Office to
ensure that mine operations do not negatively impact local Golden Eagle
pairs.
Antelope Mine’s intensive monitoring program, coupled with rapid
operational adjustments, allows the mine to operate in proximity to
eagle pairs, and at the same time fosters successful nesting of the
area’s Golden Eagle pairs. In the spring of 2015, as a result of
Antelope Mine’s monitoring program, it was found that a Golden Eagle
nest, previously near the top of the highwall, had fallen during an
extreme storm. “Tumbler,” the young eaglet, had fallen to the bottom of
the highwall. With the help of the Antelope Mine personnel and the
visiting biologist, Tumbler was rescued and temporarily relocated to the
Ironside Bird Rescue facility in Cody, Wyoming. A transitory home was
created where he was trained to hunt for himself, provided visual images
of other Golden Eagles, and received only limited human contact to help
keep him wild.
After a short stay at the bird rescue facility, the Antelope Mine
readily agreed to return Tumbler to his original nesting area, as this
would provide the best habitat for his long-term survival. In August
2015, Tumbler and his companion from the bird rescue facility, Hobbit,
were released into their new habitat on land adjacent to the mine.
Both young eagles have been observed in the vicinity of the mine,
providing confidence that they have returned safely to the wild. The
Antelope Mine is an ideal home for eagles and other raptors due to its
high-quality reclamation, ongoing wildlife studies, protection plans and
a demonstrated commitment to care for wildlife and the land.
In addition to this award, Antelope Mine has been honored with other
recognitions including the nation’s most prestigious reclamation award,
the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement’s Excellence in
Surface Coal Mining Reclamation Award twice, once in 2010
and again in 2014.
About Cloud Peak Energy®
Cloud Peak Energy Inc. (NYSE:CLD) is headquartered in Wyoming and is one
of the largest U.S. coal producers and the only pure-play Powder River
Basin coal company. As one of the safest coal producers in the nation,
Cloud Peak Energy mines low sulfur, subbituminous coal and provides
logistics supply services. The Company owns and operates three surface
coal mines in the PRB, the lowest cost major coal producing region in
the nation. The Antelope and Cordero Rojo mines are located in Wyoming
and the Spring Creek Mine is located in Montana. In 2015, Cloud Peak
Energy shipped approximately 75 million tons from its three mines to
customers located throughout the U.S. and around the world. Cloud Peak
Energy also owns rights to substantial undeveloped coal and
complementary surface assets in the Northern PRB, further building the
Company’s long-term position to serve Asian export and domestic
customers. With approximately 1,300 total employees, the Company is
widely recognized for its exemplary performance in its safety and
environmental programs. Cloud Peak Energy is a sustainable fuel supplier
for approximately three percent of the nation’s electricity.
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