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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Contact
Cloud Peak Energy Inc.
Rick Curtsinger, 720-566-2948
Director, Public Affairs