The Coal Creek and Black Thunder mines of the Thunder Basin Coal Company received the 2014 State of Wyoming Reclamation Award by the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality.

The award recognizes avian protection and mitigation practices on reclaimed lands. Annual wildlife monitoring data shows that the reclaimed habitat is supporting native bird species, and breeding and nesting pairs are also successfully using the reclaimed sites, according to state of Wyoming news release.

Mitigation efforts were successful minimizing the impacts of mining on nesting raptors with the relocation of several nests. Reclaimed water features are providing habitat for migratory and nesting waterfowl. Efforts to minimize impacts due to electrical hazards are being implemented using avian protection plans.