Wildlife does not usually come to mind when people think of the landscape that results from surface coal mining reclamation. However, since passage of the Surface Mining Act, coal operators are required to restore the land to beneficial use after mining. As a result, wildlife habitats are actually one of the more common post-mining land uses. Many active coal mining operations and abandoned mine land reclamation projects re-establish or even improve wildlife habitats. Abandoned mine land reclamation projects have resulted in the development of large wetland habitats as well as renewed grazing opportunities for wildlife.
Bear Branch is a prime example of mine reclamation success with the diverse wildlife found thriving on our property. With the enhancements further made by our crop planting efforts and land improvement we are realizing an even greater return on our habitat development investment with results such as upland game establishment and various other wildlife habitat improvements.
The Bear Branch development story is unique and rich in irony. Owner, Rodney Tittle, is the son of a coal miner who grew up surrounded by coal mining operations. Rodney broke the family coal mining chain as it were by attending medical school and becoming a Doctor of Medical Dentistry. Later, Rodney returned to the grounds that dominated his youth and purchased/established Bear Branch. Rodney has turned once barren and decimated land into a crowned jewel of wildlife sporting opportunities; those who visit Bear Branch are the recipients of the turn around brought about by his efforts
