Effects of Surface Mining On the Vesper Sparrow in the Northern Great Plains

Abstract

A 2-year study was conducted to compare density of vesper sparrow (Pooecetes gramineus) during the breeding season on various aged bentonite clay mine spoils and unmined areas in the Northern Great Plains. The vesper sparrow was one of the most common breeding species with highest densities in grass-sagebrush habitat. Reclaimed and unreclaimed mined spoils had lower sparrow densities which were related to loss of sagebrush habitat. Reserving areas with shrubs between mine spoils, around equipment storage areas, and along haul roads may be necessary during mining and reclamation to attract vesper sparrows in regions where natural regeneration or transplanting of shrubs is difficult.