Corporate Member - Mulligan Mining

Killdeer are just one of many species that benefit from the native grasses at Mulligan Mining's operation on state Game Lands.  Wild turkey, kestrels, pheasants, songbirds, and many others also benefit.

Total Acreage: 108   
Acreage Managed for Wildlife: 78
Location: Burgettstown, PA
Description/ Activities: 

• Pennsylvania Game Lands that were historically both deep and surface mined in early 1900's         
• Active surface mining with reclamation as directed by the Pennsylvania Game Commission         
• Surrounded by Game Lands and Burgettstown Middle and High School         
• Deciduous forests, open fields, and a pond         
• Warm-season grassland plantings, future prescribed burns planned         
• Brush piles to attract prey for predators and rabbit management         
• Partner with Burgettstown High School and Independence Marsh Foundation to create schoolground habitat, including ponds, wildflower meadow, nest boxes, and trail           
• Extensive population of white-tailed deer and wild turkey         
• Educational tours on site with Burgettstown High School, and a future Corporate Lands for Learning site 

At Burgettstown High School in southwestern Pennsylvania, students gaze out their classroom window to see an active surface–mining operation right next door on state Game Lands.  Huge machinery molds the earth and captures the imagination of young boys.  Daily they watch the transformation unfold from logging and mining to reclamation into native grasslands.  Without an explanation of the process, however, students and teachers alike might misunderstand what is occurring.  The president of Mulligan Mining, Sean Taylor, is therefore working to educate the school and community about his industry and its relation to the environment with the help of the Wildlife Habitat Council.  This diverse partnership includes the Burgettstown Middle and High School, Mulligan Mining, Independence Marsh Foundation, the Pittsburgh office of the Wildlife Habitat Council, Raccoon Creek Watershed Association, and the Pennsylvania Game Commission. 

Following in his father's footsteps, Sean has been in the business since 1970.  "There's a good story to tell with surface mining, but we have to live down a legacy from the pre-law days," he explains.  "Properties are often put back in better condition than before.  For instance, we're cleaning up water problems from deep mines on this site."  Old highwalls will also be eliminated, improving the landscape further.  And since the land is leased from the Game Commission, the money can be used to acquire more lands for conservation and the public's use.  "A win-win-win situation." 

Other environmental benefits are realized as well.  Prior to being leased to Mulligan Mining, the Game Lands were primarily second-growth forest.  However, much of the surrounding landscape is forested, with few quality openings for wildlife.  Many of the region’s agricultural areas are also reverting back to woods, eliminating a vital habitat that numerous species depend upon at various times of year or life stages.  Realizing the importance of such areas, the Game Commission is directing the reclamation of the site into a large grassland of native warm-season grasses.  A variety of species will ultimately benefit.  For instance, wild turkeys utilize openings for food, especially for insects and forage for their young poults in late spring and summer.  A variety of threatened songbirds depend on native grasses, such as the grasshopper sparrow and Henslow’s sparrow.  The rare short-eared owl also nests on nearby reclaimed strip mine, one of only two areas in the entire state.  As a result of this partnership, surface mining is simultaneously enhancing wildlife habitat. 

To further build upon the project, Mulligan Mining has joined the Wildlife Habitat Council to help plan and implement a Corporate Lands for Learning program.  Serving on Bethel Park’s school district board, Sean is a strong advocate of education and wanted to work with the school somehow.  When WHC approached him, he recognized a "natural fit."  Sean is helping the school and Independence Marsh Foundation with a new outdoor classroom at the school's pond as a first step to implementing this partnership. 

By developing an environmental education component, the company will be contributing to the school by helping them achieve the State Standards for Environment and Ecology.  In addition, the site shows firsthand how industry and the environment can coexist, thereby demonstrating the role of sustainability with a real world example.  Partnerships such as this are rewarding for both wildlife and community, and serve as a model to inspire others in the industry and public to join together for a common goal.  As Sean described," This is a responsible use of our natural resources and a common sense approach to the environment.  Clean water, clean air.  There's no reason these things have to be mutually exclusive."

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