From Hazards to Habitat: Reclaiming Mined Land in Marion County 08-26-2026

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship works with landowners and hundreds of public and private partners across the state to accelerate water quality and soil health efforts through a variety programs.

Reclamation work will provide a stable landscape for an abandoned mined site located just west of Knoxville in Marion County by remediating dangerous piles, embankments, pit ponds and highwalls, and incorporating two new wetlands to help improve water quality. The work, which began on the 107-acre Klootwyk site in January 2026, involves clearing and grubbing, excavation and grading, draining and backfilling, stream channel/wetland construction and enhancement, erosion control and seeding. Earthwork will be finished this summer, while neutralization of the soil and permanent seeding will be completed in the fall.

Thank you to landowners Mack Worthington, James and Amy Devin, and Albert and Kaylee Bender, and contractor Nail Excavation for their partnership on this project. When the site has been restored to pre-mining conditions, the landowners plan to utilize the area for wildlife habitat and recreation. Check back here for "after" photos showing the reclaimed area and healthy vegetation in the future!