PELLA — The southern half of the Pella Wildlife Area will remain open for public use until Nov. 12, when the contractor will begin reclamation work on the former coal mine site. Beginning Nov. 12, the entire wildlife area will be closed to the public, reopening in late 2025.

The reclamation project includes removing all trees and vegetation, draining the ponds, and then rebuilding it to more naturally fit with the surrounding landscapes. Invasive plants will be replaced with native species.

The north half of the area was closed to all public use on Oct. 1.

The project is funded by $4 million from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship Mine Reclamation Program. The Mine Reclamation Program is funded by mining royalties from western states with active coal mines and the national infrastructure investment after the covid pandemic.