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Additional file 1: Tables and figures for additional information on the collected data, environmental conditions and statistical analysis.

This atlas contains maps of wetlands and surface mining activity in the Western Kentucky Coal Field, and focuses on a 3960 km2 (1530 mi2) region where approximately 90 percent of surface mining in the Coal field occures. Some present and potential competition exists between surface coal mining and wetland protection. A wetland classification, based on the recent FWS classification, includes six types of palustrine systems and one each of riverine and laucstrine systems. Wetlands and surface mines are located on twenty-seven 7.5 minute USGS quadrangles that define the study region. A total of 460 km2 (177 mi2) of wetlands are identified. Approximately 84 percent are broad-leaved deciduous forested wetlands, mostly as periodically-flooded riparian hardwood forests along broad alluvial bottom-lands. Also, several significant persistent emergent wetlands, shrub-scrub wetlands, and needle-leaved deciduous forested wetlands (bald cypress swamps) are identified in the study region. Summaries of geology and coal mining, hydrology, water quality, wetland vegetation and unique fish and wildlife species are presented for each quadrangle. Effects of existing and potential future surface mining of coal on wetland structure, function, and value are discussed. Species lists for vegetation and fish and wildlife and recent water quality data for the study region are given in the Appendices. Funding information: The work upon which this report is based was supported in part by funds provided by the United States Department of the Interior, Washington, D.C., as authorized by the Water Research and Development Act of 1978. Public Law 95-467.

This is the first research report of a three-year project on wetland identification and management criteria in the western Kentucky coal field. The region is approximately 12,000 square kilometers and, due to its slight relief, contains many wetlands, some contiguous with surface coal mining operations. The overall objectives of the research project are 1) to identify, classify, and map wetlands in the western Kentucky coal field; 2) to evaluate the major biotic and abiotic factors that affect those wetlands; and 3) to develop strategies for the proper management of those wetlands. The first report of this three-year project has involved the following tasks related to wetlands in the coal fields of western Kentucky: 1. establishment of three intensive study sites in major wetlands for identification and assessment of management impacts, 2. sampling tripe in May, July, and September to the intensive study sites, to measure water quality and ecological structure, 3. development of a classification specifically for wetlands in western Kentucky and an application of the classification to the three intensive study sites, and 4. development of conceptual models of the region, watersheds, and specific ecosystems, and preliminary simulations of a wetland model. Our specific sites in western Kentucky are Cypress Creek Wetlands in Muhlenberg County, which are affected by mine drainage and channelization; Clear Creek Swamp in Hopkins County, which is affected by mine drainage and higher water levels; and Henderson Sloughs in Henderson County, which are affected by oil wells and clearing for agriculture. Preliminary analysis of field surveys demonstrates that several activities, particularly coal mining and oil 'extraction, may affect the health of wetlands in western Kentucky. Drainage, logging, channelization, and impoundments have also caused significant alterations. Funding information: The work upon which this report is based was supported in part by funds provided by the Office of Water Research and Technology, United States Department of the Interior, Washington, D.C., as authorized by the Water Research and Development Act of 1978. Public Law 95-467.

As the third phase of a three-year project, this report outlines management options for protecting wetlands during the surface mining of coal, particularly for the portion of the Eastern Interior Coal Region that is found in Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois. It is presented in manual form for use by coal mine operators, regulatory agencies and research institutions. The previous phases of the project produced an atlas of the most heavily-mined areas of the western Kentucky coal field, which classified and identified wetlands in these areas, and discussed some specific impacts of mining on these wetlands. The need to present information that will lead to action by coal operations and regulatory agencies to protect wetland areas, is the incentive for this report. The main issues addressed in this the manual include: basic information for identifying wetlands; wetland values, and methods used for values assessment; how coal surface mining can affect wetlands; a method for addressing wetland protection needs and some prevention and mitigation actions; reclamation alternatives, including wetland restoration and the creation of wetlands as alternative ecosystems on mined areas; and general legal and regulatory information concerning wetland protection and surface mining of coal. Information was gathered through a search of current literature and by contact with state and federal agencies, some coal mining operations, and other concerned organizations. A detailed listing of places to go for more information is included as an appendix. Funding information: The research on which this report is based was financed in part by the U.S. Department of the Interior, as authorized by the Water Research and Development Act of 1978 (P.L. 95-467).