SPECIAL PUBLICATION NO. 27


 "A policy on the ultimate extent of peat mining will result, in large part,
from DNRCD's implementation of the preceding recommendation in
areas suitable for mining. Details-e.g., the width of buffer zones along
estuaries or the precise nature of environmental safeguards developed
for mining and reclamation in low-lying areas-of this implementation
and of permitting decisions will shape the ultimate boundaries of the
parts of peat deposits which may be mined. The other major DNRCD
action which will influence the ultimate extent of peat mining will be the
preservation or protection of natural areas and special wildlife popula-
tions.
 "The task force discussed the concept that limits should be placed on
the total acreage actually disturbed by all active peat mines at any given
time, but the task force did not find that sufficient information yet exists
to provide the basis for a sound standard requiring this. Since aggregated
disturbed area would most likely express its cumulative impacts most
quickly in particulate air pollution, or perhaps eventually groundwater
impacts, the task force concluded that air quality standards would oper-
ate to limit additional mining. This would happen, the task force pro-
jected, before other impacts create problems. However, the regular eval-
uation of monitoring results should endeavor to detect effects which
contradict this conclusion. The Mining Act's provisions can be invoked to
revise or revoke existing mining permits should unsatisfactory cumula-
tive effects be detected.
 "A specific long-term strategy is needed to ensure development com-
patible with the survival of wildlife. It should embody two distinct
approaches: (1) identification and preservation of critical natural areas,
and (2) establishment of wildlife habitat by conditions imposed on mining
and reclamation.
 "There are areas in the peatlands which should be left entirely in their
natural state. These areas should be identified as quickly as possible, and
a program to ensure the preservation of these areas should be developed.
State policy towards black bear habitat, in particular, could greatly affect
the extent of peat mining. The task force recommends that the Division
of Parks and Recreation be directed to move as soon -as possible to
convert the recently completed natural areas inventories in most of the
peatlands counties into a specific program for preservation or conserva-
tion. Also, as a comprehensive wildlife protection program will necessar-
ily involve some land acquisition, the Division of Parks and Recreation
and the Wildlife Resources Commission should be directed to prepare
specific alternatives in this regard, including identification of areas
needed to be protected, priorities for acquisition, and mechanisms for
acquisition. Particular attention should be given to alternatives such as
donations, tax incentives, fee purchase, and conservation easements. In
close coordination with this review, the Division of Land Resources
should be directed to review and establish a clear policy on the possible
requirement, as a mining permit condition, to leave part of the area cov-
ered by a mining permit in its natural state if needed to prevent undue