MCCUNE, Kan. (AP) — Efforts to clean up one of the hundreds of abandoned mine sites in southeast Kansas have created a popular fishing spot.

The Mined Land Wildlife Area near McCune encompasses 14,500 acres, with 1,500 acres of surface water. The pits left by mining are now filled with largemouth bass, walleye, crappie, trout and other fish.

The area attracts 300,000 visitors a year.

The cleanup is required by the federal government, and has been financed by mining reclamation money paid by mining companies. The Mined Land Wildlife Area is one of several projects chosen by state officials to clean with the reclamation money.

The Joplin Globe reports some landowners have fought the reclamation projects but state officials say they improve habitat and safety in the region.