The effort spearheaded by Dave Kaleta and Habitat for Wildlife to alleviate a chronic and severe dumping problem on area coal lands could yield undreamed-of environmental and economic benefits for our area. 
    If this practice ceased, coal lands that have been reclaimed could one day become attractive sites for new recreational or business purposes. But even if these particular sites stayed vacant forever, a victory in the battle against littering and illegal dumbing could signal a resurgence of community pride that would in itself do much to promote regional progress. 
    Kaleta, to his credit, has organized a tour of some problem sites next week, and he has invited state and county officials along in the hope of enlisting their support. Thank God that someone cares so much about this serious problem and is committed to doing something about it. 
    Kaleta's task is a daunting one. He and others who are involved in the project have to confront bad habits that have developed over many decades. Another obstacle to a lasting solution is a prevailing apathy. Many people do not get upset in the least by the common practices of littering and illegal dumping, and, as far as this coal land dumping is concerned, it's a case of out of sight, out of mind. 
    The fact is, the cause is an important one, and public officials, private citizens and businesses should give Kaleta and Habitat for Wildlife the support and encouragement that is needed. 
    What is obviously needed is lasting and permanent change, not temporary fixes. It is discouraging to environmentalists when areas are cleaned up but revert in a short span of time to their previous deplorable condition. In addition to doing whatever is possible to cite those who litter and dump illegally, it's important to change public attitudes. This will not be easy and may take years, but all of us  businesses and government entities and, most importantly, schools and families, should work all the harder to encourage responsible stewardship of our natural resources.