OSMRE Presents Pennsylvania the Appalachian States Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Award

WASHINGTON – The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement honored Pennsylvania’s Bureau of Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation during the National Association of Abandoned Mine Land Programs conference in Chicago, on Sept. 25. Pennsylvania is the recipient of the Appalachian States Award for exemplary reclamation work at the Morgan Run Natural Environment Area in Clearfield County.

“The Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Awards showcase exceptional reclamation projects done by our state and Tribal partners,” said Regional Director Thomas Shope. “These winning projects set the standard for reclamation and what is possible in transforming former coal communities.”

Located in Boggs Township, Pennsylvania, the Morgan Run Reclamation Project eliminated more than 1,700 feet of dangerous highwall (steep, exposed cliffs left over from mining) and 12 acres of spoil (coal waste). In addition, one mile of multi-use trails, an amphitheater, and a parking lot for over 150 vehicles were constructed on the site to enhance the use of the property for community programs and outdoor recreation such as hiking, biking, and dirt bike riding.

“In the last two years, we’ve been able to see this project impact countless residents and community organizations,” said Patrick Webb, director of the Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation. “It created a safe space that draws the community closer to one another. We are thrilled to see the positive impacts a project like this can make on a community and look forward to more opportunities like this in the future.”

The Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Awards, established in 1992, recognize exemplary state and Tribal reclamation projects that reclaim coal mine sites abandoned prior to the signing of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977. 

Pennsylvania is one of five recipients of the 2023 Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Awards recognizing reclamation excellence. A National Award is presented to the state or Tribe with the best overall reclamation project. A Small Project Award is presented to the state or Tribe receiving less than $6 million annually in AML funding and completes a project costing less than $1 million. Regional awards are presented to the state or Tribe with the best project within each of the following regions: Appalachian States, Interior States, and Western States and Tribes.

Other Award-Winning Reclamation Programs

NATIONAL AWARD
Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Division of Mineral Resources Management

SMALL PROJECT
New Mexico Mining and Minerals Division
Abandoned Mine Land Program

REGIONAL AWARDS

Interior States Award
Iowa Department of Agriculture
Abandoned Mine Land Program

Western States Award
Colorado Division of Reclamation Mining and Safety
Inactive Mines Program

To learn about these award-winning programs, visit AML Reclamation Awards. 

– OSMRE –

OSMRE carries out the requirements of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 in cooperation with states and Tribes. OSMRE’s objectives are to ensure that coal mining activities are conducted in a manner that protects citizens and the environment during mining, to ensure that the land is restored to beneficial use after mining, and to mitigate the effects of past mining by aggressively pursuing reclamation of abandoned coal mines.