The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) announced the winners of its 2018 Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Awards.

This year’s winning projects represent the nation’s highest achievements in abandoned mine land (AML) reclamation demonstrating innovative reclamation techniques and completing reclamation that resulted in outstanding on-the-ground performance.

“As the Trump Administration continues to help establish a new American conservation legacy second only to Teddy Roosevelt,
I am honored to highlight the best examples of abandoned mine land reclamation,” said Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke. “It takes the work of countless engaged citizens and public servants to ensure that future generations can enjoy and use all of our lands, including those that were mined and then left behind without reclamation. The states, local governments and citizen groups honored here have made a significant contribution to their communities, and to their nation, and they deserve recognition.” 

Established in 1992, the AML Reclamation Awards recognize exemplary state and tribal reclamation projects that reclaim coal mine sites that were abandoned prior to the signing of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA). Eligible projects are funded wholly or in part by OSMRE’s AML Reclamation Fund. OSMRE’s AML Reclamation Program addresses the hazards and environmental degradation posed by two centuries of U.S. coal mining that occurred before SMCRA. 

State and tribal reclamation officials and OSMRE managers voted on this year’s awards.

National Award – Recognizes the overall highest -rated reclamation project
Logan Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Project. Mines and Minerals Bureau, Division of Soil Conservation, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.

Regional Awards - Honors the best projects in each of OSMRE’s three regions.

• Appalachian Region Award: Joan Bernat Slide Reclamation Project, Kentucky Department of Natural Resources, Division of Abandoned Mine Lands.

• Mid-Continent Award: Snow Hill Abandoned Mine Land Site 882, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Reclamation.

• Western Region Award: Hydraulic Pit Reclamation Project, Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Division of Mining, Land and Water.

• Small Project Award: Mid-Lothian Mines Park, Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy, Division of Mined Land Reclamation.