The Pennsylvania Statewide Abandoned Mine Reclamation Conference celebrates its 10th consecutive year in 2008.

Aimed at grassroots efforts in abandoned coal mine reclamation and organized by a number of conservation-minded organizations and agencies, the conference provides networking and educational opportunities to those in the reclamation community.

This year, the conference’s lead organization is the Western Pennsylvania Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation.

“Pennsylvania continues to suffer through the legacy of past unregulated coal mining. Nearly 5,000 miles of our streams are polluted by abandoned coal mines and over 180,000 acres of land remain scarred from the bad old days of coal mining,” said Andy McAllister, WPCAMR ‘s Watershed Coordinator.

“We have far more problems from abandoned coal mines than any other state. Our annual conference is a great way for watershed groups, conservation districts, and others involved in abandoned mine reclamation at the grassroots level to share information on new technologies and to learn how to be more effective,” said McAllister. “The first day and a half, starting Tuesday August 12th will emphasize ‘new approaches’ in abandoned mine reclamation and a number of ‘timely topics.’”

“This year, we’ve added a component that will definitely appeal to a broader audience. We’re emphasizing Pennsylvania’s coal mining heritage,” McAllister added.

On Wednesday afternoon August 13th, the presentations will take on a decidedly historical flavor and will continue through Thursday August 14th. Current preservation efforts throughout Pennsylvania’s coal regions will be showcased along with historical presentations on our coal mining past.

“It’s amazing to think that at one time, Pennsylvania was the epicenter of the world’s energy production as well as its cultural melting pot. The confluence of technology and cultures spurred the industrial revolution and enabled winning two world wars. Sadly this proud heritage is so quickly slipping away,” said Bruce Golden, WPCAMR Regional Coordinator. “This conference is a great opportunity to learn about and become involved with history and heritage preservation activities going on throughout the state.”

The 2008 Pennsylvania Abandoned Mine Reclamation and Coal Mining Heritage Conference will be held August 12-14 at the Ramada Inn and Conference Center in State College, Pa with an optional bus tour of abandoned mine reclamation sites on Monday afternoon, August 11.

To find out more about the conference and to register online, go to the Pennsylvania Statewide Abandoned Mine Reclamation Conference webpage.

6/27/2008