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The benefits of reforestation in the western Allegany County coal region were emphasized in an Arbor Day Ceremony as a consortium of several committees and government agencies came together to plant trees.
At a recently reclaimed surface coal mine site near Frostburg, members of the Maryland Land Reclamation Committee (LRC), along with representatives from the Appalachian Regional Reforestation Initiative (ARRI), Bureau of Mines (BOM), and officials from the Federal Office of Surface Mining (OSM) celebrated Arbor Day 2005 by planting approximately 1,000 tree seedlings. The purpose of the event was to emphasize the long-term economic and environmental benefit of reforestation.
Forestry reclamation is more effective
Abundant sunshine and mild temperatures enveloped the planting ceremonies, as Jeffrey Jarrett, director of the Federal Office of Surface Mining addressed the group on reforestation reclamation: "This project is an excellent example of federal, state, citizen and industry partners working cooperatively to improve the environment."
The forestry reclamation approach leaves the final surface rough with the soil loosened allowing greater tree root penetration and water infiltration. Traditional methods involve grading and compacting the final surface, then planting a thick-stand of grasses. Without grasses surrounding soil, the seedlings do not have to compete for sunlight, water and nutrients. This in turn allows the trees to grow faster with a much greater success rate than traditional reclamation methods.
This reforestation initiative is expected to further enhance the tree-planting efforts of the Bureau of Mines as well as the local coal mining industry. Since 1960, through a cost-sharing program with the Bureau.
Maryland coal operators have planted nearly seven million trees and shrubs on 10,000 acres of reclaimed surface coal mine sites. This figure represents nearly one-half of all surface coal-mined lands. In addition, the Maryland Bureau of Mines plants an average of 35 acres of trees each year on reclaimed abandoned mine lands.
“It is a true reflection of the caring and intelligence put into creating a balance between industry and preserving our natural resources,” said Kendl Philbrick, secretary of the Maryland Department of the Environment. “MDE fully recognizes the importance of reforestation and we appreciate for the hard work and planning efforts of the reclamation and restoration committees.”
Arbor, the Latin name for tree, is one of the few holidays dedicated to conservation. Trees create natural windbreaks, preventing erosion and providing nourishment and protection for wildlife, as well as a source of lumber for industry. What grew from being first observed in the year 1872 in Nebraska, is celebrated in all states and territories as well as many other countries around the world.
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