Eastern Pennsylvania Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation (EPCAMR): Large-Scale Solar Development on Historic Mines in Eastern Pennsylvania. Ashley, PA.

EPCAMR is partnering with the solar developer to develop solar projects in PA’s Appalachian Coalfields ranging from 2 MW to 20 MW. EPCAMR is assisting the developer in identifying reclaimed abandoned mine sites for solar development against screening criteria that they can add as they evaluate sites for feasibility. EPCAMR will create a GIS data tool to identify sites. Once the tool is created and potential sites are identified, EPCAMR will aid the developer in site selection and outreach to the community and landowner(s), and eventually submit one or more AML Pilot applications.

Backroads of Appalachia: Reclaiming Mine Lands and Boosting Economic Development through Motorsports Tourism. Lynch, KY.

Backroads of Appalachia is a non-profit in Kentucky bringing economic development and opportunity to Appalachia through destination tourism in the form of motorcycling, motorsports and tourism. Backroads was awarded a mini-grant to support their work with local governments and community members in Harlan County to investigate creative ways to reclaim and repurpose blighted structures in Lynch, KY remaining from the United States Coal & Coke Company, which built the town in 1917. Backroads will work with community members to develop AML Pilot applications to transform neglected liabilities into economic assets.

The Nature Conservancy: The Cumberland Forest Project. Middlesboro, KY.

The Nature Conservancy in Kentucky was awarded a mini-grant to assist in planning and feasibility regarding outdoor recreation development and water quality improvement on its Cumberland Forest Project (CFP) land. Specifically, the mini-grant will help to provide an economic impact assessment of the Middlesboro Trail Town; provide mapping support to identify links between existing trail systems and new Middlesboro trails; assess AML reclamation potential on the CFP property; and provide mapping support to best site new trails while minimizing water quality impacts of those trails.

Bay Point Capital Partners: The Wilds of Emily Creek. Lovely, KY.

Bay Point Capital Partners received a mini-grant to support recreational business development project for the Wilds of Emily Creek. The project includes the development of a 5-mile trail system tied to lodging areas of the recreation areas; the construction of 20 wilderness cabins; and the development of a 50-space RV/camping park. The Wilds are located at a mine site in Martin and Pike Counties, consisting of a number of high walls and abandoned buildings.

Cawaco Resource Conservation & Development Council, Inc.: Alabama
Rivers and Streams Network Runway for Reclamation. Birmingham, AL

Cawaco Resource Conservation & Development Council, Inc. received a mini-grant to assist partners of the Alabama Rivers & Streams Network in developing capacity to prioritize and develop abandoned mine reclamation projects that will improve water quality and improve economic conditions for coal-impacted communities. The grant will help the Council integrate the AML Inventory GIS with Geological Survey of Alabama Strategic Habitat Units maps; use the map to identify potential areas of cooperation; collaborate with partners to identify priority projects; collaborate with Downstream Strategies to develop economic strategies for the projects; and prepare and submit AML Pilot applications.