Appalachian Regional Reforestation Initiative
Stored: Appalachian Regional Reforestation Initiative
| Type | Program |
|---|---|
| Sponsor Organization | Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement |
| Top Organization | Department of the Interior |
| Creation Legislation | Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 |
| Website | Website |
| Purpose | To restore forests on previously mined lands in Appalachia, enhancing ecological and economic benefits. The initiative promotes the Forestry Reclamation Approach (FRA) for planting high-value hardwood trees and expediting natural forest succession. |
| Program Start | 2004 |
| Initial Funding | Supported by existing OSMRE budgets and partnerships |
| Duration | Ongoing |
| Historic | No |
Appalachian Regional Reforestation Initiative (ARRI) is a collaborative effort coordinated by the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) to encourage the reforestation of coal-mined lands in Appalachia. By advocating for the use of the Forestry Reclamation Approach (FRA), ARRI aims to transform previously mined areas into productive forest habitats, contributing to environmental recovery and community benefits.
Goals
- Plant more high-value hardwood trees on reclaimed coal-mined lands.
- Increase survival and growth rates of planted trees.
- Expedite the establishment of forest habitat through natural succession.
- Change perceptions and practices regarding mine land reclamation to favor forestry.
Organization
ARRI operates under OSMRE, part of the U.S. Department of the Interior, and involves a coalition of citizens, coal industry stakeholders, government agencies, academia, and environmental groups. The initiative is structured around a Core Team for strategic direction and a Science Team for technical guidance. Funding comes from OSMRE's budget, supplemented by state, industry, and non-profit contributions. The program doesn't have a single leader but operates through collaborative governance.
The governance structure doesn't specify one leader but involves multiple coordinators and team leads.
Partners
- Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement
- State agencies in Alabama, Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia
- Industry partners
- Environmental organizations
- Academia
- Landowners
History
ARRI was established in 2004 as a response to the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977, which mandated the reclamation of mined lands. It was formed to specifically address the reforestation aspect of reclamation, recognizing the ecological and economic value of forests. Over time, ARRI has grown, with significant achievements in reforestation practices, notably the adoption of the FRA, and it continues to evolve with new partnerships and funding opportunities.
Funding
Initial funding for ARRI was integrated into the existing budgets of OSMRE and partner organizations, focusing on leveraging existing resources rather than receiving a specific allocation. The program has since benefited from various forms of funding, including grants, cooperative agreements, and industry partnerships, with no set end date for funding due to its ongoing nature.
Implementation
ARRI implements its goals through education, training, and direct action on mine sites. It promotes the FRA, which involves selecting a suitable rooting medium, loosening soil compaction, minimizing competition from other vegetation, and planting a mix of tree species. There's no defined end date for the initiative as it addresses an ongoing need for reforestation on mined lands.
Related
External links
- https://arri.osmre.gov/
- wikipedia:Appalachian Regional Reforestation Initiative (Note: This might not exist; use for consistency if it does.)
Social media
- No specific social media accounts for ARRI, but updates might be shared through OSMRE or partner organizations' channels.
References
"Appalachian Regional Reforestation Initiative". https://arri.osmre.gov/.