Reclamation

Reclamation. . , When mining is complete, coal companies must meet the strict requirements of the Federal Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 and return land to its original or better condition., Since the 1940s, reclaimed areas were planted with millions of trees, resulting in the scenic wooded areas, lakes and ponds that make up much of what is Recreation Land. High walls were left in place., Current standards require land to be graded to the approximate per-mining contour and topsoil replaced. The land then is seeded with quick cover materials that result in gently rolling grasslands sprinkled with numerous lakes and ponds., To date, more than 56,000 acres have been reclaimed - 30,000 acres as forest land and 26,000 acres as grassland. AEP has planted more than 64 million trees since 1944., For more than 50 years, AEP and Central Ohio Coal Company have demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence in land stewardship. There is no better symbol of AEP's concern for the environment and land reclamation and management than that demonstrated by Recreation Land. AEP has donated nearly 10,000 acres of award-winning reclaimed surface mined land to the Wilds - a research and clinic facility dedicated to the preservation of threatened and endangered species., Kneeling (from left) are Dennis Cavalier, forester senior, Art Boyer, forester senior: Jeff Wilson, forester, Brian Cox, forester; and Dean Berry, forester senior, all AEP. Standing (from left) are Walt Lange, Ohio Tree Farm Committee: Sue Shaddeau, American Forest Foundation; Bill Lawhon, 1999 Ohio Farm chairman: Dale Heydlauff, vice president-environmental affairs, AEP; Gary Kaster, forestry and recreation programs supervisor, AEP; Roger Wheeler, director, land management, AEP; Jerry Grezlik, nominating forester, ODNR Division of Forestry, and Larry Wiseman, president, American Forest Foundation., Office of Surface Mining Director Harry Snyder presents the Director's Award to Gary Dimmerling, Central Ohio Coal's general manager. Also pictured (from left) are Jack Katlic, senior vice president-Fuel Supply: Gary Miller, operations superintendent at Central Ohio Coat Hugh Lucas, vice president-mining operations, Fuel Supply, and Steve Hook engineering superintendent at Central Ohio Coal., Since 1978, AEP has received more than 45 reclamation, land management and habitat enhancement awards. Central Ohio Coal has received more than half of these awards. Twenty- four were presented by the Ohio Coal Association (formerly Ohio Mining and Reclamation Association) and include 15 Greening of the Lands awards, five Black and Gold awards for overall excellence in reclamation, three Charles V. Riley awards for environmental improvement and one President's Award for a special project selected by the Ohio Mining and Reclamation Association president. Central Ohio Coal also won the federal Office of Surface Mining's prestigious Director's Award for reclamation of the land that now is home to the Wilds., AEP's land management practices also have been recognized by the Ohio Forestry Association, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Education Council of Ohio, Buckeye Trail Association, National Wild Turkey Federation, Take Pride in America, West Virginia Department of Energy, West Virginia Division of Forestry, West Virginia Forestry Association, Renew America Foundation, American Forest Foundation, Virginia Wildlife Federation, U.S. Department of Energy, Edison Electric Institute, Wildlife Habitat Council and the Ohio Tree Farm Committee. These awards demonstrate the land can be used and enjoyed after surface mining is complete.