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The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) is a bureau within the United States Department of the Interior responsible for protecting society and the environment from the adverse effects of surface coal mining operations.
Mission: Our mission is to carry out the requirements of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA) in cooperation with States and Tribes. Our primary objectives are to ensure that coal mines are operated in a manner that protects citizens and the environment.
Operating as usual
#TBT In 1979, the Crow Indians were the first Native American tribe to receive #AbandonedMineLand reclamation funding! For over 40 years, OSMRE has continued these relationships to expand #MineReclamation efforts on tribal lands. #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth
We honor the contributions of all our veterans, especially those who have chosen to join our ranks here in OSMRE and at the Department of Interior. Thank you for your service 🙏 #VeteransDay
To the veterans of all branches:
Thank you for your sacrifice, your bravery, and the example you set for us all. You teach us how to lead from the front, to practice principles before personalities, and to always endure.
Thank you for your service. #VeteransDay
Great news for veterans and their families 🙏 and just in time for Veterans Day!
To commemorate Veterans Day and honor those who have served in the military, National Park Service entrance fees will be waived for ALL visitors on November 11. Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt previously announced that beginning on Veterans Day, Gold Star Families and U.S. military veterans will be granted free access to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas into perpetuity. These areas include our magnificent national parks, wildlife refuges, forests and other lands and waters managed by the U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Forest Service, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Headquarters.
Learn more at https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/veterans-and-gold-star-families-free-access.htm
Image: Sun light streams through the Marine Corps War Memorial on the George Washington Memorial Parkway. NPS/Mark Maloy
#FindYourPark #MilitaryMondayPlus
Stewards OSMRE VISTA Austin Counts served with Appalachian Voices in Norton, Virginia for two years – from June 2018 to June 2020. Austin’s project focused on energy savings for Appalachia and aimed to bring solar energy to an area heavily impacted by negative impacts of legacy mining.
Austin’s tenure as a VISTA was impressive, contributing to six different Abandoned Mine Land (AML) related projects. Engaging in a variety of volunteer engagement efforts, Austin managed to bring in over 100 new project beneficiaries and engage hundreds of other community members through outreach events and materials created. Austin did such a great job that after two successful terms as a VISTA, he was brought on full-time at Appalachian Voices
Get involved: https://www.osmre.gov/about/getInvolved.shtm
#AmeriCorpsVISTA #OSMREnextGen
#InTheNews 📰
New report: Reclaiming mine lands to restore the land quality can create 1000s+ more jobs in near future for former miners! Opportunities are endless when it comes to balancing energy needs with environmental conservation! #SMCRA77
https://trib.com/business/energy/cleaning-up-coal-mines-could-create-more-jobs-updated-report-finds/article_fe7f38eb-ae0d-521d-9080-1a0023e9e1ea.html
Cleaning up coal mines across the West could generate approximately 6,000 and 12,000 full-time equivalent jobs, including 5,100 job-years in Wyoming alone, over a two to three-year time frame.
#DYK that one-third of all US coal reserves are on tribal lands? Balancing the importance of environmental protection and the needs of US energy production would not be possible without the efforts of our Native American citizens. #SMCRA77 #NAHM2020 #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth
We join National Park Service in celebrating #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth by exploring, learning, and sharing the contributions of our nation's indigenous people #NAHM2020
The National Park Service November 2020 Monthly Theme is “Native American Heritage Month”. This month, we will explore the heritage, culture, and experience of indigenous peoples both historically and in American life today. Petrified Forest National Park is in a region with many different indigenous cultures, past and present. #IndigenousHeritage #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth #FindYourPark #EncuentraTuParque
Image: Ancestral Puebloan petroglyphs at Puerco Pueblo. Credit NPS/Larry Lindahl.
How many of these lands have you visited? Our bucket list is growing! #NNAHM #NAHM2020
To help us celebrate #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth, read the blog from U.S. Department of the Interior public lands with powerful Native American connections: http://ow.ly/zbPC50CdyVy
Celebrate National Native American Heritage Month throughout November.
#InTheNews 📰
"More than 20 acres of land that was once covered in black and red coal refuse is now a broad green landscape that includes a multi-use recreation trail to help promote tourism in the area."
18-months later...and thanks to $2million in funding from OSMRE, these 20 acres are looking much different today. The freshly reclaimed land hopes to attract 75K+ visitors each year!
Thanks The Daily American for the feature - read the full #AbandonedMineLand success story here: http://ow.ly/LdLV50CcJFd
November is nationally recognized as #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth as a way to celebrate the achievements, culture, and traditions of our Native American citizens. All month we will be highlighting the contributions of these citizens to OSMRE and to upholding #SMCRA77 #NAHM2020
#ICYMI this week, we shared information on the importance of bats and the efforts by OSMRE and our partners to protect threatened and endangered species 🦇 #OSMRElovesBats #BatWeek2020 #DOIDelivers
Learn more about bats and OSMRE at https://www.osmre.gov/programs/tdt/bats.shtm
Some bats have BIG ears! This helps them echolocate (ie. sense the echo of the sound waves they emit). The ears also help the bats generate more lift power when flying. Not to mention, these big eared bats are darn cute!
Bats are everywhere! Highly adaptable and extremely diverse, bats total ~20% of the global mammal population. They love to frequent #AbandonedMineLands which is why they are so important to OSMRE 🦇 It's hard to pick our favorite but this gray bat sure brightened our day!
Unfortunately, white-nose syndrome (a fungal disease that affects bats) has caused a decline in bat species across the United States, including states with ongoing mining activities. When these endangered bats are encountered at mine sites, @OSMRE works with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and stakeholders to ensure mining activities do not negatively impact the bats or their habitats. #BatWeek #OSMRElovesBats
Want to learn more about OSMRE efforts to protect bats from white-nose syndrome:? Check out this information on bat conservation: http://ow.ly/gEdD50C661r.
IN THE NEWS 📰
Big progress has been made at the #MineReclamation site off Hickman Avenue in Fulton, Missouri. Congrats - and we look forward to checking out the finished product!
https://www.newstribune.com/news/local/story/2020/oct/27/fulton-mine-reclamation-project-nears-completion/846820/
Right now, the mine reclamation site just off Hickman Avenue in Fulton is an 8-acre swath of mud.That’s a big improvement over its previous unsafe state, said Austin Rehagen, of the Department of Natural Resources’ Land Reclamation Program.
Each bat species has a unique sound profile, which can be heard and seen when the recordings are processed. Check out this sonogram from a brown bat 🦇 #BatWeek #OSMRElovesBats
OSMRE explores the best and most efficient sampling methods to survey bats. Techniques include acoustic monitoring, mist netting, and audio recordings. We share this work with partners to assist with their bat surveying needs 🦇 #BatWeek #OSMRElovesBats
Alabama Department of Labor won the 2020 Small Project #AbandonedMineLand Award for mitigating open mine portal hazards. The project removed portals that endangered humans AND it saved the habitat for 600 Tricolor bats #BatWeek2020 Watch the project video here: http://ow.ly/I51f50BnrGK
Designing a bat gate is no easy feat! You have to consider the geography of the mine opening and the species of bats (as well as other animals) that need unrestricted access. The gate keeps people out, allowing bats to hibernate undisturbed. #BatWeek #OSMRElovesBats
DYK? Much of OSMRE’s work helps to protect bats and their habitats! From developing best practices to surveying habitats to supporting research, check out the infographic below and learn more about OSMRE bat conservation here: http://ow.ly/vAlM50C39HE 🦇 #BatWeek #OSMRElovesBats
It’s official!
U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary David Bernhardt has signed the NEW Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement Ten-Day Notice rule into regulations. This new rule directs OSM to cooperate more closely with states and tribes when looking into potential violations.
Deputy Secretary MacGregor announced the signing in OHIO! #DOIDelivers
Read the release to learn more: http://ow.ly/ZlDl50C3U5k
Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement and Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection extended a segment of the Path of the Flood Trail in South Fork PA. DepSec Kate MacGregor and OSM’s Lanny E. Erdos helped cut the ribbon at the Stineman mine reclamation.
Collaboration = Stronger Communities! #MineReclamation
Read the full story here: http://ow.ly/jykg50C3Ma2
Federal and state officials joined local leaders Monday in South Fork to celebrate the removal of more than 200,000 cubic yards of coal waste from a hillside overlooking the borough
Happy #BatWeek from OSMRE! 🦇 #OSMRELovesBats
ICYMI: The OSM Watershed Cooperative Agreement Program has cleaned up more acid mine drainage than any other program in the nation. OSM has awarded $25.7 million in funding through approximately 300 cooperative agreements. But our partners have multiplied this funding by 250% to expand the impact of clean water projects – all while keeping the cost to taxpayers low! Learn more: http://ow.ly/kaVC50BXBIS
By Lanny E. Erdos
They may be cold-blooded, but reptiles hold a warm place in our hearts even when it isn't Reptile Awareness Day! Which is why we balancing our nations energy needs with environmental preservation is the basis of two of our major programs. Read more: https://www.osmre.gov/programs.shtm
IN THE NEWS 📰
OSM Principal Deputy Director shares insight on the Watershed Cooperative Agreement Program, which provides financial assistance to nonprofit organizations for the construction of acid mine drainage (AMD) treatment facilities. These clean-up projects help to restore the biological health of local streams and they also increase recreational access and economic benefits in local communities. http://ow.ly/pHV550BXBAi
By Lanny E. Erdos
Check out this little piece of OSMRE history!
Congratulations to Wolf Run Mining, LLC’s Leer South Mine Complex for receiving the 2020 Good Neighbor Award for Excellence in Surface Coal Mining Reclamation 🎖️
Learn more during the virtual award ceremony, streaming now on our YouTube channel: http://ow.ly/A1WL50BTdcw
Congratulations to Navajo Transitional Energy Company for receiving the 2020 National Award for Excellence in Surface Coal Mining Reclamation 🎖️
Learn more about their #MineReclamation projects during the virtual award ceremony, streaming now on our YouTube channel: http://ow.ly/VfMY50BTd8k
STARTING NOW 🏆
The 2020 Excellence in Surface Coal Mining Reclamation Virtual Awards Ceremony is STREAMING on our Youtube channel! Make sure to drop a comment and share your thoughts on these programs.
Join the virtual ceremony here: http://ow.ly/BhOH50BTd2u
COUNTDOWN BEGINS ⏰ Join us at 2PM ET on YouTube for the 2020 Excellence in Surface Coal Mining Reclamation Virtual Awards Ceremony. These projects combine sound mining with #MineReclamation practices.
Virtual ceremony streams here on YouTube at 2PM: https://www.youtube.com/osmre
Today at 2PM, on our YouTube channel, OSMRE honors the 2020 recipients of the Excellence in Surface Coal Mining Reclamation Award. Congratulations to the 2020 Award winners: Navajo Transitional Energy Company and Wolf Run Mining, LLC 🏆
Ceremony streams on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCV5JfFNp0fW0k5FZKOYIkhA
#MineReclamation projects that receive the Excellence in Surface Coal Mining Reclamation Award achieve superior results, returning a site to productive use after mining activity. Learn about the 2020 winners during our ceremony TOMORROW at 2PM on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCV5JfFNp0fW0k5FZKOYIkhA
YOU'RE INVITED
Join us TOMORROW at 2PM on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCV5JfFNp0fW0k5FZKOYIkhA) as we honor the Excellence in Surface Coal Mining Reclamation Award winners 🏅
These #MineReclamation projects achieve superior
results by returning a site to productive use after mining activity.
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OSMRE is a bureau within the United States Department of the Interior responsible for protecting society and the environment from the adverse effects of surface coal mining operations. Under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977, OSMRE is charged with balancing the nation’s need for continued domestic coal production with protection of the environment.
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We’d like to say happy Fossil Day to North Dakota Public Service Commission, the 2020 Western States and Tribes #AbandonedMineLand Award winner, for preserving this incredibly old stump of a metasequoia, estimated to be 55-60 million years old. Watch the project video here: https://youtu.be/s4lZVsKp2M0
Wonder what it's like to work at OSMRE? One of our hydrologists in Pennsylvania shares what drew him to work for OSMRE. Visit https://www.osmre.gov/resources/InformationFor/careers.shtm to learn more. #OSMREcareers
OSMRE staff use Unmanned Aircraft Systems to help with #MineReclamation. #UAS helps our engineers see #AbandonedMineLand hazards and surrounding geography in remote and densely forested areas. Here staff worked with the Alabama Department of Labor to assess a #highwall. #ToolsOfTheTrade #MineTech
OSMRE's National Mine Map Repository uses Cruse scanners, like this one nicknamed Gustav, to convert physical maps received from various sources into digital copies. Learn more at mmr.osmre.gov. #MineTech #TechnologyThursday #MineMap #ThrowbackThursday #TBT
Meet Alfreda, one of our mine inspectors who works every day ensuring mining operations comply with #SMCRA77. A member of the #Navajo Nation herself, here she tells us how her Navajo culture impacts how she views the job she does in regulating mines on Nation land. #NAHM #coal
#Partnerships are key! This video by the Montana Department of Environmental Quality about the work at the Absaloka Mine is an excellent example of the partnerships between industry, tribes, state and Federal government. Watch the full video at http://youtube.com/watch?v=j4QPhA1fP8I. #MineReclamation #CrowTribe #Montana #MineTech #NAHM
Interested in working for a dynamic and energetic organization? Discover a career with OSMRE by visiting https://www.osmre.gov/resources/InformationFor/careers.shtm to learn more. #OSMREcareers #DOICareers
On September 11, 2001, United Airlines Flight 93 crashed into an open field in Somerset County, PA, also the site of a former strip mine. During the Flight 93 National Memorial design process, reforestation of the area was integrated to build a living memorial to the victims of that day.
On September 11, 2001, United Airlines Flight 93 crashed into an open field in Somerset County, PA, also the site of a former strip mine. During the Flight 93 National Memorial design process, reforestation of the area was integrated to build a living memorial to the victims of that day.
Time is running out to apply for funding through the #Watershed Cooperative Agreement Program. $100K is the max award for watershed nonprofit organizations. Apply by 9/6 for 2019 funding. To learn more visit https://go.usa.gov/xyCpJr. #WatershedCAP
Through the #Watershed Cooperative Agreement Program over $3.5 million in funding has helped the state of Iowa reclaim 37 abandoned mine sites. Make a watershed moment for your local streams and apply today. 🐸🐝🦋 Learn more: https://go.usa.gov/xyCpJ #WatershedCAP
OSMRE continues to research the best methods of #MineReclamation. This includes its work on the Appalachian Regional Reforestation Initiative: a group of states, nonprofits and academic researchers dedicated to advancing forestry reclamation techniques on #coal mined lands.
After years of #MineReclamation work, Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals & Energy turned abandoned mine structures into a historic park. Today, the Mid-Lothian Mines Park covers the 42-acre reclamation site and is the most visited park in the county! #MineReclamation #MidLothianAML #GreatOutdoorsMonth
A big refuse pile in #Pennsylvania is now a recreation area because of #MineReclamation. Today residents enjoy hiking trails, soccer, baseball fields, and picnic areas. ⚽️🚶 #GreatOutdoorsMonth Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
The Colorado Inactive Mine Reclamation Program transformed 16-acres of mine and mill waste into wetlands and a park-like open space for hiking, bicycling & other recreation activities in Crested Butte. 🚵 Make sure to get outside and celebrate #GreatOutdoorsMonth! #MineReclamation #ReclamationToRecreation Colorado.gov
Once plagued by heavy metal contamination from historic mining, Spring Meadow Lake State Park (Montana State Parks) in Helena, Montana is now home to kayaking, fishing & community events. In 2012 the Montana Department of Environmental Quality won an #AbandonedMineLand Reclamation Award for the work! Learn about the project by visiting http://ow.ly/braZ50uyjhd. #GetYourFishOn #GreatOutdoorsMonth
Happy #Fishing and #Boating Week! OSMRE & partners work together to address #AbandonedMineLand issues, including restoring watersheds to pristine health. Today, formerly-impacted streams are popular areas for fishing, boating, and outdoor recreation. 🚣🎣🚵 #GreatOutdoorsMonth
The OSMRE #AbandonedMineLand Reclamation Awards began in 1992. These awards give recognition to those responsible for achievements in abandoned mine land reclamation. 2019 award nominations are due by April 30! Learn more by visiting https://direc.to/b1hW #OSMREawards
Are you ready? #MarchMapness
The deadline is approaching to recognize companies through the #ExcellenceInSurfaceCoalMiningReclamation Awards. Nominations are due 5/29. Learn more by visiting https://go.usa.gov/xEkAv #OSMREawards National Mining Association
Each year OSMRE honors the top #MineReclamation project from the Appalachian, Mid-Continent and Western regions with an #AbandonedMineLand Reclamation Award. Learn more about submitting a nomination at https://go.usa.gov/xEkAX. Nominations are due April 30! #OSMREawards
Thinking about submitting a nomination for the 2019 #AbandonedMineLand Reclamation Awards? Check out past winners by visiting https://go.usa.gov/xEkAU & submit your nomination by April 30! https://go.usa.gov/xEkAX #OSMREawards
In 2018 OSMRE awarded 2 Good Neighbor #ExcellenceInSurfaceCoalMiningReclamation Awards - Tri-State G&T Trapper Mine & Peabody Energy Bear Run Mine. Learn more about submitting a nomination for 2019 awards at https://go.usa.gov/xEkAv. Apply by 5/29! #OSMREawards National Mining Association
The #ExcellenceInSurfaceCoalMiningReclamation Good Neighbor Award is presented to 1 or more #coal mining companies for successful #MineReclamation in partnership with the surrounding landowners & the community. Nominations for 2019 are due 5/29. More information can be found at https://go.usa.gov/xEkAv #OSMREawards
Today OSMRE honors those who lost their lives during the #BuffaloCreekDisaster, and all other mine-related disasters, and applaud those that work tirelessly to ensure the safety of miners, communities, and the environment. #SMCRA77 #OnThisDay #OTD #TodayInHistory U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Land Management
Don't miss your chance to apply for the 2019 Small Project #AbandonedMineLand Reclamation Award and join Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals & Energy on the list of #OSMREawards winners. The deadline to apply is April 30. More information can be found at https://go.usa.gov/xEkAX
The #AbandonedMineLand Reclamation Small Projects Award recognizes an exemplary #MineReclamation project receiving less than $1 million in funding from a state or tribe that receives less than $6 millionfrom the annual #AMLfund distribution. Nominations for 2019 are due 4/30 https://go.usa.gov/xEkAX
Don't miss your chance to apply for the 2019 Western Region #AbandonedMineLand Reclamation Award and join Alaska Department of Natural Resources on the list of #OSMREawards winners. The deadline to apply is April 30. More information can be found at https://go.usa.gov/xEkAX
The work at the #HydraulicPitAML site conserved and improved water quality, enhanced wildlife habitat, and provided new recreation opportunities in the area. Learn more about the project and don't forget to apply for the 2019 awards by 4/30 https://go.usa.gov/xEkAU #OSMREawards #AbandonedMineLand Alaska Department of Natural Resources
Each year OSMRE honors the top #MineReclamation project from the Appalachian, Mid-Continent & Western regions with an #AbandonedMineLand Reclamation Award. Learn more about submitting a nomination, due April 30, at https://go.usa.gov/xEkAX #OSMREaward
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