In the heart of Appalachia, where coal mining has shaped both the land and the lives of its people, a movement is taking root to restore what was lost. The Appalachian Regional Reforestation Initiative (ARRI) is working tirelessly to bring forests back to lands scarred by coal mining across the Eastern United States. This coalition, made up of everyday citizens, coal companies, government agencies, environmental groups, and universities, is united by a shared goal: to transform barren, mined landscapes into thriving forests. By using a science-backed method called the Forestry Reclamation Approach (FRA), ARRI is not only planting trees but also rebuilding ecosystems, supporting local communities, and proving that reclamation can be done right.
A Collaborative Effort to Restore Appalachia
ARRI brings together a diverse group of partners, including the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE), state agencies from Alabama, Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, as well as coal industry players, environmental organizations, landowners, and academic institutions. This cooperative spirit allows ARRI to tackle reforestation on three types of mined lands: active mining operations, abandoned mine lands (AML), and legacy sites—previously mined and reclaimed areas where reforestation opportunities still exist.
On active mining sites, coal companies take the lead in planting trees and shrubs using the FRA. For abandoned mine lands, state AML programs handle the planting efforts. On legacy sites, ARRI’s fiduciary partner, Green Forest Works, coordinates the work, often relying on volunteers and community groups. This collaborative approach ensures that reforestation efforts are tailored to the unique needs of each site, maximizing the chances of success.
The Forestry Reclamation Approach: A Blueprint for Success
At the core of ARRI’s mission is the Forestry Reclamation Approach, a five-step process designed to create healthy, productive forests on mined lands. The FRA is grounded in research from leading universities and is supported by current federal and state regulations, ensuring that it aligns with legal requirements for mine reclamation. The five steps are straightforward but carefully designed to promote long-term forest growth:
- Create a suitable rooting medium: The process begins by preparing a rooting medium at least four feet deep, made up of topsoil, weathered sandstone, or the best available material. This ensures trees have a solid foundation to grow.
- Loosely grade the soil: The topsoil or substitute material is loosely graded to avoid compaction, allowing roots to spread and access water and nutrients.
- Use compatible ground covers: Ground covers that won’t compete with trees are planted to stabilize the soil and support tree growth.
- Plant two types of trees: A mix of early succession species, which provide wildlife habitat and soil stability, and commercially valuable crop trees are planted to create a diverse, sustainable forest.
- Use proper planting techniques: Correct planting methods are critical to ensuring trees take root and thrive.
This approach isn’t just a theory—it works. ARRI has found that when the FRA is used, bond releases for mining companies are not delayed, proving that reforestation can be both environmentally beneficial and practical for the industry. The result is a forest that supports wildlife, improves soil health, and can even provide economic benefits through timber production.
Reforesting the Past, Present, and Future
ARRI’s work spans both the past and the present. The initiative is “looking forward” by educating coal companies and regulators about the FRA, encouraging its use on active mining operations to minimize environmental damage from the start. By training industry professionals and regulatory personnel, ARRI is helping to shift reclamation practices toward forestry-focused solutions that benefit the land and the communities that depend on it.
At the same time, ARRI is “looking backward” at the estimated one million acres of non-forested, bond-released mined lands across the Eastern U.S. These legacy sites, often left as grassy fields or barren landscapes, represent a massive opportunity for reforestation. Since 2009, ARRI has partnered with a wide range of groups—state and federal agencies, watershed organizations, coal operators, conservation groups, faith-based organizations, and schools—to organize volunteer tree planting events across Appalachia. These events not only restore forests but also build community awareness and support for proper mine land reclamation.
ARRI’s foresters play a key role in these efforts, carefully selecting sites, evaluating their suitability, applying herbicide treatments, ripping the soil to reduce compaction, choosing appropriate tree species, and conducting follow-up surveys to monitor progress. The initiative also connects funding sources—such as grants, cost-share programs, utility companies seeking carbon credits, and corporate donations—with volunteer groups and suitable mined lands. Most of this funding goes toward site preparation, purchasing tree seedlings, and planting activities.
The Power of Community and Volunteers
One of ARRI’s greatest strengths is its ability to bring people together. Volunteer tree planting events have become a cornerstone of the initiative’s work, drawing participants from all walks of life. High school and college students, environmental enthusiasts, faith-based groups, and local residents join professional tree planters to restore mined lands. These events are more than just planting trees—they’re a chance to educate the public, industry, and regulators about the importance of reforestation.
Image credit: osmre.gov
The impact of these efforts goes beyond the trees themselves. Many mining companies that have participated in ARRI’s volunteer planting projects on legacy sites have been inspired to adopt the FRA on their active mining operations. Similarly, state and federal regulators who join these events often develop a newfound appreciation for forestry as a post-mining land use. By starting with reforestation at the “front end” of the reclamation process, rather than as an afterthought, they see better results for the environment and the community.
From Small Beginnings to Large-Scale Impact
ARRI’s tree planting efforts started modestly, relying on donated trees, volunteer labor, and limited funding. Over time, these projects have grown into large-scale initiatives supported by significant financial resources. Grants, cost-share programs, and donations from utility companies and corporations have enabled ARRI to tackle bigger sites and plant more trees. These funds cover critical tasks like site preparation, purchasing high-quality seedlings, and ensuring proper planting techniques.
The results are impressive. Across Appalachian Regions 1 and 2, ARRI’s interactive map (still a work in progress) tracks planting sites where the FRA is being used. This map, maintained by ARRI partners, highlights the initiative’s growing footprint and serves as a tool for transparency and collaboration. If discrepancies or updates are needed, partners are encouraged to contact gis@osmre.gov to ensure the map reflects the latest data.
Why Reforestation Matters
Reforesting coal-mined lands isn’t just about planting trees—it’s about healing the land and the communities that depend on it. Mined lands left unrestored can lead to soil erosion, water pollution, and loss of wildlife habitat. By restoring forests, ARRI is helping to stabilize soils, improve water quality, and create habitats for birds, animals, and other species. These forests also have the potential to provide economic benefits, such as timber production, carbon sequestration, and recreational opportunities.
Moreover, ARRI’s work is a powerful example of what’s possible when diverse groups come together for a common cause. By combining scientific research, community engagement, and practical solutions, the initiative is proving that coal-mined lands can be transformed into vibrant, productive forests. This not only benefits the environment but also offers hope for a region that has long been defined by its industrial past.
Get Involved with ARRI
For those interested in making a difference, ARRI hosts tree planting events every spring across the Appalachian region. These events are open to anyone who wants to roll up their sleeves and help restore the land. Whether you’re a student, a retiree, or simply someone who cares about the environment, there’s a place for you in ARRI’s mission.
To learn more about reforestation and the Forestry Reclamation Approach, check out ARRI’s guidelines for surface-mined lands (Reforestation Guidelines for Surface Mined Lands in the Eastern United States 460-144). These resources provide detailed insights into the science and practice of restoring forests on mined lands.
A Vision for a Greener Appalachia
The Appalachian Regional Reforestation Initiative is more than just a coalition—it’s a movement to reclaim and restore the land for future generations. By using the Forestry Reclamation Approach, engaging communities, and fostering collaboration, ARRI is turning the scars of coal mining into thriving forests. With every tree planted, the initiative is building a greener, healthier Appalachia—one that honors its past while looking forward to a sustainable future.
